Sligo Rovers are thrilled to announce the signing of 18-year-old goalkeeper Anais Coyne.

The American joins the Bit O’Red having opted to make the move to Ireland instead of playing college football in her native US.

Coyne, originally from Texas, has just finished school and made the decision to move to Ireland to play football having kept a close eye on the Women’s National League for the last number of years. Coyne played high school football with Mansfield Legacy High School and played for her club BKSC.

“I had the choice of playing college soccer in the US, but ultimately I decided to forego that and come to Ireland instead because I thought it would be a cool opportunity to come here. Family circumstances brought me here too,” she told sligorovers.com

Coyne added:

“I am excited about the challenge ahead. I enjoy the training a lot. Especially the goalkeeping portion, I think Kristen (Sample) is a really good coach. And I really like the goalkeepers I’m working with as well”.

Coyne made the move to Sligo a month ago and is enjoying life here so far, even if it is a big change. She is hoping that she can develop her football and feels that joining Rovers is the right fit.

“With college soccer in the US you have four or five years and that’s it. With me, it’s sort of about staying in the sport for as long as I can and developing along the way.”And this feels like the right opportunity for me.”

Coyne will be available for selection in the matchday squad for Saturday’s league game at The Showgrounds against Bohemian FC.