Katie Holt began playing football at the age of seven with boys’ side Radcliffe Juniors, before continuing her development with Elton Sports Club Tigers, Academy Juniors, Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Chorley.

Her route to Bolton Wanderers came when the Women’s team was brought under the club’s operations. As soon as trial dates were announced, Katie knew she wanted to be involved.

The trial itself was not quite how she had hoped, having been ill for the previous two weeks, but Wanderers saw enough to offer her the opportunity to join the club.

That decision quickly led to one of the proudest moments of Katie’s career, as she captained Wanderers to a League and Cup double during the 2024/25 season.

Katie has also represented Greater Manchester County, doing so in 2016, where she played alongside future Wanderers teammate Lucy Walsh.

A calm, positive and reliable centre-back, Katie likes to keep things simple in possession. She enjoys getting on the ball, breaking lines, driving forward when the opportunity is there and providing cover in behind.

She identifies heading and her ability on the ball as her biggest strengths, while her ambitions with Wanderers are to win as many trophies as possible and help grow the fanbase around the Women’s team.

The number five shirt also carries special meaning for Katie, having been the first number she wore for Bolton after the Women’s team came under club operations.

Get to know Katie

Kevin Davies was Katie’s footballing idol growing up. At the time she was playing in midfield and scoring plenty of goals herself, so she particularly enjoyed watching Davies find the net for Wanderers.

Her favourite memories as a supporter include watching Bolton play Liverpool at Anfield in 2015 and, more recently, seeing Wanderers win the play-off final at Wembley.

Away from football, Katie values the chance to switch off and relax, balancing her playing commitments with a full-time career.

She works as a Projects Officer at Bolton Council, with a particular focus on events. Her work has included the civic reception at Bolton Town Hall following Wanderers’ play-off final victory, as well as the Bolton Food and Drink Festival.

Katie does not have a major pre-match superstition, although she always wears her shin pads during the warm-up so she can get used to them. In her words, if she waits until the match to put them on and then misplaces a pass, the shin pads are getting the blame.

Pet: A Yorkshire Terrier called Bill
Hidden talent: A Mr Bean impression
Morning person or night owl: Night owl
Favourite artist: Billie Eilish
Favourite stadium played at: Toughsheet Community Stadium
Away from football: Kind, empathetic and respectful