Blackburn Rovers have announced the news that forward Ellie Leek is leaving the club when her contract expires this summer.
The Lancashire club announced the news via a post on their official club website this afternoon.
Leek joined Blackburn Rovers in summer 2021 after leaving the club’s Barclays Women’s Championship rivals Lewes. The forward went on to make 30 appearances for Blackburn Rovers in the Barclays Women’s Championship in which she scored three goals. Leek’s highlight this season saw her net the winner as Blackburn Rovers defeated Sunderland 1-0 at The Sir Tom Finney Stadium in November.
After a hectic time both at Blackburn Rovers and away from the club, Leek has opted to step back from professional football.
Explaining her decision on her personal Twitter account, Leek said “I know many players before myself have had to make this same decision – is playing at this level still worth the sacrifice that is required? To give context, a lot of us work full-time hours (on a part-time wage). Whilst women’s football is better than ever, the reality is it’s still so hard for the majority of us who give our whole lives to grow the game. This has had me pretty close to burnout over the last few years.
“Therefore, I’ve decided to leave Blackburn LFC before this upcoming season.”
Leek went on to say that she will be looking to play part-time football in the FA Women’s National League in the future.
She added “Before I fall out of love with football, I’m deciding to make a change with clarity and excitement for what my future will bring away from Championship football and seven-day working weeks. I’m hopeful to continue playing at a lower level so the sacrifices won’t be as high and the lifestyle won’t be as impossible.”
Leek’s career at a professional level has seen her represent Bristol City, Le Havre, Charlton Athletic, Lewes and latest club Blackburn Rovers.
Thank you @RoversLadies !! 💙⚽️ pic.twitter.com/gPEGnfQDyF
— Ellie Leek (@Ellieleek95) June 13, 2023
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