Katie Scadding has been involved in the AFC Bournemouth Women’s setup for no fewer than six years.
A big personality on and off the pitch, she continues to enjoy her football with the Cherries and is also a coach within the club’s Community Sports Trust.
Having started the season strongly, the goalkeeper admitted to afcb.co.uk how positive the last month has been for her and her teammates, who currently sit top of the National League.
“It's been a really good start for us,” began Scadding.
“We've had a mixture of players in the squad, but we've adapted really well. We've played five games and got ten points, which sees us top of the table and is really positive for us.
“The new girls have also settled in really well and it’s great to have them as part of our squad this year.
“Shannon Albuery has come in and, as a striker, she's been doing what strikers do best and getting those goals.
“The younger ones as well, Jess Treweek and Lauren Kelly, have also been a big asset. They've stepped in and helped contribute to the wins and results we’ve had.
“Again, I’ve got to mention Helen Bleazard at the back, she has been really solid. On and off the pitch, she's a great addition to the squad.”
Scadding went on to express her delight at the defensive effort within the squad, the shot-stopper keeping three clean sheets in her opening five games.
However, she was quick to praise the team as a whole and claims that the side have remained incredibly focused throughout each of their opening fixtures.
“I think it’s a credit to the whole team because we've defended from the front.
“We've had to stay strong and focus at the back, even against teams that are perhaps less of a challenge for us.
“It obviously starts from the front two and then we’re working back defensively from there.
“On a personal note, keeping a clean sheet is what we love to see as a goalkeeper, so I’m delighted to have kept three so far this season and hopefully there’s many more to come.”
With a tough test coming up in the National League Cup against Oxford United, who currently have maximum points and sit top of the league above, Scadding is relishing the challenge that faces her.
“We're always excited for the cup games as we know there’s always the chance of playing tougher opposition from higher leagues,” she continued.
“That's what we're here to do and we like the challenge. Hopefully we'll put a performance in against Oxford and get a good result.
“It’s nice to play different teams that aren’t in our league. We all know it's going to be a challenge against Oxford.
“They're fighting for that promotion from the league above, so we know it's going to be hard. We're working hard ourselves this week and preparing for the game. We can only do what we can on the day and hopefully will give them a good game.
“We’re back at home as well, so we’ll have the crowd who are like our 12th man. They support us home and away, but obviously nothing better than being at home.
“We've also had some of the younger girls watching us on weekends, so it's good for them to be there and hopefully they can follow in our footsteps one day.”
