West Ham United Women are delighted to announce the signing of promising Republic of Ireland international, Izzy Atkinson.
Atkinson joins the club after spending the last 15 months with Scottish Women’s Premier League club, Celtic.
The 20-year-old was born in Rush, a seaside commuter town in Fingal, Ireland, and joined Shelbourne FC in July 2017.
At Shelbourne, Atkinson played alongside Jess Ziu, with the two combining successfully on the flanks.
Three months after joining ‘Shels’, Atkinson was called up to the Republic of Ireland senior squad - winning her first cap in a 3-1 victory over Portugal in January 2018.
Atkinson’s performances in the Irish Women’s National League attracted the attention of Celtic and she crossed the Irish Sea to join the Hoops in February 2021.
Atkinson scored the winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Glasgow City to lift the Scottish Cup, which ended up being her final act in a Celtic shirt before departing for East London.
“It’s a dream come true to finally sign for a Club that is as established in the Barclays Women’s Super League as West Ham are,” Atkinson told whufc.com.
“The WSL is the best league in the world and it’s a move that I’ve wanted to make since I was a child. I’m really lucky to be able to make the move here, and at such a young age too.
“The facilities here are superb and I’ve really enjoyed the first week out on the grass – getting to know my team-mates and the staff. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and continuing my development as a player.”
On securing the services of another talented young player, Hammers Manager Paul Konchesky said:
“Izzy is somebody that has a lot of talent and is really eager to learn.
“She’s stepping into a new environment and a new league but she’s already shown some good stuff out on the training pitch in the past week.
“We’re really pleased that Izzy has made the move here and I’m looking forward to watching her development with us this season.”
Everyone at West Ham United would like to welcome Izzy to the Club, and we wish her well during her time in East London.