Former 49er Charlotte Harris signs with AFC Bournemouth

CHARLOTTE ATHLETICS

Former Charlotte 49ers defender Charlotte Harris, a native of Liverpool, England, signed with AFC Bournemouth, which plays in the FA Women's National League.

Another Charlotte women's soccer player is headed overseas as a professional.

Former 49ers defender Charlotte Harris signed with AFC Bournemouth earlier this month, making her the third 49er to join a professional team. The Cherries play in the Division One South West League of the FA Women's National League. The league is the fourth tier of women's soccer in England.

Harris, who grew up in Liverpool, England, joins Martha Thomas (Tottenham Hotspur, 2018) and Tash Hudson (Apollon Ladies F.C. in 2024). Harris’ brother, Archie, plays for Bournemouth's men’s development side.

"I am super excited, and I can't wait to get started. To be at a club that has been a part of my life is even more special,” Harris told AFC Bournemouth's website, afcb.co.uk. “I have been following the men’s team for 10 years because that's how long Archie has been there. I actually signed for the club when I was 14 but I didn’t play because of injury. It's been so exciting to see the whole club, including the women's team, grow so much.”

The Cherries are 13-0 in the Women's National League with a 67-goal differential to lead the standings with 39 points. AFC Bournemouth advanced to the third round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup before losing to Ipswich Town of the Southern Premier Division in December. Eight match days remain for the Cherries in Women's National League Play this season, including a second contest against Moneyfields next month.

"We are so proud of Charlotte's signing to play at the next level," Charlotte head coach Brandi Fontaine said. "The growth she has had as a player and leader while in our program was tremendous. She is one of the hardest-working players I have had the opportunity to coach. Her commitment to becoming her very best was always at the forefront. We knew she would go on to do great things and we have no doubt she will help elevate a program at the next level."

Harris, one of six 49ers to start all 19 matches in 2024, spent five seasons at Charlotte and played 78 matches (4,882 minutes) with 54 starts. A two-time CSC Academic All-District selection, Harris scored her only career point on an assist in a 2-0 win at Tulsa last season.
 

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