Tara Bourne

Tara Kelly Bourne (born 17 July 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League 2 club Sunderland and the England under-23s. She previously played for Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Southampton.

Club career Bourne moved from the Liverpool U21 academy to join the Manchester United U21 academy during the 2019–20 season. She made her senior debut for United in April 2021 in an FA Cup fourth round tie against Burnley, entering as a 59th-minute substitute during the 6–0 win.

In August 2021, Bourne signed her first professional contract with the club and was sent out on a season-long loan with Sheffield United of the Championship. She made 12 appearances in all competitions for United before the loan was terminated early in January 2022 and Bourne joined fellow Championship side Blackburn Rovers for the remainder of the 2021–22 season.

In August 2022, Bourne joined newly relegated Championship side Birmingham City on loan for the 2022–23 season. She made 18 appearances in all competitions and scored her first senior goal on 19 April 2023 in a 1–0 league win over Durham. On 30 June 2023, it was announced Bourne had departed Manchester United following the conclusion of the season.

On 2 August 2023, Bourne rejoined Sheffield United on a permanent transfer.

On 9 July 2024, Bourne signed for Women's Championship club Southampton.

On 6 July 2026, it was announced that Bourne signed with Women's Super League 2 club Sunderland on a two-year contract and would wear the number 6 shirt.

International career Internationally, Bourne made three appearances for England under-19 during 2022 UEFA Under-19 Championship qualification and was named to the squad for the final tournament, making a further three appearances at 2022 UEFA Under-19 Championship.

In August 2022, she was named to the England under-23 squad to play in a friendly against Norway, where she was a used substitute. On 22 November 2022, Bourne made her first appearance for the team as a 71st-minute substitute, preventing Italy from scoring with a block on the goal line for a 0–0 draw. On 30 October 2023, she made her first start for the under-23s in the new European U23 League against Portugal during a 2–0 victory.

Career statistics Club