Wolverhampton Wanderers W.F.C. facts for kids
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| Full name | Wolverhampton Wanderers Girls' & Women's Football Club | |||
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| Nickname(s) | Wolves, She-Wolves, "Wolfettes" | |||
| Founded | 1975 (as Heathfield Rovers) | |||
| Ground | New Bucks Head, Telford | |||
| Capacity | 6300 | |||
| Chairperson | Jenny Wilkes | |||
| Manager | Daniel McNamara | |||
| League | FA Women's National League Division One Midlands | |||
| 2019–20 | FA Women's National League Division One Midlands (season abandoned) | |||
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Wolverhampton Wanderers Women's Football Club, often called Wolves Women, is an English women's football team. They are connected to the famous Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. The club plays in the FA Women's National League North.
Contents
Team History: How Wolves Women Started
The club began playing football in 1975. Back then, they were known as Heathfield Rovers. The next season, their name changed to Wolverhampton & Wednesbury Tube LFC. Later, they became known as Wolverhampton Ladies.
Joining the Wolves Family
Just before the 1993–94 season, the club got special permission. They were allowed to use the name Wolverhampton Wanderers Women's Football Club. This meant they became part of the bigger Wolverhampton Wanderers family. That same season, they were promoted to the top league, the FA Women's Premier League National Division.
However, after two seasons, they moved down a league. This is called being relegated. They went back to the Northern Division. A talented player named Rachel Unitt grew up playing in the club's youth system. She scored 12 goals in the 1999-00 season before moving to Everton.
Ups and Downs in the Leagues
In May 2001, Dennis Mortimer became the team's manager. He tried to get the team promoted for three seasons. He left in 2004 because of other work. In the 2004–05 season, Wolves Women finished second in their league. They were runners-up to Sunderland.
After that season, some key players left. Emily Westwood and Amy McCann both went to Everton. In 2005–06, the team finished sixth.
Wolves Women were relegated again in 2006–07. They moved down to the Midland Combination. In May 2008, the club got a big boost. They became fully connected with Wolverhampton Wanderers. They also started a partnership with Wolverhampton College.
Winning Titles and Promotions
On April 19, 2012, Wolves Women had a great day. They won the Midland Combination Title. This win meant they were promoted back to the Northern Division for the 2012–13 Season. They also won the League Cup Final, beating Stoke 2–0. This was a "double win" for the team!
The 2014–15 season was tough for Wolves Women. They were relegated again and finished last in their league. They only earned 8 points from 22 games. This led to changes in the coaching staff.
New Managers and New Success
At the start of the 2015–16 season, Steve Cullis became the new manager. His goal was to get the team promoted back to the Northern Division. He also worked on making the youth section of the club stronger.
In October 2016, Steve Cullis took on a new role. He became the Technical Director for the club's special youth training center. Tim Dudding took over as manager of the main team. Dudding led a very successful season. The club was promoted to the Northern Division once more.
After a difficult start to the 2018 season, Dan McNamara became the First Team Manager. He helped the team fight hard to avoid being relegated. They just missed out by a small difference in goals. After some changes in women's football, the team is now in the new FA Women's National League Midlands Division One.
At the end of the 2020–21 season, Wolves were promoted again. They moved up to the FA Women's National League North. In the next season (2021–22), Wolves played very well. They earned a spot in the play-off game. This game could have led to another promotion, this time to the FA Women’s Championship. They beat Sheffield F.C. Ladies 2-0. However, they lost the play-off game 1–0 to Southampton F.C..
Home Ground: Where Wolves Women Play
Wolves Women play their home games at the New Bucks Head. This stadium is in Telford. It is also the home ground for A.F.C. Telford United.
Meet the Players
First Team Squad
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Regional Talent Club: Developing Young Stars
The Wolves Girls Regional Talent Club is a special training center. It helps develop talented young girls in football. This program started in June 2016. Jenna Burke-Martin is the Technical Director for this club.
Other Teams at Wolves Women
The Wolverhampton Wanderers Development Team also plays football. They compete in the FA Women's National Reserve League Midland Division 2. Their home games are at Compton Park. This is the main training ground for Wolves.
Who Runs the Club?
Here are some of the key people who help run Wolves Women:
- Coaching Staff
- Head of Women's and Girls' Football: Jenna Burke-Martin
- First Team Manager: Daniel McNamara
- First Team Assistant Manager: Marcus Webber
- First Team Goalkeeper Coach: Hugh McCluskie
- First Team Physio: Jenny Stretton and Paul Taylor
- Club Committee
- Owner: Wolverhampton Wanderers Foundation
- Chair: Jenny Wilkes
- Secretary: Brian Churm
Famous Former Players
These are some former Wolves players who have played for their country's senior national team:
Emily Westwood- Rachel Unitt
- Jody Handley
Amy McCann- Shannon Turner
Kerrie Manley
Team Achievements (Honours)
- 2016/17 FA Women's Premier League Midlands Division One Champions
- 2021/22 FA Women's National League North Champions
