KATIE KITCHING: THE KEY
- BY LILY MERSH
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Katie Kitching is Sunderland’s number 10 and she's a midfielder known for her incredible passing ability. She was born on the 6th September 1998 and is starting her third campaign in red and white for the 25/26 season after just signing a new contract with us a few weeks ago.
Kitching’s football journey started at Manchester City where she played for their U19’s team. Unfortunately for her she never made into the senior squad, and instead decided to head to America to play for the South Florida Bulls from 2017 to 2021.
It was a successful spell for Katie in the US. The South Florida Bulls won the conference tournament in 2017, 2019 and 2020 where they actually won both the regular season and Conference tournament. In 2018 and 2021 they also won the regular season.
She returned to the UK and signed for her first senior deal at London City Lionesses (who have just recently been promoted to the WSL for the first time ever) in January 2022. Katie made 17 appearances during her time there in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
In July 2023, Katie signed a one year contract with us and finished 11th place with the lasses. Katie said ‘I’m feeling really grateful’ when she first signed, and now she has put pen to paper again to remain on Wearside for her 3rd season.
Despite her operating in the middle of the park, she is no stranger to a goal, she’s even been nominated for goal of the month before. Her standout performances managed to earn her the Player Of The Season award for the lasses last season, and the news of her staying for another year should fill us with excitement. If we can keep a player of her calibre, hopefully we can bring in more of the same and make a real push to get into the Women’s Super League.
During her time with us Katie has made her New Zealand international debut in 2023 and she later got a call up for the New Zealand 2024 Olympic Team. She's managed six goals in only 18 appearances for the 'Football Ferns'.
