By Jonathan White
It’s been a remarkable first year for the Nantwich Town FC Women’s Development Squad. Established in January 2024 to meet the growing interest and success of women’s football at the club, the squad has made significant strides both on and off the pitch.
Formed to create a pathway from youth football to the first team, the Development Squad is competing in their debut season in the Cheshire Women’s and Youth League – Championship East.
Despite being predominantly made up of under-18 players, the young team has shown their mettle against seasoned adult opponents, currently sitting in second place in the league standings with 16 points after nine games (five wins, one draw, and three losses).
Led by an experienced coaching team – Gareth Davies (Manager), Louis Stallman (Assistant Manager), and Mark Murphy (Coach) – the Development Squad emphasises growth and opportunity.
Reflecting on the squad’s journey, Davies said:
“The development squad has been a crucial part of our club’s efforts to bridge the gap and create that pathway between youth and the first team. The gap between youth football and adult football can be huge, so it’s important to have this squad to allow the transition. Each week, we work with driven, young players eager to learn, improve, and ultimately challenge First Team Manager Dan Mellor with their performances.”
In December, the squad celebrated a milestone when four players earned promotions to the First Team for a County Cup fixture. This progression highlights the success of the development system, which is designed to nurture talent and prepare players for higher levels of competition.
Richard Embley, Head of Women’s Football at Nantwich Town FC, praised the squad’s influence on the club’s structure and culture:
“The creation of the Development Squad was a vital step for us as a club. It’s been fantastic to see the players grow, develop, and embrace the values we stand for. Nantwich Town FC Women provides a supportive environment with FA-qualified coaches, access to top-class facilities like the Swansway Stadium 3G pitch, and a passionate fan base. Our goal is to nurture talent and offer opportunities for players to progress to the First Team while embodying our family and community ethos.”
With a solid league performance in their first season and a clear pathway to the First Team, the Development Squad has set a strong foundation for the future of women’s football at Nantwich Town FC.
The club is always looking for talented players to join its ranks, offering a welcoming environment, top facilities, and a commitment to growth and community values.
For more information about Nantwich Town FC Women, please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies or contact Richard Embley at 07881823773.