Academy graduate Grace Clinton has signed a first professional contract with Everton, penning a two-year deal until the end of June 2023.
The midfielder, who turned 18 last Wednesday, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with the Club and made her senior debut in Everton’s 6-0 victory at Aston Villa in October 2020.
Clinton was named in Everton boss Willie Kirk’s starting line-up for the first time as the Blues hosted city rivals Liverpool in a Continental Cup tie the following month. The Merseyside-born teenager impressed as the Blues recorded a 1-0 derby success.
An England Under-17 international, Clinton possesses excellent technique, an expansive passing range and an eye for goal.
Clinton, who joined Everton aged 13, outlined why she believes the Club provides an ideal environment to continue her impressive development.
“Everton has always looked after me and I’ve loved my time here,” she told evertonfc.com.
“It’s a great place for a young player. I’m so grateful to be offered this first pro contract and I am delighted to sign it.
“Willie and the staff have helped me improve my game so much. Each and every week, I feel I’m growing as a player.
“All the girls in the First Team were so welcoming when I first joined up with the squad. They helped me settle in and play the way I can. They enable you to be your best self.
“I just want to keep learning from the great players in the squad.
“Hopefully I can become an important player for this club and help us get into the Champions League and win silverware.
“We’ve made such big strides with Willie in charge. Everton is on the up and I’m excited to be part of the Club’s future.”
Everton manager Willie Kirk added: "I'm delighted Grace has signed her first professional contract with the Club.
“She is an enormous talent and has come on leaps and bounds this season. Technically, she is fantastic, and her tactical knowledge is already at a good level.
“She has improved her physical conditioning and professionalism, and if this improvement continues, who knows how good she can be.
“She has got the right character to get to the top and I'm looking forward to working with her moving forward.
“It is important to me that, as well as challenging for trophies, we continue to develop our own players through our Academy.
“That pathway may be getting harder, as the level of the WSL increases each year, but Grace is another great example that it can be done."
