An experienced Welsh international with over 80 caps to her name, James signed for Kelly Chambers’ Royals back in July of 2019 from fellow Barclays FA Women’s Super League side Everton.
James began her career at Arsenal, joining the Gunners’ Academy in 2010 at the age of 16 and making her first team debut in a 6–0 home win in the UEFA Women's Champions League in October 2011.
Ahead of the 2012 FAWSL season, James signed for Bristol Academy, but relegation prompted a move to keep her in the top flight at Notts County nearly four years later. Newly promoted Yeovil Town swooped to sign James for the latter part of the FAWSL Spring Series but in July 2017 she left the Glovers to join Everton, before eventually becoming a Royal.
“I want to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone at Reading for making me feel so welcome during my time here,” James said. “I can’t thank Kelly and her staff enough. I only have praise and admiration for them, for giving me the opportunity to grow and express myself on the pitch, they have been instrumental in my development.
“To the girls, who I have made some unbelievable friendships with, I can’t thank you enough for your support and I wish you and the club every success for the future. I’d also like to thank the fans for their continued support, it’s a shame you’ve only been able to watch us twice this season. You are a loyal and lovely bunch, so thank you. I move to North Carolina in the knowledge that I gave everything to Reading and I’ll continue to do so until the end of the season. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.”
James will join the Courage at the end of the 2020-21 season.
Manager Kelly Chambers said, “I’m extremely disappointed to be losing Haz. She has been a key member of the team and is a player that has developed so much over the last two seasons. When speaking to Haz I completely understand her decision to jump at the opportunity she has been given. I wish her all the best in her new adventure and thank her for her huge contribution to the club over the last two seasons.”
Everyone at Reading FC Women would like to wish Angharad all the very best in the exciting next phase of her career in America.