Rhiannon Roberts has signed a professional contract with Doncaster Belles.
With the Belles having gained promotion to FA WSL 1 in October - only finishing second in WSL 2 to champions Reading on goal difference - the club are now able to offer players these full time contracts, with Roberts the latest to earn one after her terrific year - goalkeeper Nicola Hobbs having put pen to paper earlier this month too.
The Welsh international defender was an integral part of the team that made the leap to the top flight and manager Glenn Harris has thus picked her out as a player who deserves a deal that represents her importance.
Benefits of contract can help development
Speaking about Roberts' new deal, her manager was full of praise for her too, Harris saying that the move is "a significant signing" for the club as a whole.
The 25-year-old has been "a mainstay" in the Belles' defence over the last couple of seasons and Harris was happy to see her "[develop] well" in order "to achieve international recognition for Wales."
Roberts won her first call-up for her country in September and started in their 3-0 defeat to Austria later that month in a Euro 2017 qualifier.
Since, she has featured three more times for Jayne Ludlow's team as they strive to achieve qualification for the tournament, which will take place in the Netherlands in less than two years time.
Harris is confident that the contract will help Roberts progress even further now, with this just the beginning of what she can achieve.
He revealed that the player has only been training "one night per week" because of her work commitments, but the professional deal means she will "be training full-time" now.
"It will be exciting to see just how far she can progress," the boss added as the Belles look to bolster their squad best possible in preparation for their return to the top flight.
Roberts excited about new deal
Roberts said, "Since signing three years ago, I have really enjoyed my football and just want to keep progressing."
She added, "Being part of the Belles is like being part of a family."
The Welsh international said she sees it as an opportunity to "be the best [she] can be in football", before admitting there is "no reason" why Doncaster can't go on to win something.
Roberts did remain cautious, concluding by stating the importance of "getting enough points" to stay in the division and to then "keep building from there".