Freya Jones has become the first Pompey Women player to graduate from the development side into the first team.
The midfielder has been around the senior fold since joining the Blues last season, but this move will mean that she will now train and be involved with the side on a consistent basis.
The 17-year-old has already made six appearances – making her debut in the 2020 PDFA Cup final, where she provided an assist for Becki Bath.
She also featured in the final of the Hampshire Cup back in May, as rivals Southampton were beaten on penalties to secure the silverware.
Jones said: "I’m really pleased to have this opportunity. Since joining last year this has always been the goal, so I’m glad that the hard work has paid off in both the first team and development team environments.
"I’m going to keep on learning week in, week out and hopefully make the most of the opportunities I get."
"This is the first step in my career and I’m still only 17, so I’m going to keep on learning week in, week out and hopefully make the most of the opportunities I get."
Development team head coach Daisy Simms added: "I’m so happy for Freya. Her maturity is something that will continue to aid her development in the first team environment.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that she will continue to flourish and has set the tone for the girls in the development squad to follow her!"
Blues boss Jay Sadler revealed that Jones has settled in well to life with the first team. He said: "Freya made big strides in pre-season, impressing us all with her performances, especially the match at Wimbledon.
“For a young talent to own the ball and own the spaces like she was doing was exciting to see. This season we’ve had to manage her development to enable her grow at her own pace.
“She’s excelled very quickly and has thrived in the first team setting, possessing all the technical qualities and the mental capacity to succeed in the game."