Norwich City Women are pleased to announce the signings of Drew Wilson and Poppy Francis.
The pair, both 16, recently graduated from the Community Sports Foundation's Player Pathway, following in the steps of rising stars Eloise Morran, Issy Moore, Sienna Booty and Lara Densley.
Wilson, who will don the number 34 shirt, joined the club at age eight, working her way through the Academy Development Programme, Emerging Talent Centre and Advanced Coaching Centre before being eligible for selection in the women's first team.
On signing, the midfielder said: "It feels great, it's a dream come true. Norwich City is my childhood club, so this is really exciting for me."
Francis, a versatile defender, shares a similar journey to her academy counterpart. She also joined the Norwich City system at eight years old, advancing through the ADP, ETC and ACC before securing her first-team spot under manager Andy Cook.
She will wear the number 35 shirt.
Reflecting on signing, Francis said: "It means a lot to me and my family. I've been in the Norwich City academy for a long time, playing through all the year groups, so I'm really happy that this has paid off."
Both players also gained experience on the field in boys football with Holt Football Club.
Head of women's football Flo Allen said: "Since stepping up into the women’s first-team training environment from our girls’ academy, both Poppy and Drew have impressed with their appetite to learn and have continually impressed with their training performances.
"We are all extremely excited about both of their future potential, and we firmly believe that both academy graduates are surrounded by expert coaches, highly-motivated support staff and world-class facilities to support the next chapter in both their development.
"Credit must go to our girls’ academy coaches who have worked tirelessly to stretch and challenge Drew and Poppy over the years and continue to drive player development through our player pathway."