Warner started her playing career at a youth club soccer in the US as she played with STN of north-central Pennsylvania. Her team won the US Club Soccer Regional Championship in 2009 and 2010 (which would have been U17/18 I think), and were runners-up in the 2009 US Club Soccer National Championship.

Warner then played at Clarion University of Pennsylvania (from 2011-2014), which was NCAA Division 2, competing in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference.

However, Kat then took an 8-year break from playing, before getting back into football through our JustPlay sessions on a Tuesday evening.

We caught up with our new signing to ask her how she’s found it settling in at the club.

ML: How have you found your opening few weeks with the lasses?

KW: It’s been good, they’ve all been really welcoming and friendly.

ML: What’s the main difference you’ve found working with the lasses?

KW: Having not played for 8 years, and then getting back into football through JustPlay and 7-a-side recreational league matches, the biggest difference for me is probably the fitness!

ML: How have you found out it working with the new coaching setup?

KW: Being new in the squad I’m probably not the best person to ask as I wasn’t familiar with the former coaching setup – I know Chris from his involvement in the JustPlay sessions he helps put on at Hebburn. Overall, it’s been good getting feedback from different perspectives through Chris, Ian, and Andy.

ML: If you didn’t play (the position you currently play - Striker), what position would you play?

KW: I played in the centre of defence, or as a holding midfielder back home for my club team and through high school/university there, so that’s probably where I’m most comfortable. But playing 7s I’d found I got a lot more enjoyment out of playing in a more forward position.

ML: What’s your favourite pre and post-match rituals, if any?

KW: Not sure that I have any rituals as such, but there’s usually a pint or a glass of wine involved after a match.

We would like to thank Kat for her time and we wish her all the best for the upcoming season.

By Marcella Lamb