We are pleased to announce the signing of Kate Nicolson, who has joined from the University of South Alabama for the 2024 Sports Direct Premiership season subject to international clearance.
The central defender, who can also play in midfield, has enjoyed success throughout her football career both in the United States and in her native Scotland.
Captaining her country at various youth levels, Nicolson climbed the ranks at Celtic Women, eventually going on to make senior appearances in the Scottish Women’s Premier League. After four years with the club, the defender made the move to Alabama and has captained her university side to two Sunbelt Conference Championships and an NCAA tournament appearance.
Having been given the number two shirt for the season ahead, Nicolson said:
“I am thoroughly looking forward to coming to Northern Ireland and playing with Larne for the 2024 Women’s Premiership season. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to play with a new team and learn from new coaches in what will be a brand-new environment for me.
“Having reached the top-flight and enjoyed a competitive season in 2023, I will be joining a team who will be aiming to work our way as far up the league table as we can, and that is a challenge I’m really excited for.”
Discussing what has been described as a marquee signing for the club, William Noble said:
“We have been working on bringing in players from overseas for some time now and I am delighted to get Kate over the line ahead of the season beginning one week today.
“Kate is a real marquee signing for the club, having played at Celtic and enjoyed a great time so far in Alabama, we believe she will come to Inver Park and add quality to our playing squad and the Women’s Premiership overall.
“The transfer window will close on Tuesday but we still have plenty of irons in fires in terms of recruitment, especially looking into that overseas market and I would expect several other marquee signings to arrive at the club in the coming days.”
Larne are set to begin their Sports Direct Women’s Premiership season on Sunday 5th May, taking on Lisburn Ladies at Inver Park with a 3pm kick-off.
