Goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse signed a one- year contract with Charlton in the summer following her departure from Lewes.

The 27-year-old spent the previous two seasons with the Sussex side where she became a firm fan favourite.

Although Lewes were ultimately relegated from the Women’s Championship at the end of last season, Whitehouse’s performances in goal gave them a fighting chance of survival, which was recognised when she was awarded Owners’ Player of the Year.

Having also won the club’s 2022/23 Players’ Player and Manager’s Player of the Year awards, Whitehouse has proven herself to be one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Women’s Championship.

Whitehouse, who was born in England but grew up in Kenya and Tanzania before her family settled in the USA when she was aged nine, began her football career in the USA college system, representing Columbia Lions and Santa Clara Broncos, before returning to England in 2020.

Prior to joining the Rocks, the goalkeeper had previously worked with Karen Hills at Tottenham Hotspur, with her CV also including stints at Birmingham City and Bristol City.

Whitehouse has previously been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad, for who she is eligible to represent through her mother’s heritage.