United kick off their FA Women's Championship season on Sunday, away to London City Lionesses, but if it wasn't for a move back home to the North East in 2022, McQuade may not have been donning the famous black and white.

After moving to Manchester for university, and taking a break from the sport altogether, McQuade has since returned to the North East.

And since breaking into the side last season, the attacking midfielder has not missed a beat in Becky Langley's first team and admitted she's proud of herself for reaching this point in what's still a very young career.

"Two years ago, I didn't think I'd be playing football anytime soon," McQuade told newcastleunited.com ahead of Sunday's season opener.

"I don't think I'd even moved back home yet, so fast forward to this point and playing in the Championship alongside top quality players is a proud moment for me."

McQuade finished last season with 12 goals from 26 appearances across all competitions, despite a rib injury keeping her out at the beginning of the campaign.

The fleet-footed attacker is delighted to have a full pre-season under her belt this time around, and has certainly made up for lost time.

"I missed the end of last summer's pre-season because of my broken ribs, so this year it's been much better," she said.

"I've been involved throughout the training sessions and friendlies and even though standards were very high last year, they've gone up another level with our new signings."

There are very few away days further from Kingston Park that United could've asked for on the opening day of the season than a visit to Hayes Lane.

Despite it being a ten hour round trip by car, the Lasses are still sure to be heavily backed in their first outing in the Championship.

United's loyal fans were a regular sight on the team's travels last season as Newcastle stormed to the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division title, and McQuade can't wait to see them flood out Bromley's stadium on Sunday.

"I've seen a lot of people buying tickets for this game and even a few booking plane tickets to come watch us play," she said.

"We've really missed the fans during pre-season, so it'll be great to play in front of them once again."

Newcastle United Women season tickets for the 2024-25 season are on sale at book.newcastleunited.com.