One of the most highly rated young strikers in the English game, Kelly made the move to City from FA Women’s Super League rivals Everton earlier this summer and has already impressed in our pre-season friendly outings.
The 22-year-old England forward and her colleagues are now training their sights on this weekend’s high-profile FA Women’s Community Shield encounter with Chelsea at Wembley.
For her part, Kelly says she will go into the game emboldened by the experience of her first few months at the Club following her move up the M62 from Merseyside to Manchester.
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“The move to City has been everything I hoped for and more! I absolutely love it here,” the striker declared.
“I think it was a great decision for me and every day I try to make the most of the opportunity I’ve got here.
“Pre-season has been great. As soon as I came in, I was made to feel really welcome. The girls are great, and the manager is brilliant. We’ve got a great vibe.
“It has been an easy group to come into. Straight away it felt like a real family here. When the group is so tight there are no cliques – it’s easy to walk into and they really make you feel welcome.
“There’s a good balance between the older players and the younger ones and I’m looking to learn from our experienced players but also compete.
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“I’m willing to learn and I want to take in as much information as I can and put it on the pitch.
“We’ve played some great football in pre-season, scoring goals and really putting in the work we’ve been practicing on the training pitch.”
Saturday’s first FA Women’s Community Shield clash in 12 years brings together two of the women’s games leading contenders and will be the perfect way to usher in an eagerly anticipated new season.
In a further boost, the game will be televised live on the BBC, attracting a huge potential audience.
And for Londoner Kelly, the prospect of potentially making her competitive City debut in such a high-profile clash is one she is relishing.
“I’m very excited (about the game),” she admitted.
“It’s been a tough pre-season but we’ve prepared well, we’re ready and we’re all raring to go now.
“Wembley is local for me as it’s where I grew up.
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“It will be a great occasion and hopefully I could get to make my debut for City there. It will be a big day for everyone and hopefully we can get the result that we need.
“Playing Chelsea will help set the tone for the season and then we’ll get going from there.
“I think it will be a tough season ahead but what a way to start it against Chelsea.”
