Academy forward Aimee Claypole signs professional contract

The 18-year-old has been with the Blues since August 2015. In that time she has lifted silverware, including the FA WSL Academy Cup and the FA Youth Cup, and was the country’s top scorer in the 2022/23 Women’s Super League Academy season.

Claypole made her first-team debut for the Blues as a second-half substitute against Aston Villa in the Women’s FA Cup in January 2022. Last term, she came off the bench against Brighton and Hove Albion in the WSL and against Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

On the international stage, the young forward has represented Finland as an Under-15, and England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19.

‘It’s a really proud moment for me and my family,’ said Claypole. ’It’s something that I’ve worked really hard for and to do it at my childhood club is a huge honour and to do it at this club, which is one of the best teams in the world.

‘It’s amazing that I’ve been given that honour and the trust has been put in me to allow that to happen. I’m really grateful and I can’t wait to get started.’

General Manager Paul Green commented: ‘We’re really pleased for Aimee to sign her first professional contract. She has been a prolific goal scorer coming through the youth ranks and we’re really looking forward to seeing how she develops in the upcoming years.

‘Aimee is the tenth player in the last four seasons to sign a professional contract, which speaks volumes for the good work going on in our Academy programme.’

Everyone at Chelsea would like to congratulate Aimee on her first professional contract, and we wish her every success for the years to come.