Worcester City Women FC Launch New Performance Squad as Club Continues to Raise the Bar for Female Player Development

Written By WCWFC

Independently-owned Worcester City Women FC has announced a major new step in the club’s long-term player development strategy with the launch of a new Performance Squad structure ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The new programme will replace the club’s current U18 and Reserve structures with an integrated Performance Squad designed for talented players aged 16–21 from across Worcestershire and the surrounding region. The squad will operate across two teams, creating a clearer and more ambitious pathway into senior football and ultimately the club’s FA Women’s National League First Squad.

As part of the announcement, the club has confirmed the appointment of Katie Heath as U21 Head Coach, while Emma Collins will remain as U18 Head Coach.

Both coaches have been part of Worcester City Women FC for the past five years, since the club became independently owned under the leadership of Nicole Allison. Having previously represented the club as players, both Katie and Emma have successfully transitioned into coaching roles and have become integral figures within the club’s development pathway.

Emma Collins holds a UEFA B Licence, while Katie Heath is UEFA C qualified, with further announcements regarding the wider coaching and support team set to be revealed in the coming weeks.

Katie Heath brings significant experience into her new role, having previously enjoyed success as Head Coach of the club’s Reserve side before stepping into a First Squad coaching role during the 2025/26 season alongside First Team Manager Matt Jones in the FA Women’s National League. Her experience operating within a Tier 4 national league environment places her in a strong position to now lead the U21 Performance Squad and support the next generation of players aiming to break into senior football.

The new Performance Squad will provide a more structured, challenging and elite environment than traditional grassroots football, reflecting the club’s ambitions to develop high-performing players capable of progressing through the women’s football pyramid.

The programme will include:

  • Dedicated weekly training sessions hosted at the University of Worcester 3G, next to the WCWFC First Squad

  • Saturday fixtures in the Central Warwickshire Girls Premier League for U18 players

  • Sunday fixtures in the West Midlands Women’s Regional League Division One for U21 players (Tier 6)

  • Local cup competitions

  • A bespoke games programme featuring fixtures against FA Women’s National League opposition at both regional and national level

The club believes the new structure represents a major investment in the future of the women’s game locally, creating stronger connections between youth development and elite senior football.

U21 Head Coach, Katie Heath said:

“This is about creating an environment that genuinely challenges and develops ambitious players. We want to provide a clear pathway into First Team football and raise standards across every aspect of the programme. The launch of the Performance Squad reflects the ambitions of Worcester City Women FC as we continue building an elite performance environment that is different to the traditional grassroots model.”

The Performance Squad will consist of approximately 28 players and is designed to maximise contact time, improve player review processes, increase competitive opportunities and expose players to higher-level football environments on a regular basis.

The club says the move is also part of its long-term ambition to continue progressing further up the women’s football pyramid, while ensuring talented young female players across the county have access to a high-performance environment without needing to leave the region.

Further announcements regarding the wider coaching structure will be announced over the coming weeks.

Interested in playing for WCWFC Performance Squad? Sign up to our Open Sessions on Thursday 4th June and Tuesday 16th June here - https://www.wcwfc.co.uk/blog/wcwfc-open-sessions

Any questions? 

For U21s contact - katie@wcwfc.co.uk

For U18s contact - wcwfcu18@wcwfc.co.uk

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