KATIE HOLTHAM

Birthplace: Nottingham
Date of birth: 09/04/1986
Nationality: English
Position: Defence /midfield
Squad number: 6
Previous clubs: Charlton Athletic, Leeds United, Buffalo Flash, Doncaster Belles, Perth Glory.

Favourite colour: Blue
Favourite song: I have a few, but I like to listen to Avicii Levels before I play, just like the beat!
Favourite TV programme: Grey's Anatomy
Favourite movie and why: Love Actually. My favourite time of the year is Christmas and it reminds me of Christmas time at home. It always makes me laugh too!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Doctor... I'm not clever enough though!

What superpower would you have and why?
Be able to fly! I spend a lot of time travelling and battling the traffic, especially to training - So avoiding this would be very handy! Then of course flying at every chance possible to the sunshine and beach would be nice.

What piece of advice would you have for aspiring female footballers?
To just enjoy playing the game, if you enjoy playing you're most likely to learn and continue to develop to be the best you can be.

When did you start playing football and why?
From a very young age, I have two older brothers and a football fanatic dad so I played football with them in the garden and it kind of progressed from there. I started playing properly at Under 8s, playing in the local boys' league until Under 14s where I had to stop due to being banned to continue to play with the boys. So my dad started up a local girls' team - West Bridgford Colts - which is now a very successful club. I have to thank my dad a lot for his support throughout my career; I wouldn't be playing at the level I am without it.

When did you realise you could play at this level?
I guess you always aspire to be the best you can and with this I have progressed to playing at this level. I remember my first season with Bristol Academy, I found the tempo of the game tough but over time you continue to learn and challenge yourself to compete with the best players in the country and when you do, you realise you can compete at this level.

What are your strengths on the pitch?
Leadership, strength, distribution and work rate.

What are your strengths off the pitch?
Commitment and a desire to learn and develop.

What are your hobbies outside of football?
Golf, drinking coffee and socialising.

What's your most memorable moment playing for Chelsea Ladies?
Well I haven't made my debut yet, but most memorable moment so far was telling my dad and brothers who are avid Chelsea fans that I was signing for them - they were so pleased!

Have you won any silverware in your career and if so, what and when?
League Cup winner with Leeds in 2009.
W League champion with Buffalo Flash 2010.
FA Cup runner-up in 2007 & 2009 with Charlton and Leeds respectively.