Game Ready: Katy Watson

Sunderland’s Katy Watson, fresh off starting the Young Lionesses’ UEFA U19 EUROs semi-final against Spain in Lithuania, talks through her matchday rituals for She Kicks’ recurring Game Ready feature. The 18-year-old, the inaugural NEFWA Women’s Young Player of the Year, describes her pre-match food routine, the loud and bouncy changing-room atmosphere at Sunderland versus the calmer mood in an England camp, and a personal superstition of doing three jumps before kick-off. She also discusses visualisation techniques, how she manages nerves and disappointing performances, and unwinding with a film or a walk after matches. The piece marks Watson’s continued rise after helping Sunderland defy expectations with a top-three Championship finish and signing her first professional contract.