IPSWICH TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

Striker becomes sixth Tractor Girl on professional terms

Maddie Biggs has signed her first professional contract at Ipswich Town.

The 18-year-old forward has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with an option of a further 12 months, becoming the sixth Tractor Girl to turn professional this summer.

Maddie joined Town's WSL Academy programme from the Essex RTC (Regional Talent Club) in the summer of 2019 and went on to make her senior debut weeks later, starting the opening game of the 2019/20 season as the Blues' were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Wimbledon. She scored her first senior goal shortly after as she completed the scoring in Town's 4-1 victory over rivals Norwich City in front of a record crowd at the Goldstar Ground. Goals against Royston Town, Enfield Town and Norwich would soon follow as Biggs enjoyed a remarkable start to her first season in women's football.

Maddie's famous heroics were still to come in January 2020 as the Tractor Girls took on Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's stadium in the fourth-round of the Women's FA Cup. The then 16-year-old Biggs netted a superb first-half hat-trick as Joe Sheehan's side romped the Terriers 4-1 to set up a gargantuan clash with WSL giants Manchester City. Her exploits saw her become a household name and was the subject of significant national media attention. Her form also saw her rewarded with her first call-up for England's U18s in March 2020.

Town's number nine netted once following the return of football after the outbreak of the pandemic, completing the scoring in the Tractor Girls' 3-0 victory over Billericay Town in September 2020. Overall, Maddie has made 23 appearances for Ipswich Town, scoring 9 goals.

Maddie was also one of a number of players studying and training at St Joseph’s College as part of the ongoing partnership between Ipswich Town and the Ipswich-based school,  who continue to support the education and development of the young Tractor Girls.

"It's obviously an amazing feeling," Maddie told iFollow Ipswich.

"I was shocked in a way but not badly shocked. It was nice to know that they believe in me and wanted to offer me the contract they've offered me."

Watch Maddie's full interview on iFollow Ipswich shortly.