Sydney FC have signed talented youngster Caley Tallon-Henniker on an injury replacement contract until the end of the season.
The 17-year-old, who turns 18 this month, has been with the squad as a train on since the start of the season and now has the opportunity to make her Liberty A-League debut.
Earlier this season, Caley travelled to Uzbekistan with the team as part of the AFC Women’s Club Championship and made two appearances during the group stage.
Now, Tallon-Henniker replaces Fiona Worts, who injured her lateral collateral ligament earlier this season, and will join the Sky Blues’ Liberty A-League squad.
The Illawarra local who also represented the Australian Schoolgirls at rugby league last year has turned her attention to the round ball game and is thrilled to be joining the Champions.
“I am so excited to sign my first contract with Sydney FC. I’ve been training with the girls all season and it feels great to finally be rewarded with an A-League contract.
“Having experienced playing rugby league at a high level, I now know that football is the sport I want to play, and I cannot wait to get started in the league,” she said.
“Getting the experience of going to Uzbekistan with the girls was awesome and it felt fantastic to make my debut for Sydney FC, but now I can’t wait to hopefully make my A-League debut soon.
“This is a great group of girls and even in my training sessions so far, I can see how focused everyone is and how much they take on what Ante [Juric] says and I just can’t wait to get started.”
Tallon-Henniker played her junior football at Figtree Junior Soccer Club before moving to Football South Coast and the speedy teenager will be a great asset to Ante Juric’s side in the back-end of the campaign.
“Caley is a great asset to have in this inaugural extended season and I know she will bring plenty to this side with her speed and determination,” Juric said.
“We have already seen what she can do when she played in Uzbekistan and while it is disappointing to lose Fiona to a long term injury, it is great to have someone like Caley to fill that void.
“Our young players have done extremely well this year, and I believe Caley can continue with that trend as she has all the qualities to do so.
“Having been training with the team since the start of the season, I have no doubts that she will have no issues settling into the side and I look forward to her showing what she can do on the pitch.”
Caley will wear number 24 this season.