Sheffield United Ladies: Carla Ward makes her first summer signing as international goalkeeper returns to Bramall Lane

The 20-year-old was today unveiled as Carla Ward’s first summer signing ahead of the forthcoming FA Women’s Championship campaign.

A former England youth international, Kitching arrives from Chelsea having graduated from United’s Regional Training Centre as a teenager.

“It was a no brainer really as all my family are Blades and after speaking with the management and their vision for women’s football at Bramall Lane I was sold and wanted to make myself part of something exciting,” the goalkeeper, who was born in Maltby, said. “”As soon as the Blades came in for me, my mind was made up. It’s a fantastic opportunity to play for the club at senior level after coming through the ccademy at the age of 10.”

Ward told The Star last month that United were looking to bring a number of former RTC players back to South Yorkshire after being granted a place in the revamped competition.

Kitching impressed on loan at Watford last term and was rated highly by coaching staff in the capital.

“Fran was one of the outstanding goalkeepers in the WSL last season and someone we’ve been looking at for some time,” Ward said. “She’s young and hungry and keen to learn, but she also has some fantastic experience from her time at Chelsea.”