Lauren Wade relishing her new challenge with Glasgow City

Lauren Wade was looking forward to hitting the ground running with new side Glasgow City before the coronavirus outbreak hit the UK.

The Northern Ireland striker only joined the Scottish Women’s Premier League kingpins in mid-February, but the pandemic has put everything on hold with only one game of the season, a 2-1 defeat at Celtic, completed so far.

“I have only spent a week and a half with my new team mates but I settled pretty quickly to be honest,” explained Wade.

“I was straight into training on the Thursday and then had the first game of the season the next day.

“The following week was international break so I was away with Northern Ireland for a preparation tournament in Spain.

“Everything happened so fast it was hard to grasp what was actually happening.

“The SWPL was one game in so had the full season ahead. Internationally we had our Euro Qualifying Campaign games in April and June, which have now been postponed until further notice.

“I think everyone will be excited to get back to it, as we will have gone so long without training as a team or playing games.”

The Scottish women’s champions called in the help of a top sports scientist to ensure their bid for a 14th straight title does not stumble because of the coronavirus.

Andy White, co-founder and director of Athlete Focused, drew up a list of tailored workouts for the squad which can be carried out from each players’ homes during the government-enforced quarantine.

Wade has been working hard back at home but admitted it has been tough to be training alone when you are used to working in a team environment.

“It’s actually quite difficult training alone especially when you are used to training with others in a team setting,” she said.

“However, I do feel I am a motivated person so going out and doing the training is only going to benefit myself and my team mates when we are finally all back together.

“We have a strict programme to follow. We all have our PLAYERTEK vest and pods so there is no getting away with not doing your workouts.

“At the end of each one you have to upload and send your data to Andy. We have a mixture of workouts; some are running and conditioning, gym workouts or speed and agility.

“I feel that the programme I have is keeping me focused throughout this time. I usually get my workouts done mid morning back for lunch then I go out the back and get touches on the ball.

“I have created a mini routine and I feel that’s what keeps me going most days.”

After spending the last few years in America and Iceland Wade is looking forward to being a bit closer to her home town of Coleraine.

Winning the league with Throttur Reykjavik though has set her up nicely for the new challenge with Glasgow City, who have won the league title for the last 13 consecutive seasons!

“I really enjoyed my time in Iceland, it was nice to spend some time in a new country and learn new things,” said Wade.

“From a footballing perspective, it was a successful year both individually and collectively as a team. We finished the season gaining promotion and winning the league.

“After returning home from Iceland, I wanted to be closer to home and was looking a move to the Scottish League. When I heard Glasgow City were interested it was a no-brainer for me. I felt at the time it was the right fit and I was delighted to have signed for them.

“It is going to be a challenge but it is something I am looking forward to.

“It is an amazing achievement for the club (winning 13 titles in a row) and I am hoping for another successful season when we get back to normal and playing again.

“Once things get back to normal I will be moving back across to Glasgow and hoping to hit the ground running. I can’t wait to get back training with my team mates and the season starting again. It’s going to be a very busy time football wise due to league games and international games being postponed."

Wade, who has won 23 caps for Northern Ireland, is one of a number of internationals now playing their trade on the mainland.

And the forward is delighted to see so many of Kenny Shiels’ side making the move to the professional game.

She said: “It’s amazing to see many players from Northern Ireland progressing into the professional game. As a footballer this is what you dream of doing. I’m very lucky to also have some of my NI team-mates and friends live close by. Definitely makes the transition into moving away from home a lot easier.

“Kenny has been absolutely fantastic since he has come in. We have made a lot of progress in such a short space of time, that is the impact he has made.

“Personally for me, I have learnt so much working with him and looking forward to getting back to it once this is all over.”

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