No split loyalties: Katie Vince is out to inspire for Maidenhead United against Ascot

If manager Dave Kitson needs to research Sunday’s York Road opposition for Maidenhead United Women then he could do worse than pick up the phone to one of his summer signings, Katie Vince.

Katie explains: “I played at Ascot United since I was 11years old and worked my way through the club up to the first team, starting at the age of 16. It was a fantastic club for me to grow and love football and I made some real friends for life there. I know the club inside and out from the many years I have been there. I’m very happy to say I’m proud to be part of their success they have achieved.”

Ascot have started life in the FAWNL well, having kept clean sheets in three of their six games this season. Their last two games have seen shut outs, so Maidenhead have their work cut out on Sunday. Katie admits: “I’m expecting a BIG game. It’s going to be physical, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be exciting. I’m looking forward to a high intensity game and the support of the local crowd coming down to support their sides.”

Another playing who has made a confident transition to Tier 4 of women’s football, and having said in an early season interview with United’s media team that she sees herself as a right back – or even a right winger – Vince was forced to play in the centre of defence in last weekend’s dramatic 1-1 draw at Bridgwater and she struck up an instant understanding with Charley Evans. Katie said: “I love playing alongside Charley. She’s such a composed player. We really communicate well together and I felt we controlled the back four very efficiently. Me and Charley get along so well, so I had no concerns that our friendship off the pitch wouldn’t show on the pitch. I was just happy that I had done the team proud at centre back and I had a fantastic partner.”

Returning to Sunday’s local affair, Katie is well aware of her responsibilities as a role model, with the Magpies offering free admission to the match for youngsters who turn up to the 2pm kick off in the shirt of their grass roots club, with an accompanying adult also being admitted for free. Katie acknowledges “This game is massive for the community of young girls around Berkshire wanting to play football and I want to give the crowd a good game and to inspire. We want to showcase what Maidenhead are all about and how much heart we have as a club. I’m so excited for this game.” Whatever position Dave Kitson needs Katie to play on Sunday, he knows he will get another wholehearted performance.