Norfolk footballer Lauren Hemp has signed for Manchester City Women.

Norwich Evening News: Lauren Hemp has capped an impressive season with a big move. Picture: Barrington Coombs/PALauren Hemp has capped an impressive season with a big move. Picture: Barrington Coombs/PA (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

The reigning PFA young-female-player-of-the-year has joined one of the biggest clubs in Europe after a breakthrough campaign at Bristol City.

The 17-year-old England youth international started her career with Norwich City Ladies and is ranked one of the rising stars of the women's game.

'I'm very excited to be here,' the former North Walsham High School pupil told Man City's official site. 'It's a massive opportunity for me and I can't wait to get started.

'From a very young age, it's always been City and to have the opportunity to play here is a dream come true, especially so early in my career.

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'The facilities are amazing and the atmosphere seems so nice with the environment and the people. Playing against City for Bristol, I always looked up to the City players and now we're going to be teammates.

'I can't wait.'

City's senior set up, led by England captain Steph Houghton, reached the semi-finals of the Uefa Women's Champions League last season before losing to eventual winners Lyon.

The Sky Blues were also runners-up to Chelsea Ladies in the FA Women's Super League last season.

Hemp was named England young player-of-the-year last September and captained the Under-17s at the Euros in 2017. The teenager is currently part of the England U19 set-up.

'I'd like to improve my overall game,' said Hemp. 'I'd also like to become more mature as a player.

'I think I'll bring creativity to the team and an attacking threat. Hopefully, I can continue where I left off and show that through scoring goals and with regular game time.

'I'm willing to put the hard work in and try my best every single day to become a better player and reach my potential. I'm hard-working, driven and passionate.'