Doncaster Rovers Belles are saying goodbye to a player as she head's across the Atlantic.

Emma Thomson joined Doncaster Rovers Belles from her local side Retford United as an U16 and will be leaving to take up a scholarship at Division One, Penn State University, Pensylvania, USA in early August. Emma has been a first team regular for the past couple of seasons, which has seen her feature for the England Under-17 side. Emma has an excellent attitude and is a very loyal and committed member of the club.

"Emma is a player, who since I have been at the club always gives 100% in all games and is very proud to play for Doncaster Rovers Belles. I remember her from my very first training session when she took my eye as just a 15 year-old girl. Her quality was clearly evident as she didn't look out of place in amongst a lot more experienced first team players. We continued to monitor Emma's progress through the reserves and sure enough it wasn't long before she made her first team debut at the end of that season against Arsenal," said Assistant Manager Paul Green.

"She is a brave young athletic defender, who reads the game well, has good energy levels and possesses a great desire and determination to acheive her goals both on and off the field. Emma's work ethic is second to none which has seen her develop in to a good FA Premier League defender."

"I want to wish Emma all the best in America and I'm sure she will continue to be successful and bring a lot of great attributes to her new team. We will all miss Emma, and it will seem strange that she is not around the club when we start the season. But this is a fresh exciting challenge for her and a one that she is looking forward to."

Congratulations and good luck from everyone at Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC and Doncaster Rovers FC.