Sophie Welton has today left Ipswich Town Football Club after deciding to relocate to Australia.
Sophie, 25, departs Town after four-years at the club and will be reunited down under with her twin-sister, former Town defender, Beth Welton.
She initially joined the Blues aged 11 and progressed through the club's former centre of excellence before moving on to Brantham Athletic and Ipswich Wanderers. Upon graduation from Sheffield Hallam University in 2015, Sophie returned to Town and established herself in the first-team under former boss Ralph Pruden.
The winger enjoyed the best season of her career so far during the 2017/18 season as she played a key role in helping the Tractor Girls to a third-placed finish in the table, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. She also played her part in Town winning a number of Suffolk FA Women's cups.
Sophie departs the Blues after making a total of 85 appearances, scoring 28 goals.
On her departure, Sophie said " Unfortunately my time at Ipswich Town has come to an end. It's been the most amazing experience playing for the biggest club in the area. From the managerial perspective, to the players and fans, it's been one I will not forget for a long time."
" The support I've had from from everyone has been unimaginable and has made me the person I am today. It has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of. This is not the end for me by a long way. Football is a passion of mine and one I strive to do well in, however, having a break is what is need at this stage of my life."
" I will be supporting my friends all the way through and hopefully we will have a promotion to celebrate! I'd like to wish all the girls and staff the very best for the future."
The club would like to place on record their gratitude to Sophie for her service to Ipswich Town and wish her the very best on her new adventure.
She initially joined the Blues aged 11 and progressed through the club's former centre of excellence before moving on to Brantham Athletic and Ipswich Wanderers. Upon graduation from Sheffield Hallam University in 2015, Sophie returned to Town and established herself in the first-team under former boss Ralph Pruden.
The winger enjoyed the best season of her career so far during the 2017/18 season as she played a key role in helping the Tractor Girls to a third-placed finish in the table, scoring 19 goals in all competitions. She also played her part in Town winning a number of Suffolk FA Women's cups.
Sophie departs the Blues after making a total of 85 appearances, scoring 28 goals.
On her departure, Sophie said " Unfortunately my time at Ipswich Town has come to an end. It's been the most amazing experience playing for the biggest club in the area. From the managerial perspective, to the players and fans, it's been one I will not forget for a long time."
" The support I've had from from everyone has been unimaginable and has made me the person I am today. It has taught me a lot about myself and what I am capable of. This is not the end for me by a long way. Football is a passion of mine and one I strive to do well in, however, having a break is what is need at this stage of my life."
" I will be supporting my friends all the way through and hopefully we will have a promotion to celebrate! I'd like to wish all the girls and staff the very best for the future."
The club would like to place on record their gratitude to Sophie for her service to Ipswich Town and wish her the very best on her new adventure.
