Gareth Taylor’s side face Chelsea at Wembley in the 2020/21 season curtain raiser – the first FA Women’s Community Shield clash since 2008.
Having last played competitively before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, White says the squad have been counting down the days to the first fixture, adding that a positive pre-season schedule has only added to the anticipation.
“We’re really excited to kick off the new season,” she said.
“We’ve come through a really good pre-season and we’re raring to go, coming into the new season fresh and excited with a new manager and exciting new players.
“We’re all looking forward to being part of the Community Shield. It hasn’t been around for 12 years and to have it back is brilliant.
“There hasn’t been much women’s football during the pandemic. The Champions League has been on but this is an amazing game for us to showcase the English game – and us and Chelsea.
“It’s great to have women’s football back on screens and for us, it’s great to be back playing football, kickstarting the season.
“It’s a massive game for us and for it to be played at Wembley – an iconic stadium – is incredible.
“It will be strange with no fans there but to walk out at Wembley is a dream.
“So many people dream of playing there and we feel privileged to be able to do that and to showcase women’s football.”
As last season’s top two lock horns, White admitted there is a little extra spice to the occasion, after City missed out on the FA Women’s Super League crown in place of Chelsea, who were awarded the title on a points per game basis.
Although the forward insists her side are fully focused on the future, she agreed there is always an added incentive to defeat your rivals.
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“It’s an exciting game for us,” she continued. “It’s one of our biggest rivalries and a big one to prepare for.
“I’m sure there is a little something extra. You can’t shy away from that fact.
“It wouldn’t be ‘revenge’ for the way the season ended – and we’re not going to be hung up on that – but it is a big game.
“It’s a chance to potentially win silverware right at the start of the season, build some momentum and see where we are at the moment.
“We’re all really excited.”
