Blowing the whistle for change: a leading football club for Women and Girls

Without energy you can’t have movement, and without movement nothing can change...

Worcester City, United Kingdom, is the epicentre of a movement that will create lasting change in the UK and throughout the world. This is not just a story about goals and victories; it's a story about leadership, community, and the power of sport to drive social change. At the centre of this movement is Nicole Allison, the owner of Worcester City Women Football Club, who is determined to create more opportunities for Women and Girls on and off the pitch—a vision born from her own experiences as a youth of limited opportunities in football.

I had the privilege to report on an unforgettable and unique Matchnight at Sixways Stadium. An evening that featured a captivating networking event that brought people together, culminating in an exclusive and inspirational Q&A with Nicole. An exciting game of football left the crowd in anticipation. It was a night of connection, purpose and passion that attracted a record crowd for this season.

Nicole’s Q&A Session

Women can own Football Clubs

Having experienced the friendly and welcoming nature of members of staff at Sixways Stadium, from the gate through to the pitch, the evening started in the International Suite. Professionals and community members filled the room and there was an energy from the onset which gained momentum as the evening unfolded. Without energy you can’t have movement, and without movement nothing can change. Every single person who was there can know, they are part of creating a change that will benefit not only women and girls in football, but across society too. 

People were encouraged to move to the viewing windows to look out at the pitch and take in the impressive stadium where the women were set to play. The stage was set to connect and hear more from Nicole about the journey of Worcester City Women and their purpose driven commitment to change.

Nicole is at the centre of the club as the owner and CEO, using her platform to include and inspire as many people as possible along the way. Nicole's football journey began in her back garden, kicking a ball around for the pure joy of it. There were no organised opportunities for her to take part in and any football she played was recreational. Today, she is motivated to create those opportunities in her own county so that "young Nicoles" can have the chance she never had. As the former General Manager at Tottenham Hotspur Women Football Club, Nicole wants young girls to know that "women can own football clubs". And, every female player, coach, staff member, volunteer and supporter who passes through the club can be a future leader. 

Goals beyond Football

The club’s leadership and vision have driven the Women’s First Team to Tier 4 of the FA pyramid, with aspirations to climb higher and drive more significant change. The club's players serve as role models for young girls, inspiring them to pursue their dreams in sports and beyond. 

The club operates on the belief that sport goes beyond the pitch, and it serves as a vehicle for social change and community building offering football to all ages, genders and abilities. 

A key mission of the club is to amplify what women can do, not just in football but in business and society, with female leadership at its core. There is recognition by those involved that this is bigger than Worcester City itself; it’s about contributing to the 2030 sustainable development goals, which have gender equality as their fifth goal. This can only be achieved by purpose-led initiatives in all communities creating the change the world needs to see, and football and sport can be a key vehicle for this. Eighty percent of female Fortune 500 CEOs played sports in their formative years, emphasising the profound impact of early exposure to sports on women's development and their ability to reach their full potential.

Investing in the future

This is an independent football club led by volunteers who are recognised for the passion and dedication they bring. The club's tagline, RISE, stands for Respectful, Inspirational, Successful, and Exceptional, reflecting its values and goals, as well as the upward movement created by committing to ongoing change. 

Investment in the club is about more than just money; it's about showing up, volunteering, and giving what you can. The club has the most valuable things already: loyalty, trust, and a community aligned to a mission, vision, and purpose. Financial investment will amplify and transform what has been growing organically and authentically.

The game ended in a goalless draw, with Worcester City dominating possession and creating several attacking chances that they were unable to convert. The final whistle in a game doesn’t signal the end, it signifies a continuation of a never-ending process of learning, growing, and building. When the whistle blows, it is a reminder to keep believing that change will come and to trust the evolving process. The players at the club are role models for young girls in Worcester, seen giving autographs after the game. The community spirit is palpable, and the club invites everyone—women, girls, boys, men, no matter their background—to connect to the purpose.

Written by Olivia Rae. Olivia is on a mission to make writing/media more accessible for Neurodivergent people - especially in football. She wants to highlight stories of people and organisations making a difference and who they are beyond the pitch too. Worcester City Women FC is delighted to work with Olivia in support of her mission.

You can follow Olivia via her LinkedIn or Instagram page (@ollierae14)..