Pompey Women have completed the signing of midfielder Katherine Cunningham.
She progressed through Brighton’s regional talent club prior to spending time in Reading’s academy.
Cunningham scored five goals in 15 appearances in the Women’s Super League Academy last season, with her side sitting second when the Covid-19 pandemic struck.
She said: “I’m really pleased to sign for Pompey. It’s been coming for a couple of weeks and I’ve been looking forward to it.
“The girls have been really welcoming. They’re enthusiastic, they’re hardworking and the intensity at training is high.”
Alongside football, Katherine will be attending the University of Portsmouth, completing a degree in criminology.
"The girls have been really welcoming. They’re enthusiastic, they’re hardworking and the intensity at training is high.”
She added: “It was a great experience (playing for Reading’s academy side). I was able to train 5-6 times a week, as well as matches.
“I was also able to gain qualifications, which have enabled me to get a place at the University of Portsmouth, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Head coach Jay Sadler said: “Kat has all the qualities we are looking for in her position. She is a high-quality player, with tremendous physical capabilities and an aggressiveness to her play.
“For such a young player, she possesses a good understanding of the game and has an attitude to win and compete. I really like this mentality and it fits perfectly with the desire we have in our squad already.”