Since the very first day of walking into City Women training this summer, Anna Houghton has impressed.
After gaining experience with the likes of Barry Town United and Cardiff Met, the playmaker made the switch to the Bluebirds following a successful period on trial.
Showing bags of ability in training, she has also made an impression during our pre-season fixtures ahead of the new campaign.
“The success of the Club was the main draw for me,” Anna began. “The amount of silverware that has been won over the last few years, that’s what I’m aiming for as a player. The whole environment and the mentality that everyone has at Cardiff City, it’s all about winning and I wanted to be a part of that.
“When you’re on trial, there’s pressure to impress but that’s football. I felt like the pressure pushed me to stand out more and show my ability. The standard of training sessions are always top notch so to be in that environment and have it lead to being offered a contract, it gives you the confidence to keep building.
“It was surreal to sign for a massive club like Cardiff City. It takes a lot to get into a Club with such a reputation for winning, so when I was offered a contract here, I was so happy. The hard work has paid off.”
Anna is one of seven new additions to Noah Bushby’s side ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. At the heart of defence, Ella Hilliard and TJ Gauvain have been signed, while Mia Malone has added steel in midfield. In attacking areas, Kate Oakley, Gillian Keenan and Haile Richards have all put pen-to-paper.
Anna continued: “We’ve got such a great environment and I felt at home straight away because of how welcoming everyone was. I was made to feel comfortable and part of the group.
“The recruitment this summer has been great. We have a variety of players with different styles and it has been nice to see that in the team. All the girls have settled well and we’ll approach the season with togetherness.
“There are a lot of positives to take from our preparations. We’ve had some challenging fixtures but that is the whole point of pre-season, which is to keep learning and building heading into the new campaign.”
The Bluebirds begin their Adran Premier campaign with an away clash against Swansea City on September 6th, before hosting Wrexham at Cardiff City Stadium the following week.
City’s last fixture against the Swans came in last season’s Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final, where a dramatic comeback from 3-0 down led to Bushby’s side winning a penalty shootout.
“I’m right up for it,” Anna said. “To open up the season with my first South Wales derby, I don’t think it can get any better than that. I’m so excited for it. Then to have the privilege to play at Cardiff City Stadium against Wrexham, it’s a great fixture to be involved in.
“These first two fixtures are games that we’re relishing, we’re certainly not shying away from them. It’s a big drive for us knowing that we have two tests to begin with. We see it as an opportunity to show everyone what we’re about.”