Payne signs for Everton
Heather Payne has signed for Women's Super League side Everton on a two-year contract until the end of June 2025.
The 23-year-old joins the club following a four-year spell in the United States with college side Florida State Seminoles.
The news, first mooted in the Westmeath Independent two weeks ago, sees Payne join fellow Irish World Cup colleague Courtney Brosnan in the ranks of the Merseysiders.
Payne told evertontv: “I’m really excited to become an Everton player.”
“This is a great club and one that has a track record of developing talent.
“I’ve always wanted to come back and play in England. I think it’s one of the best leagues in the world.
“I’m really glad to have this opportunity to come back and see what I can do. I can’t wait to get going.”
Payne is from the Woodmount area of South Roscommon/Ballinasloe, and is a past-pupil of Creagh NS and Ard Scoil Mhuire, Ballinasloe. As a youngster, she represented Ballinasloe Town and the ADSL, before going on to play for Salthill Devon and Peamount United.
She had a short spell with Bristol City before moving to USA to study at Florida State University in the USA, where for many years she combined her studies with her sporting commitments.
Payne made two appearances at the World Cup for Ireland, lining out as wing back against Australia in the opener, before missing out on the second game against Canada through injury, having been named in the starting XI. She returned for the final group game against Nigeria.
The versatile Payne (23) can operate as a forward, attacking midfielder or wing-back. And she was chosen as the Young Women’s Player of the Year at the FAI International Awards recently.
Everton finished sixth in the 2022/2023 Women's Super League, and Payne sees great potential
“I think this club can achieve great things,” she added.
“Finishing top six last season, I’m sure they’re hoping to do the same again this year, if not better.
“I’m just really looking forward to getting out there, be part of this team and provide as much as I can.”
Manager Sorensen sees a bright future ahead for Payne and believes Everton is the best place for the 23-year-old to continue her development.
“Heather is a player I have been tracking for a while,” he told evertonfc.com.
The new season is due to kick off on October 1.
Heather is a daughter of Gráinne and Brendan Payne and her brother Conor plays Gaelic football for Pádraig Pearses.