This week we speak with Nicola Harding, recruited by and now joining Cathy’s coaching team.
Nicola was an integral part of Cathy’s TVL Division Two Championship team and has now decided to hang up her playing boots. But was that a tough decision?
“It was and wasn’t tough deciding to stop playing. I’ve been so lucky to have played for such a long time with some amazing teams, players and coaches. It felt right to stop now. But to be given the chance to end my career at Windsor & Eton, with all these amazing people was just a perfect ending.
I always knew I only had one season left, my body is battered but also with the standard of this team and the league getting stronger, I’d have struggled to compete against the amazing ladies in the team right now! I’m also not sure I could deal with the mocking from Jimmy anymore!
I have been lucky to be given the chance to help support Cathy and Jimmy with the ladies, as another coach. I feel excited at being able to work with these two, it’s not only a good laugh but it’s allowing me to learn so much. Seeing how they gain the respect from the ladies and put plans into action is great. It’s good, the ladies are such a great bunch who are willing to listen and learn, but I must admit it’s way more stressful on the side lines watching than it is playing – it took me by surprise, I thought I was in for a relaxing season!!”
You already coach?
“I’ve been coaching the Doves (WEFC U11’s) with Claire now for 4 years. We’ve grown and grown and now have an army of helpers, which is massively helping the growth of the girl’s section. It’s been great fun and seeing more girl’s taking part is brilliant. It’s scary to think that in only 5 or 6 years they could be playing for the ladies (they’ll be sick of me by then).
The girls are all brilliant though, the energy and enthusiasm they bring is a joy to watch, I’m basically hoping one of them make it in the WSL and Lionesses team so I can get some good seats in stadiums!”
Looking forward to the new season and any specific fixtures?
“I’m excited for the new season, we’ve had some fantastic new signings, and it puts us in a great place to be even more competitive (than we already were). It will be a lot harder, as I say the standard of women’s football has improved massively and I don’t think there will be any easy games this year, but who wants an easy run anyway hey!!
And yes, there are a couple of games we are particularly looking forward too, but not sure I should say right now! But we’re looking forward to cup games too, this allows us to really test ourselves against other stronger teams in the division and leagues above us.”
