Aaliyah Nolan On Signing For Barnsley
Bermudian footballer Aaliyah Nolan said she is relishing “a new challenge” after joining Barnsley Women from AFC Bradford City Women.
Barnsley, who compete in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands, announced the signing last week.
Nolan arrives after scoring 26 goals last season to help AFC Bradford City Women win the North East Regional Women’s League Premier Division title.
Barnsley compete at the same level as Bradford but in a different regional division.
“I thought last season would be my last, but this opportunity came along and I took some time to think it through,” Nolan told Bernews.
“It’s a new challenge and I want to develop more and make some memories at this club.”
The 29-year-old admits it has been difficult to leave Bradford after several goal-laden campaigns.
“It was tough to leave Bradford,” she said. “I’ve been through a lot with my knee injuries over the last few years.
“I actually retired but came back to help them get promoted.
“Bradford has done a lot for me. I’ve made this move to push myself as much as I can.”
Nolan retired at the end of the 2024-25 season because of a knee condition before reversing her decision.
She has managed the injury over the past three seasons, carefully monitoring her training load to remain match-fit.
“I manage the injury as best as I can,” she added. “I try to be as fit as I can be on game day,” she added.
“Last season, for me to show the ability I have, despite the injury I have, I proved to myself I can still play and nothing is going to stop me.
“I don’t want to say this will be last season. I’m leaving things open and will see where the season takes me.
“Hopefully, I can end the season on another high.”
