Tell us a bit about you and your background in football. How long have you been part of CFC, and what do you love about the club?
Hi, I’m Catherine. I grew up in Australia, have been living in the UK for about a decade, and recently moved to Surrey. On the “boring stuff” side, I have a PhD in Engineering (Sustainability) and work in private equity (infrastructure investing).
I was lucky to grow up playing a variety of sports, including athletics, swimming, football, kiteboarding and polo. Football, however, was my first sporting love. I played in boys’ and girls’ academy and representative football setups in Australia, and also helped coach in these academies, before illness ended my playing career
I joined CFC Senior Women as a player this year to get back on the pitch for fun and wellbeing after far too many years behind a desk! The team is incredibly inclusive with a positive and fun culture, while also becoming increasingly competitive. Everyone works together to get the most out of training sessions and match days.
Being back on the pitch has reignited my passion for the game and motivated me to support the growth of women’s football. I believe it’s important to improve female representation in managerial and coaching roles in girls’ and women’s football. This led me to join the coaching team for CFC Senior Women alongside Wayne and Nick, and to start supporting coaching across some of CFC’s Junior Girls teams, including the U15s with Pete and Robbie
I hold an FA Level 1 coaching qualification and am currently working towards my UEFA C license.
What do you like about coaching?
I love seeing players’ faces light up—whether from the joy of playing, winning a game, or improving individually or as a team.
I’m fascinated by the technical side of sport, from equipment design to performance training, and I enjoy problem-solving when it comes to player development and team strategy.
How would you describe your coaching style?
Technical. Collaborative. Intense. Fun. Deliberate.
I try to be very player-centric, helping individuals gain confidence in their strengths while giving them the tools to develop their weaknesses. It’s important for the team to align on a collective goal, but each player also needs clarity on their specific role in achieving it.
What are the key attributes that make a great footballer?
Attitude, game awareness, ball skills, speed, and fitness.
What advice would you give players to become better footballers?
Maintain a positive attitude—work hard, but enjoy yourself. Respect your coaches and teammates. Focus on mastering the fundamentals before getting distracted by flashy skills.
Who is your favourite professional coach?
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Sarina Wiegman – for tactical clarity and individual player management
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Emma Hayes – for innovative, women-specific performance approaches
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Sonia Bompastor – for strategic sophistication and adaptability
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Arsène Wenger – for technical excellence and pushing boundaries
Personally, I am grateful to my previous coaches, Kel Lund and Antonio Ambrogetti, for the care they took in developing me as a footballer and as a young adult.
Who is your favourite professional player?
That’s a tough one! Growing up, I mostly watched men’s football and was obsessed with David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho Gaúcho. Nowadays, I mostly watch women’s football, which has grown immensely. A few players I love to watch include:
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Keira Walsh and Aitana Bonmati – for playmaking
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Alex Greenwood and Steph Catley – for composure and precision
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Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord, Lauren Hemp – for speed and power
