Interview Katie Lockwood (Charlton Athletic WFC)

Name: Katie Lockwood
Date of birth: 01/04/1998
Place of birth: Huddersfield, England
Nationality: English
Language: English
Club: Charlton Athletic WFC
Favourite position: CAM
Favourite foot: Right

ClubYears
Apollon Ladies FC2020 – 2022
KIF Örebro DFF2022
Hibernian FC Women2022 – 2023
Heart of Midlothian WFC2023 – 2024
Glasgow City FC2024 – 2026
Charlton Athletic WFC2026 –

I’m Katie Lockwood, originally from Huddersfield, England. Currently a player at Charlton Athletic women’s FC.

  • Work rate and consistency
  • Having the ability to control a game.
  • Game intelligence and having the ability to react well and anticipate the next play.
  • Decision making when under pressure. 


  • Positional mastery/special awareness- ability to receive on half turn and play forward. Movement off the ball to create better passing lanes for teammates and create space for others.

I always think when watching some of the best midfielders in the world they make it look like they have so much time on the ball but the above things contribute to this.

My experience in America completely changed my life for the better, it opened my eyes up to another world of opportunity in sport. It made me more well-rounded as person and really step out of my comfort zone. Leaving home at 18 years of age on my own, to move across the world not knowing what it had in store but just chasing a dream, was really daunting move but thankfully I had great support in my teammates and coaches in Florida I settled right away. The facilities and treatment you received as a student athlete are second to none. I would say America helped prepare me the most for playing professionally from the intense training schedule, to the stadiums you play in, to the importance of nutrition and looking after your body, to being able to balance my studies with training and matches – without it I wouldn’t be where I am today!

I graduated in spring 2020 (right in the middle of the covid pandemic) so upon leaving university it was a real time of uncertainty across the world. So when the opportunity came up to play in Cyprus for Apollon and the league was definitely going to go ahead, I couldn’t say no. What really drew me was the opportunity to win league titles and compete in the Champions League! The lifestyle was an amazing added bonus because who doesn’t love the sunshine.

It was important for sure, in a country where English wasn’t the first language, it was another test for my character and helped me develop more as person and a player.

My time at KIF Örebro DFF really sharpened my tactical understanding of football. In Sweden, the game is played with a strong collective structure, and that demanded I think constantly about positioning, spacing, and decision-making in relation to the team rather than just my individual role. My time at KIF is where I did my most learning as a footballer under the head coach Rickard Johansson. Not only did my tactical discipline and knowledge for the game grow, I also learnt to play a new position and played many games as a no9 in his system. Rickard’s attention for detail really helped me develop my game and the individual/small group seasons were vital in my development as a player. Overall, my time in Sweden helped me see the game more strategically. It made me a more complete player—someone who understands not just what to do but why and when.

I was at a time in my career where I had spent a lot of time away from home so I was ready for a move closer to home. When Hibernian came up it was the right fit at the time which allowed me to play full time football while being that bit closer to home (now only a drive instead of a flight away) they had great backing and support from the men’s side so it was a good time to be involved at the club.

Joining Glasgow City demanded an immediate shift in standards both mentally and physically. The biggest adjustment was understanding that success there wasn’t aspirational, it’s expected. Every training session had purpose, every detail mattered, and there was accountability across the group, regardless of age or status. From day one, I was challenged to train at match intensity, to make decisions quicker, and to take responsibility for your role within the team. There was nowhere to hide- technically, tactically, or mentally, but that’s what helped my development as a person and a player.

Katie Lockwood – Glasgow City FC

Competing regularly in high-pressure domestic and European matches taught me how to manage moments as much as games. At that level, the technical quality is high everywhere, so the difference often comes down to decision-making, composure, and emotional control. In Europe, the margins were even finer. Small mistakes were punished, game plans were very detailed, and you’re constantly tested against different styles, tempos, and tactical approaches. So this has helped shape me even more as a well-rounded versatile player.

Charlton Athletic felt like the right next step because it aligned perfectly with where I am in my career—both in terms of challenge and opportunity. At this stage, I wanted an environment that is competitive, ambitious, and still hungry to grow. Charlton has a strong identity, a clear vision, and a real sense of direction, and that was important to me. It’s a club with history and expectation, but also one that’s building something. The project stood out to me especially because of the manager Karen Hills, following my initial conversations with her I knew it was the right fit for me and somewhere I could see myself enjoying my football again and growing as a player. In terms of goals, I want to help Charlton be consistently competitive and successful. Collectively, the aim is to challenge at the top end of the league and push the club forward.

Obviously promotion to the WSL1 would be the dream but we have to take each game at a time and focus on getting the 3pts and good performances each week and who knows where we will end up. Personally, I still want to keep improving, keep learning, and keep competing in meaningful matches. I’m motivated by progress, both my own and the team’s and I believe Charlton is the right place to achieve that!

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