AFC Bournemouth
Katie Scadding is the life and soul of AFC Bournemouth women’s team, but this year she’s also been enjoying her time coaching at Bournemouth University.
Alongside teammate Abby Jones, the ‘keeper has been taking charge of the women’s first team, who currently occupy third place in the league after a solid start to the season.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, she explained how much she’s enjoying the role and the community spirit that goes with it.
“I’m loving every minute, it’s been a really good experience for me and I have to give credit to the team because they are a great group,” she said.
“We’ve had a good start to the season, currently sitting third in the league, having won three, drawn two and lost two. It brings me a new challenge every week, especially with training starting at 8am in the morning!
“Everyone knows how much of a community oriented club we are and working closely with the university definitely shows this.
“They are a big sponsor for us and help with a lot. We all really appreciate their support and the opportunities that come with this partnership.”
Scadding went on to discuss how nice it is to take the team alongside full-back Jones, with the pair having shared the pitch together for the Cherries over the last five years.
“It’s really nice, we are both really close on and off the pitch, and it’s nice to be able to work together in a different environment. We bounce ideas off each other all the time and always helping each other be the best we can be.
“We are both on our own journeys but doing it together makes it a lot more fun and interesting for sure, but it feels extra special because we have been at the club for a similar time and to look back and see where we started is quite wholesome.”
The 22-year-old concluded by discussing her own campaign and the form the Cherries find themselves in at the turn of the year.
“We’ve had a real strong start to the season and we had a really good FA Cup run. Making history with this club is always special, but we know what we are all working for and what our focus is and that is promotion.
“We have got an incredible squad of players and staff and we will continue to work hard every day so we are in the best position possible to get ourselves up.
“We’re only halfway through the season and the opportunities we’ve had as a team are incredible and we’re really grateful for it. I know we would never take it for granted.”
For a full list of women's fixtures, just click here.
