Sydney FC has agreed to a request from full back Kirsty Fenton to terminate her contract to pursue other opportunities outside of professional football.
The 23 year-old had two years remaining but intends to take time off, after which she hopes to return with a renewed passion and love for the game.
After rupturing her anterior knee ligament (ACL) against Wellington Phoenix in March 2024, Fenton spent a year recovering and rehabilitating before making a comeback in April 2025.
After struggling through the gruelling and challenging rehabilitation process, Fenton believes taking a break now will allow her to return re-focused.
“After doing my ACL in 2024, I found the rehab took a lot out of me and I’ve since seen my level of motivation to play drop,” Fenton said.
“I’m looking forward to taking this break, focusing my attention elsewhere and coming back in the future to resume my professional career.
“Sydney FC have been so supportive of me making this decision, and I’m looking forward to re-discovering my passion for football again.”
Sydney FC Women’s Head Coach James Slaveski says the doors of Sky Park will always be open to Fenton.
“As a squad and a club we are supporting Kirsty in her decision to take a break, and we offer her all of our support during this time,” Slaveski said.
“She will be welcome here at Sydney FC whenever she wants to train with the team and access the facilities here.”
Fenton won a Premiership and Championship double in the 2022/23 season, as well as a second Championship in the 2023/24 season.
She played 55 games in Sky Blue, scoring once.
