Leeds United Women can confirm that first-team midfielder Paige Williams will leave the club this summer.

Williams joined the Whites from Bolton Ladies in 2021, having become the first player to win the Daily Post Young Women’s Player of the Season a few years prior and being part of the Prestatyn Girls ‘Dream Team’ of 2014/15 that won the FA Women’s Under-16 Welsh Cup.

The wide midfielder went on to make 83 appearances for Leeds in the next five years, notably being involved with the teams that won back-to-back West Riding FA County Cups and the FA WNL Plate in 2022/23, which Paige crowned her favourite moment of her time here.

“I don't think the club had won such a big trophy for years and that was special to be a part of,” she said. “It was a game I started in, played in, really enjoyed, and it was special for all of us because we had been working towards it for so long and it all paid off.

“Alongside that, the Women’s FA Cup when we got to play against Arsenal Women. I think that was really good for us as a club to show the levels we could compete at and teams we could play against, it was just an incredible day and something really good to be a part.”

Paige suffered an ACL injury during her five-year period at the club, which she described as a “big spanner in the works”, but she took the positives: “The support from the club that I had during that process, working with Daryl the First Team’s physio, being under such professional environment with them, was massive.

“I did it alongside one of my best friends, Macy [Ellis], and me and her going through that together, we worked with each other, we helped each other, we supported each other, we encouraged each other and now we've got such an amazing bond that is probably very unbreakable in terms of the support we can give each other because we know what we've been through.”

Alongside her contributions on the pitch, Paige also played a big part in the Leeds community, appearing at numerous Leeds United Foundation events and outside initiatives.

Continuing involvement away from the pitch, Paige built a strong connection with Ella, a talented member of the Leeds United Shadow Squad and a popular figure on matchdays at Garforth who sadly passed away in February after an incredibly brave battle with cancer.

After leading the teams out as a mascot in pre-season against Doncaster Rovers Belles last campaign alongside her favourite player Paige, the two became close friends and made great memories together.

In Ella’s memory, Paige completed the Leeds Half Marathon to raise money for The Candlelighters Trust, the charity that offered support to Ella and her family during her battle, raising an impressive £2,643 for the organisation.

Speaking about her relationship with Ella, Paige added: “It's made me realise that there's such a bigger picture away from football. You may not be playing the minutes you want or getting what you want, but at the same time, there's so much more to football than just playing.

“Ella’s resilience got me through the season in terms of being resilient, and being determined, because no matter what I was going through, what I felt like I was going through, she was an example that there's so much more to life than football.

“If I was there turning up all the time and showing positivity and promoting football in such a positive way because it's the beautiful game, then that's what's keeping her going and keeping other little girls going that come to watch the games as well.

“She was a big part of my decision to be honest, I've said it to so many people, she was a massive part of my decision of clarifying in my head, what's best to do because I need to just be playing football because there's little girls like her.”

Paige was also announced as Leeds United’s Her Game Too representative earlier this year, a significant partnership between the club and organisation to inspire change and ensure football remains a game for all.

Speaking on her decision to call time on her spell at Leeds, Paige said: “It was a really difficult decision. I've been weighing up what I need to do and what I feel is best for me to do in terms of my development as a player and how I'm feeling within football. It was really tough.

“The thought of leaving the girls was the worst part and not being a part of such a good group, who I don't think I would have even maybe continued football for wasn't for them. We're all so close and they're all so supportive as well, so I think leaving that environment and the players, was the most difficult decision.

“Alongside that, definitely leaving the club itself because I've been there for such a long time. I moved here for the club, and I've loved being a part of it and being under it for so long. It was kind of daunting because that's all I've known for the last five years or so. It was really difficult leaving the girls and leaving such a special club to be honest.

“Just thank you,” Paige gave as a farewell message. “Thank you to the girls that I've played with over the last few seasons, the support they've given me and the confidence they've given me as a player and a person on and off the pitch.

“Thanks for all the fans that used to turn up and come and watch. I couldn't even count a number of families and young girls that I've seen with my names on their shirts, and every time I'm like, wow, this is amazing, and it's put into perspective to me how incredible Leeds are as a club, and the impact that you can make.

“Then to the club itself. I'll always be grateful for the support they gave me with my ACL, which a lot of teams don't have that opportunity. I know the opportunities I've been given in terms of player visits and meeting so many amazing people. So a big special thank you to everybody like that.”

We would like to thank Paige for her meaningful contributions during her time at the club, and we wish her the best of luck for whatever the future has in store for her.