Durham WFC are delighted to welcome Helen Alderson to the club for the 2015 WSL2 season.

The goalkeeper joins from WSL1 side Sunderland and becomes the fourth new arrival in pre-season following the arrivals of Becky Beech, Amelia Pereira and Julie Nelson.

The 25-year-old has experience at WSL level, both with Sunderland and a short spell with the Doncaster Belles, and has represented her country at several England youth levels.

Having progressed from the youth setup of the Black Cats, Alderson played a prominent role in the side that reached the FA Cup final back in 2009, beating a strong Chelsea outfit 3-0 en route to the final before losing out to Arsenal.

Alderson joins up with the squad immediately and will provide competition to fellow goalkeepers, Anna Moorhouse and Sophy Stonehouse, for a starting berth.

Manager Lee Sanders said: “ I’m absolutely delighted to have been able to sign a goalkeeper of Helen’s experience and quality. We’ve worked really hard to make this happen.

“Helen will add massive value to the team; she’s vocal, brave and knows the game well, having represented England at various levels and played in an FA cup final.

“This is a great signing for the club and another indicator to the direction we want to move in and I must thank Sunderland for all their co-operation.”