Building Success: Four Journeys Through the WCWFC Pathway
At WCWFC, our mission is clear: to empower girls and women to break down barriers on and off the pitch. From young aspiring players looking to hone their skills to women seeking a welcoming social team, our club provides opportunities for all stages of their footballing journey.
Our dedicated talent pathway is at the heart of this mission, a clear, supported route for female footballers to progress and reach their full potential. In this article, we share the stories of four incredible females at the club, each at a different stage of their footballing journey, to showcase the power of opportunity, support, and belief in action.
Nicole Allison: Building a Legacy for the Next Generation
Nicole’s football journey began in her back garden, kicking a ball with her dad and brother. Growing up in Worcester in the early 2000s, her opportunities to play were scarce. There were no local girls’ teams, and while she played in the boys’ school team at primary level, she often felt like an outsider, hearing taunts like “girly girly, you’re not allowed to play football”.
Those early challenges lit a fire in Nicole, a drive to make sure young girls today don’t face the same barriers. After an impressive career that included becoming General Manager at Tottenham Hotspur Women, Nicole returned to her roots to create opportunities for the next generation.
Her vision is simple but powerful: to show young girls that women can own football clubs and that every player, coach, volunteer and supporter at WCWFC can become a future leader.
Under her leadership, WCWFC has seen remarkable growth. The First Team now compete in Tier 4 of the FA Women’s National League, with ambitions to go even further. But progress isn’t just measured in league standings, it’s visible in the role models signing autographs post-match, the community spirit in the stands, and the belief that football can be a vehicle for lasting change.
"Our purpose as a football club has always been, and always will be, about leveraging the power of football as a force for good by empowering girls and women to break through barriers on and off the pitch."
Jess Fassnidge: Captain, Leader, Role Model
First Team Captain Jess Fassnidge brings a wealth of experience, resilience, and leadership to WCWFC. A journey that’s taken her from Worcester to the US and back again.
Jess’s football journey began in local boys’ teams, as opportunities for girls were limited in Worcester. Her dad, the coach of her youth team, pushed her to be strong and independent in an environment dominated by boys. That early experience gave Jess the confidence and drive to pursue football at a higher level.
At 18, she earned a scholarship to study and play in the United States, first at Eastern Florida State College, where she helped her team reach the NJCAA National Championship Final, and later at Flagler College. There, she embraced her role as a leader, winning MVP, captaining her side, and even joining the college’s track team to further her fitness. While football was at the core, her time in the US also shaped her as a person, helping her grow as a player, leader, and individual.
After returning to the UK, Jess experienced the post-athlete identity struggle that so many face. But she soon found her way back into football, playing for Worcester City FC and, later, Worcester City Women FC. However, the journey hasn’t been plain sailing; in 2019, an ACL injury halted her playing career. But she didn’t let it hold her back. As she worked through rehab, Jess took on several roles within the club: Assistant Manager, Interim Manager, Team Secretary, and S&C Coach. It was during this time that Nicole Allison joined WCWFC, and Jess instantly connected with her vision for the club. That conversation sparked a renewed sense of purpose, and Jess knew she wanted to be part of something bigger.
Now, captain of the First Team, Jess brings with her not only experience and composure on the pitch but a deep understanding of what it means to lead, support, and inspire others. Off the pitch, she works full-time as a Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Worcester, where she continues to champion research and innovation to push the women’s game forward.
Ellie Roberts: A Goal-Scoring Star on the Rise
Sixth Former Ellie Roberts started playing football in year five at primary school, playing for grassroots club Warndon Villages, as well as her mixed school team. Ellie has played every season since. Her footballing journey has taken her beyond the local game, representing Worcestershire Schools County FA at U16 level and travelling to tournaments in Sweden and on sports tours in Barbados.
Now playing for both the U18s and the Reserves, Ellie is thriving. A sharp, versatile attacker, she’s scored an impressive 27 goals this season in WCWFC colours.
“With the Reserves, I am learning so much about the game both in and out of possession. It’s great to play alongside more experienced players and learn from those who are better than me.”
Away from the pitch, Ellie also excels in cricket as a wicketkeeper/batter for Astwood Bank Women’s Cricket Club and Worcestershire County U18s, a brilliant example of how multi-sport skills can elevate performance.
As she considers her next steps after school, sport is front and centre. “In my generation, girls’ participation in sport is growing, and so many more are getting involved,” she says. “I know loads of players who’ve had amazing opportunities through sport — opportunities that just didn’t exist for previous generations.”
Ellie’s journey is a testament to the success of WCWFC’s pathway, inspiring the next generation of young players to follow in her footsteps.
Lily Jackman: The Youngest Player in the Club with Grand Aspirations
GCSE Student Lily Jackman (“Jacko”) may be the youngest player at WCWFC, but her footballing skill means she is playing competitive football against opponents two years her senior.
Jacko has always had a precocious talent, initially sparked by playing against her brother in the garden, progressing to joining an FA Wildcat Centre, part of a national girls' grassroots engagement programme. By age 10, Lily joined the Worcester City girls' team, starting as a defender, learning the game before moving into midfield. Jacko was so successful that she was selected to represent Worcestershire Schools County FA at Under 14s.
The young star embodies the WCWFC development pathway, a talented player certainly worth watching for the future. Despite her age, Jacko has started to train with the Reserve squad and is excelling in her introduction to the strategies, tactics and demands of the senior game.
"Both the U18 and Reserve teams have been welcoming; I really don’t feel like the youngest as I’m treated the same,” Jacko explained.
She fondly remembers WCWFC First Team players attending her training sessions at Worcester City Girls and seeing a clear path ahead of her. Although it was tough to leave her original team, she knew joining WCWFC was the right move for her development.
Jacko’s ambition is clear, she hopes to make the progression through the Reserves and into the First Team. She is very excited about the future of WCWFC and its growth. After GCSEs, she is planning to attend Sixth Form College and join their football academy alongside her A-levels.
Lily’s story is one of promise, potential, and proof that age is no barrier when the right support and opportunity are in place.
Through stories like these four amazing women, we see how the pathway is more than just a structure, it’s a lifeline for girls and women to chase dreams, find belonging, and lead with confidence. As we grow as a club, we remain committed to opening doors and breaking down barriers for girls and women, one goal, one game, and one story at a time.
