Rylee Foster signs new contract with LFC Women

The goalkeeper has committed her future to the Reds after joining from the American college system at West Virginia University just over a year ago.

Video: Rylee Foster sits down to talk about extending her stay at LFC

It has already been a highly positive 2021 for the 22-year-old as she was called into the Canada national senior squad for the first time.

Foster made her league debut for Liverpool against Blackburn Rovers Ladies last weekend having operated as the club’s ‘cup’ goalkeeper so far this season, sharing time between the posts with Rachael Laws.

She made her full debut in the 3-1 Continental Cup victory over Manchester United in October and won plaudits for a fine display against Everton in the Merseyside derby.

Interim LFC Women manager Amber Whiteley said: “It’s fantastic news. Rylee’s been a key part of the squad since day one. She has enormous potential and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Rylee in the future. She is certainly going to help drive this team and this club forward.

“She’s a fantastic character to have both on and off the pitch, she brings a tremendous energy to our team and she’s really supportive of those around her. Our GK union is so strong.”

Foster had no doubts about committing herself to a club she has lifelong links with, her grandparents hailing from Liverpool’s Wavertree district.

She said: “It’s so exciting. To have another contract with the club I love is an honour.

“Knowing that the club trusts in me and has a vision for me to go forward here, it was a no-brainer opportunity for me to be a part of a group that’s going to build forward momentum.

“Right now it’s a very challenging time for a lot of people and I’m very fortunate to have the opportunity to secure my future and know that no matter what I’ll be with a great club, a great staff and with great people all around me all the time.”

Foster paid tribute to the influence of Laws, goalkeeping coach Jen Herst and Whiteley in her development.

She continued: “Lawsy’s a very mature and experienced goalkeeper and learning from her has been essential to my growth. It’s challenged me to be a better person and also a better goalkeeper.

“Jen’s been amazing with me. It’s the open communication we have. She has these goals for me and I love to see her passion coming to the training sessions, and just the way we talk with each other.

“Amber’s brought in a culture I’ve been craving. She challenges us every day, she brings something different. It’s exciting to see that people like Amber are stepping up in the ranks and are having success. The club’s in a good space, the team’s in a good space and the girls love her.”

While promotion back to the Women’s Super League is now beyond the Reds this campaign, Foster has big ambitions for the next few seasons.

She stated: “My goal is not only to be No.1 for Liverpool but to bring what this club deserves: to be a Champions League club, to drive us towards number one and bring trophies to this club.”