Katie Kitching

Katie Meredith Kitching is a footballer who plays as a midfielder for Sunderland. Born in England, she is a New Zealand international.

Early life

Kitching is a native of Well, England.

Education Katie went to Bedale High School before going to the USA for further education.

Kitching attended the University of South Florida in the United States.

Career

On 6 July 2023, Kitching was announced at Sunderland on a one year contract. At Sunderland, she was described as "bringing an impressive athleticism further ahead... nothing short of a revelation, a box-to-box midfielder who is outrunning just about every opponent in her path". After being named as the 2024-25 player of the season for Sunderland, it was announced on 20 June 2025 that she had signed a contract extension with the club. She scored the winning goal for Sunderland in the River Wear derby on 19 September 2025 in a 2–1 victory over Durham.

International career

Kitching was selected for New Zealand's 2024 Olympic squad.

Style of play

Kitching mainly operates as a midfielder and is known for her passing ability.

International goals No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 19 February 2024 FFS Football Stadium, Apia, Samoa 9–1 11–1 2024 OFC Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2. 10–1 3. 6 April 2024 Rugby League Park, Christchurch, New Zealand 3–0 4–0 Friendly 4. 4–0 5. 13 July 2024 Stade Louis Darragon, Vichy, France 1–1 1–1 6. 31 May 2025 Marbella Football Center, San Pedro Alcántara, Spain 1–1 1–3 7. 27 February 2026 National Stadium, Honiara, Solomon Islands 4–0 8–0 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification 8. 11 April 2026 FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand 4–0 5–0 9. 15 April 2026 North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand 1–0 1–0

Personal life

Kitching was born to a New Zealand mother and English father.