Massive update on Flint City AFC alum Ashley Barron, who on Thursday signed her first professional contract with Swedish club KIF Örebro DFF!

Ashley had recently been invited to preseason training camp with Gotham FC of NWSL. Örebro took notice. The 45-year-old club plays in the Damallsvenskan, a historic first-tier league that has featured stars like Marta, Daniela, Hope Solo, and Christen Press.

Ashley captained Flint City’s inaugural USL W League team in 2022 and was a three-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year for the University of Cincinnati.

Here’s a translation of Ashley’s statement to the club website:

“I am so excited to start a new adventure in Sweden! I have always had Sweden on my list of countries I would like to play in, and now I get to fulfill that dream. I chose KIF Örebro because of the culture in the club. Leaders and coaches are focused on the player development at both individual and team level. It’s something I’m really looking forward to being a part of. …

“I expect to undergo a lot of development both in my game and in my tactical ability. I can say from the conversations I have had with [manager Rickard Johansson] that it is a team with a strong belief and attitude that everyone should take steps in their development. But also with ambitions to win our matches and succeed with the goal in the league. Here I think that my strength as a player with my physical presence and fighting spirit will fit in well. I am a very defensively oriented player and will sacrifice myself hard in all situations so that we don’t concede goals!”

We are so proud of Ashley!