City Women land Dutch international defender

The 21 year old Dutch international will join the club after the conclusion of the UEFA Women’s Euro Championships in July.

Kerkdijk began her career at amateur club SV Overwetering, joining the FC Twente Academy for the 2009/10 season on a part-time basis, before going full time a year later.

Kerkdijk was then promoted into the first team squad for the 2013/14 season and has gone on to make 88 appearances to date, scoring five goals.

During her time at FC Twente, Kerkdijk has won the BeNe league title in 2013/14, the National Cup during the 2014/15 season, and the Eredivisie Women 12 months later.

The young defender has represented Holland at age grade level, winning the UEFA Under-19 Championship in 2014 and she has since made seven appearances for the national side, with her debut coming in September 2015.

Upon joining the Vixens, the Dutch international said: “I am delighted to be joining City Women and testing myself against some of the best players in the world in WSL 1.

“I am a very ambitious person and when I met Willie and viewed the facilities around the club I was really impressed at the club's vision for the future and I believe this is the best place for me to grow and develop as a player. I am eternally grateful to FC Twente for everything they have done for me and I wish the club the best for the future.”

Vixens manager Kirk is delighted with the capture of the young defender.

“Danique first came to my attention when I watched her play at the 2014 Under-19 EUROs," he said. "I then watched her play again a year later for FC Twente in a top of the table clash against Standard Liege. Both times I was very impressed with her, and have followed her progress with interest since.

“I am building a squad that I believe can be competitive in WSL 1, but equally I am wanting to work with people who believe in what we are trying to achieve here and Danique buys into that.

"I am looking forward to seeing her in action next season.”