Aberdeen FC is pleased to announce another significant milestone in the development of AFC Women with two more players signing semi-professional contracts.

Nadine Hanssen and Maddie Finnie have both committed to deals with the Dons and they join Eilidh Shore, Jess Broadrick, Eva Thomson, Bayley Hutchison, and Francesca Ogilvie in the club’s semi-pro ranks.

The club first took the historic step to move to semi-professional status in May 2022, signalling the start of an important phase in the development of AFC Women.

Since then, there has been further investment made to enhance operations off the field, improve standards and infrastructure, whilst also nurturing relations within the girl’s game in the north-east, ensuring there is a clear pathway to professional football for female footballers.

With the arrival of new full-time manager, Clinton Lancaster, the club remains committed to building upon the progress and success achieved so far, whilst driving forward the next phase of the strategic plan for AFC Women.

“This is another important development in the journey of AFC Women. When the club announced it was moving to semi-professional status last season it was always the aim to add to the five initial players we had signed on semi-professional status”, said AFC Women’s manager Clint.

“Whilst I am new to the club, there has been a lot of work undertaken behind the scenes to continue to put the building blocks in place, ensuring we uphold the long-term football strategy at the club.

“There will also be continued investment made with other players in the team to enhance what we do for every player at Aberdeen, and all this should help us to continue to become a sustainable side in the top-flight, whilst also demonstrating there is a clear pathway for any aspiring female footballers in this area.”

Nadine became the first Aberdeen Women player to score at Pittodrie during her first season and the former Aston Villa midfielder is looking forward to her second campaign as a Dons player.

She said: “I’m very excited to stay for another year, obviously signing a contract shows the club is gradually building towards a more professional environment which is important.

“I’m looking forward to working with the new manager. He has got a lot of experience in the women’s game already and he has also been very successful, so I look forward working and learning from him.”

Following an impressive debut season, 16-year-old defender Maddie, who has captained Scotland U17s, is looking forward to building on her first season with the Dons.

“It feels really good to sign the contract and to be honest, I wasn’t really expecting it. I’m happy to get the opportunity and it’s been good to start training for the new season.

“There were lots of challenges last season and I think being thrown in at the deep end helped me develop quicker. I’m sure the new manager will have some different ideas and a different perspective on the squad. It’s a fresh start for everyone so it should be good.

“The main aim for me will be to get into the team and try and maintain my place and my level of performances. It would be good to get as many minutes as I can, as that is the most important thing for developing as a player at my age.”