To mark the centenary of the FA’s ban on women’s football, and to celebrate the history of the women’s game in Huddersfield, Huddersfield Town Supporters’ Association has announced the induction of Kate Mallin into the Huddersfield Town Heritage Project Hall of Fame.
Kate joined Huddersfield Town Women – then Huddersfield Town Ladies – aged 11, playing in the under-12s side.
She made her first team debut in October 2004 at the age of 15, meaning that she is the club’s longest serving player. Kate netted her first goal just a couple of months later against Hull City.
At the beginning of the 2021-22 season, Kate, now 32, had played 475 games and scored nearly 200 goals. She has turned out in almost every position, but for the last few years has largely operated as a wide midfielder.
When asked about her career highlights, she picked Town’s FA Cup run in the 2019-20 season. In the 4th Round – a tough game against Championship team Charlton Athletic – Ashley Vickers’ side overcame a 3-0 deficit, with Kate bagging the equaliser in the 78th minute.
Town went on to triumph in the subsequent penalty shoot-out, setting up a close fought 5th round tie against Women’s Super League (WSL) outfit West Ham United.
Kate’s skill and determination is obvious for all to see and was formally acknowledged when she was named the FA Women’s National League Player of the Season in 2016-17.
Reflecting on her induction, Kate said: “I am really honoured. It is nice to get some recognition for playing for Huddersfield Town for so long. Not many players, both in the men’s and women’s game, stay at a club for so long.
“I’ve been at the club since I was 11 years old and now I’m 32! I had the opportunity to move but I didn’t, and I am glad because I’ve some great memories.”
Explaining the decision, HTSA Board member Alice Broome said: “I was only three when Kate first pulled on the famous blue and white stripes in a competitive fixture, which is testament to her lasting influence on and importance to the club! She is a fantastic role model for young girls and boys who want to play football or just be the best they can.”
Find out more about the history of women’s football in Huddersfield by browsing HTSA’s two dedicated primary source collections: Women’s Football Archive and Women’s Football Timeline.
If you are interested in supporting Huddersfield Town Women, their website can be found here, where you can stay up to date with results, team news, and match reports. You can also help sponsor women’s team players, who have to pay to play.
