South Australian trio, Claudia Jenkins, Chrissy Panagaris, and Abby Middleton bolster Adelaide United right across the park, signing scholarship contracts with the Reds for the 24/25 season whilst Dewey, Grigg, and Melegh join on Youth Development Agreements.
Local Star, Chrissy Panagaris signs on following her first full season with the Reds in 23/24. Her contract comes as a timely reward for her dedication to the professional game, culminating in her first professional goal in front of a roaring Cooper’s Stadium against Western Sydney Wanderers last season. Panagaris’ experience as both a train-on and scholarship player means she brings a level of familiarity and determination to the side.
Adelaide United’s defensive ranks have also been strengthened through securing Abby Middleton on a one-year scholarship deal. The formidable right-back returns to the Reds following seasons with both the Northern Tigers in NSW’s NPLW and the Football South Australia Women’s National Premier League (WNPL) NTC side who made the Grand Final in 2023.
Claudia Jenkins, who made her return to the Reds between the sticks last season after initially signing with the Club back in 15/16, has again secured a scholarship contract as previously announced in September.
Adelaide United would like to thank the departing 23/24 scholarship holders, Erin Kontoutsikos and Madeleine Wright for their time with the Club and wish them all the best with their footballing journey.
Further to the Scholarship trio, Adelaide United are also pleased to announce the re-signing of Junior Matildas duo, Miley Grigg and Sian Dewey, and South Australia’s next goalkeeper prodigy, Ilona Melegh on Youth Development Agreements (YDA).
Grigg re-signs after a stellar 24 months growing her footballing career; commencing with setting a record as the youngest ever Adelaide United player to debut at the age of 15 years and 54 days, to being called up to two Commbank Junior Matildas training camps. The box-to-box midfielder will continue to bring her dynamic style of football and strong presence to the Red’s attack.
Dewey comes in as a classic defensive midfielder, bringing in technicality and composure on the ball beyond her years. The Salisbury Inter junior is also no stranger to the National Team environment after being selected for the final AFC U17 2024 Women’s Asian Cup squad: coming off the bench against China and starting in their final group game against Thailand.
In a look to the future, Adelaide United have also secured the services of the 2024 National Youth Championship U16 Goalkeeper of the Tournament and 2024 Football South Australia Rising Star, Ilona Melegh. The shot-stopper signs post 2024 season with Football SA’s NTC WNPL side after spending her junior years with Adelaide University.
Head of Football, Marius Zanin expressed his delight at keeping local South Australian talent within the Adelaide United ranks.
“All of the Scholarship and Youth Development Players continue to show an incredible amount of drive and determination to progress their footballing careers with the Reds.
Their pre-season form and training intensity has earnt them the opportunity to continue their development journey amongst the full squad.
The signing of players who have honed their skills at a South Australian grassroots level is testament to our ethos of continuing to foster young, local talent and providing pathways to the professional game.”
