Aberdeen defender Millie Urquhart has announced that she will be leaving the Dons at the end of the current season. The 17-year-old will head to Florida in the summer for a four year scholarship at Jacksonville University’s women’s soccer program.

The Ellon Academy pupil, who made her debut for the AFC Women’s side last season, has made 24 appearances during the current campaign.

AFCW interim Manager Gavin Levey was full of praise for the Scotland under-19 international, who has been in outstanding form in recent months.

“I am absolutely delighted for the opportunity Millie has earned herself in Florida ahead of next season. She has been an absolute credit to work with during her breakthrough season at Aberdeen FC Women.

“This move not only presents Millie with a fantastic opportunity to develop her football career, but also a chance to continue her education to degree level whilst gaining some valuable life experiences overseas. Millie’s energy on and off this pitch has been brilliant this season and her professional approach to every challenge she is set is one to be admired for any aspiring young player.”

The player herself is excited about her next step but after telling interim manager Gavin Levey the news, she was a bit apprehensive about letting her current teammates know about her move to the States.

“I told Gavin about it the other week but I wasn’t really sure how to tell a lot of the team. I didn’t want them thinking I wasn’t going to work to help keep them up for next season.”

“I know a few players who have been over to play in America and I feel like it’s my type of football across there. It will really help me develop as a player as well as being able to continue my studies. I have learned so much with the team this season so it is sad I won’t be able to play next season but I’m sure the experience in America will be amazing”.

There can be no doubt about Urquhart’s commitment to the cause and she also showed Jacksonville what they can look forward to in the 4-3 win at Dundee United in midweek. The pacey fullback grabbed an assist in addition to two stunning goals in a player of the match performance.

“I didn’t mention it until now as my focus has been and is still on Aberdeen until the end of the season. There is no point thinking about what I’m doing next season until this one is over. We’ve got six more games and we want to take as many points as possible from them.”