Durham Women are delighted to announce the signing of forward Leyla McFarland.
The Northern Ireland youth international brings experience from two top flight leagues to Maiden Castle and becomes the club’s eighth signing of the summer.
Born in San Diego, McFarland featured for San Diego Surf in her formative years – winning the ECNL League Championship in 2017 – before being recruited by NCAA side Pepperdine.
She quickly became a key player for the Waves, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists en route to securing the second-highest number of appearances in programme history.
Her fine form at collegiate level was recognised and Pachuca Femenil of the Liga MX Femenil came calling in 2023.
McFarland spent the 2023/24 campaign with the Mexican side, helping them to a top half finish, before joining Hungarian giants Ferencvaros last summer.
The forward was a key player as the Green Eagles featured in the UEFA Women’s Champions League before retaining the Hungarian league title.
With Northern Irish ancestors, McFarland has already represented that country at youth level and during the 2017 U19 UEFA Women’s European Championships.
And having now arrived on English shores, the 25-year-old is itching to get started.
Speaking after sealing, she said, “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to fighting for Durham this season.”
“From the awesome women on the field to the staff behind the scenes, it’s easy to see this club is special.”
The forward will wear the number 25 shirt at Maiden Castle and is eligible for selection for this afternoon’s game against Portsmouth.
Would you like to sponsor Leyla’s home, away or third kit, or another one of our squad, for the 2025/26 season?
Our player sponsorship packages are now available and include a number of benefits – including:
- Your player’s unique, match-worn shirt at the end of the season
- 2 x Season Tickets guaranteeing you entry to every home game
- A half-page advert in every issue of our match day programme
- Your logo and a link to your website on our official club site
- Social media promotion
- Plus much, much more!
Email mark.donnelly@durhamwfc.co.uk for more information.
