There will be plenty of County Roscommon interest in the new Women’s Super League season in England after Heather Payne signed a two-year contract with Everton last week.
The 23-year-old from south Roscommon, who has just returned from the Republic of Ireland women’s team maiden voyage at the World Cup, will join up with national team-mate Courtney Brosnan at The Toffees.
The 23-year-old joins the club following a four-year spell in the US with college side Florida State Seminoles.
“I’m really excited to become an Everton player. I’ve always wanted to come back and play in England. I think it’s one of the best leagues in the world,” she told evertontv.
“I’m really glad to have this opportunity to come back and see what I can do. I can’t wait to get going,” she continued.
Daughter of Gráinne and Brendan Payne, Heather is a past-pupil of Creagh NS and Ard Scoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe. Her brother Conor plays Gaelic football with Pádraig Pearses GAA Club. As a youngster, Heather represented Ballinasloe Town and the ADSL, before going on to play for Salthill Devon and Peamount United. She had a short spell with Bristol City before moving to US to study at Florida State University.
She was the Young Women’s Player of the Year at the FAI International Awards earlier this year.
