Lucy Walsh began playing football at the age of four with Daisy Hill Juniors, starting a journey that would take her through a number of leading youth and senior environments.

Her early development also included spells with Leigh Genesis, Manchester United and Everton, before she went on to represent Burnley, Halifax and Liverpool Feds.

One of Lucy’s proudest achievements came during her time with Everton, where she was part of the side that won the Under-20 league. She also names making her Bolton Wanderers debut as one of the standout moments of her career so far.

Lucy joined Wanderers after speaking with the club’s previous manager about the ambitions for the Women’s team. The vision for the club, together with the support and buy-in she could see from the wider Bolton Wanderers set-up, convinced her that this was somewhere she could enjoy her football again and be part of an ambitious project.

A calm and composed centre-back, Lucy believes her understanding of the game and ability to read situations are important parts of her play. She also identifies her strength, disruption and composure as key qualities on the pitch.

Her ambition is to help Wanderers earn promotion to the FA Women’s National League and then see just how far the club can progress.

The number 16 shirt also has personal significance for Lucy, having been the first number she wore in senior women’s football.

Get to know Lucy

Nemanja Vidić was Lucy’s footballing idol growing up, with the former Manchester United defender standing out to her as a commanding presence at the back who never complicated things.

One of her favourite memories as a supporter came from the Stretford End, watching Manchester United face Arsenal on the day Marcus Rashford made his debut and scored twice.

Away from football, Lucy enjoys spending time with friends and family, going out for food and making the most of her downtime.

Alongside playing for Wanderers, she works as a paralegal for a solicitors.

Lucy keeps her pre-match routine deliberately simple, preferring to arrive as relaxed and chilled as possible rather than follow any particular ritual.

And something Wanderers supporters might not guess? Lucy actually started her footballing journey as a striker.

Favourite film: Ratatouille
Favourite holiday destination: Ölüdeniz, Turkey
Favourite stadium played at: Turf Moor or the City Ground
Tea or coffee: Coffee
Morning person or night owl: Night owl
Sweet or savoury: Savoury
Social media: TikTok
Ideal day off: A lie-in, seeing friends, doing an activity, then coming home to relax with a film
Couldn’t live without: Her phone
Away from football: Sarcastic, happy and friendly