Jackie Burns’ journey into football may have started later than most, but her rise has been shaped by instinct, adaptability and a growing sense of purpose — qualities she now brings to Burnley as the club prepares for life in WSL2.
Having joined following Burnley’s promotion, the Northern Ireland international heads into the new season with a clear focus: contribute, compete and help establish the club in one of the most demanding leagues in the women’s game.
“I’m just really thankful for the opportunity,” Burns said. “Burnley have high aspirations, and from the moment I came in, I felt valued and supported.”
A natural shift to goalkeeping
Burns’ early sporting life was varied, with hockey and netball among the sports she played before football entered the picture at the age of eight.
What began as a recreational activity quickly developed into something more permanent.
“We used to rotate positions during games, and when I went in goal, I just didn’t want to come back out,” she recalled. “That’s how it all started.”
From that moment, goalkeeping became her identity — one she has continued to develop throughout her career.
A move built on trust
Burns’ decision to join Burnley was heavily influenced by the approach of the coaching staff.
A detailed presentation from the manager, alongside analysis from the goalkeeping coach, gave her a clear understanding of how she would fit into the team.
“She showed me exactly how I would fit into the team and what my role would be,” Burns explained. “That made a big difference.”
That level of preparation and personal attention reinforced her feeling of being valued — something she considers essential when settling into a new environment.
“When you feel valued, it just makes everything easier, whether you’re playing or not,” she said.
Settling into a supportive environment
Since arriving at Burnley, Burns has been impressed by the club’s emphasis on supporting players both on and off the pitch.
Feeling heard as a person, rather than simply as a footballer, has been central to her early experience.
“That’s really important to me,” she said. “Burnley have been brilliant in that way.”
The experience has also influenced how Burns sees her future in the game.
She has expressed an interest in remaining involved in football beyond her playing career, potentially through a player-care role helping others adjust to new clubs and environments.
Embracing the WSL2 challenge
Burnley step into the WSL2 as newcomers, but Burns believes the squad has the right balance to compete.
“There’s a real drive from the group to prove ourselves in this league,” she said. “We know how competitive it is; every game is unpredictable.”
That intensity is something Burns embraces, describing the WSL2 as one of the most exciting leagues to be part of because of its week-to-week uncertainty.
With a blend of experienced players and those who have grown with the club, Burnley’s immediate objective is clear: establish themselves and build a strong foundation at their new level.
Building together in Spain
Preparation for the season has already provided a strong platform.
A pre-season tour to Spain proved to be an important opportunity for the squad to spend extended time together and build relationships away from the usual training environment.
“It was massive for us,” Burns said. “Being together in one place, working hard but also having fun, really helped the team bond.”
The camp, combined with early training sessions and a positive first friendly, has helped give the group momentum ahead of the WSL2 campaign.
Leadership and experience
Burns arrives with both WSL2 and international experience, and she hopes to use that experience to become an important voice within the squad, particularly in the defensive unit.
“It’s about bringing experience and helping the team through different moments in games,” she said.
At the same time, her personal objectives remain straightforward: earn regular minutes, contribute consistently and enjoy her football.
Continuing to develop
Despite her experience, Burns remains focused on improving her game.
One of her key priorities during pre-season has been developing her weaker foot — an area she believes can make her more effective and adaptable.
“It’s about becoming more comfortable on both sides,” she explained. “It helps you adapt in different situations and makes you more versatile.”
That focus reflects the modern demands placed on goalkeepers, where distribution, decision-making and comfort in possession are increasingly important.
Measuring success
For Burns, goalkeeper performances cannot always be judged by the number of saves made or the amount of action involved.
“Sometimes, if I don’t have a busy day, that’s a good performance,” she said. “It means the team in front is doing their job.”
Her emphasis is on keeping the team in games, providing a reliable presence behind the defence and contributing to a strong collective structure.
For a newly promoted side, that consistency could prove particularly valuable.
International ambitions
Alongside her club ambitions, Burns continues to represent Northern Ireland, with a challenging play-off campaign on the horizon.
A difficult tie against Portugal awaits, but Burns remains grounded in her approach.
“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’ll always give everything,” she said. “That’s what we’re about.”
Preparation, adapting to the new manager’s approach and reintegrating key players will all be important as Northern Ireland look to progress.
Ready for the next chapter
As Burnley prepare for their first WSL2 campaign, Burns embodies the mindset required of a newly promoted side: grounded, determined and ready to grow.
Her early impressions of the club have been positive, while her experience, leadership and commitment to continuous improvement could make her an important figure as Burnley take on the challenge ahead.
For Burns, though, there is little point in looking too far beyond the immediate task.“I just can’t wait to get started,” she said.
