Erín McLaughlin may be joining a new club, but there is a familiar face to her already at Glasgow City in the shape of forward, Emily Whelan. And what better way to get to know our latest recruit than through her Republic of Ireland teammate.
We asked Emily to pitch some questions to Erín, covering everything from her journey to professional football, how she likes to spend her downtime and, of course - a footballer's favourite, her coffee order...
When did you know when you wanted to play football professionally?
Getting into the Ireland squad and having that taste of professionalism. Seeing all the other girls, it created a real ambition and a sense of drive.
Seeing the environment and knowing that their jobs were to play football. It was something that I dreamed of.
Who did you look up to growing up?
My favourite player when I was younger was Steven Gerrard. We are big Liverpool fans as a family. He’s a midfielder, so someone I looked up to. I just liked how he played.
If you weren’t a professional footballer, what would you be?
I’d be a primary school teacher because that was what I studied in college.
Growing up, I didn’t really think about being a professional footballer as a possibility, so it was always looking at something else outside of the sport. The only thing I wanted to be was a teacher.
I like working with kids. I have a younger brother and lots of little cousins, so I was always around them growing up.
Being part of the Ireland squad, playing football and then going into schools to teach, the kids really respect me and look up to me. It’s for little girls to see that it is possible.
Do you come from a sporty family?
I think everyone at home knows all my cousins, aunties, and uncles are obsessed with football and Gaelic football.
Gaelic football is a brilliant sport. It’s a family sport. Everyone in Ireland will have grown up with someone in their family having played it.
The sport itself isn’t professional, but there is so much interest in it. The All-Ireland final brings in 80,000 fans. The atmosphere is incredible and it brings the whole community together. It’s class!
What other hobbies do you have outside of football?
I like going for a coffee and socialising. I sometimes read books if I’m in the mood – just a bit of every genre!
So, what is your go to coffee order?
Oat flat white.
What is your favourite genre of music?
I have recently been really liking country music.
I also went to see Noah Kahan in Dublin recently.
How do you unwind after a game?
Well, I usually can’t sleep after a game. I just try to chill out. Get some good food and chill.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I’d like to go to Greece on holiday. It just looks really nice.
How excited are you for the season ahead?
I’m really excited. It’s really nice to be part of a club like this and to see how successful they have been. It’s really positive and I’m excited to get started.