To mark our 10-year anniversary at the City Football Academy, we caught up with our legendary former captain Steph Houghton at the Joie Stadium.

This week marks a decade since our state-of-the-art training centre was officially opened by former manager and skipper, Tony Book. 

An 80-acre regenerated brownfield site, it has become an integral part of our 200-acre Etihad Campus with the CFA connected to the Etihad Stadium by the Nexen Tire Bridge.

This also included the installation of the Joie Stadium – the first purpose-built arena for a women’s team which has hosted Gareth Taylor’s side’s matches alongside Elite Development Squad and selected Under-18s games.

An original member of our relaunched professional team in 2014, Houghton enjoyed a swathe of memorable moments at the stadium before her retirement at the end of 2023/24.

In the video above, our colossal ex-defender discusses a variety of topics including the early days at the CFA, the impact of the centre and the future of women’s football at the Club. 

Watch Houghton’s walk and talk by pressing the play button!