Houghton ‘honoured’ to become City’s first female Ambassador

Steph Houghton says becoming Manchester City’s first female Club Ambassador is a special honour.

Our former captain and City legend joins the likes of Mike Summerbee, Joleon Lescott and Shaun Wright-Phillips in representing the Club at various matches and events around the world, including the recent 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in October.

It sees Houghton once again make history at the Club, having already become our first-ever professional captain, centurion and double centurion during her playing career, which spanned over a decade at the Joie Stadium.

She has also become a Project Officer at City, which will see her gain valuable experience across various footballing departments over the next few years.

Houghton says it was an easy decision to take these opportunities and something she considers a real privilege.

She said of her roles: “To be the first female club ambassador with the likes of Mike Summerbee, Joleon Lescott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and plenty more legends along the way, I’m really honoured.

“For me to be here in that capacity is something I wanted to do, but as soon as the Club asked me, I was like ‘definitely’, I want to be here I want to represent the Club, what it stands for and its values.

“I feel I have the experience to do that but it’s about showing my support and representing the Club to all levels, not just the women’s game but the men’s game [as well].

“To be surrounded by the likes of Mike Summerbee; for me he typifies what this Club is about.

“When you think about Manchester City you think about Mike Summerbee, because he’s always there at every single game, everyone loves him and he’s a real credit to himself and all of us as well.”

Houghton’s roles will also see her occasionally cross paths with her former team-mates and coaching staff.

A hugely respected member of the squad during her playing days, she hopes her new position within the Club will be a major bonus to the players, as well as herself.

WATCH: 241108_STEPH RETURNS TO CITY_WIDE

Indeed, Houghton feels she can provide a unique perspective as a familiar face on the outside, sharing a laugh or offering advice and support in equal measure, should she be needed.

“That’s the biggest thing when you retire, you miss that environment of being part of a team,” she added.

“Maybe I’m in a team in a different capacity now, but if I wasn’t here and I wasn’t part of the Club still then that would be a massive miss to me and also my family as well.

“So, it’s really nice to see everybody again and if anybody ever needs me, I’m always there to bounce off because it’s nice to have someone that sits on the outside you can always trust.

“So, it’s nice to be back in and give them a bit of banter for sure.”