Aurora Defender Kelis Barton Signs Pro Contract

EAGAN, Minn. – Aurora Defender Kelis Barton has signed a professional contract with Rugby Borough WFC in Rugby, England. Rugby Borough Football Club was founded in 1994 and has expanded to include women’s and men’s professional teams, as well as juniors, girls, and academy teams.

Rugby Borough Women’s First Team competes in the Women’s National League South in the highly competitive third tier. The club competes at the award winning 35 acre Kilsby Lane Football Facility.

Barton competed with Aurora this season for 453 minutes. She made seven appearances as a defender with six starts. Barton also scored her first career goal for the Aurora against Chicago City on June 22. 

“Kelis’ journey to this moment has been a showcase of her talent and her relentless commitment to excellence. We couldn’t be more excited to celebrate and support Kelis in her next chapter with Rugby Borough,” said Minnesota Aurora FC Sporting Director and Head Coach Colette Montgomery.

Barton is the eighth Aurora player to sign a professional contract overall and second to sign one in 2024.