Steph Wakelin provided an update on the structure of the women’s teams, from the Elite Girls’ Academy, through to the development squad and the first team.
Mentioned standout Academy products such as Ruby Millington, who has been with the Club from the age of 5.
Connect asked how Stoke City compares to other Championship Clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers, Derby County, West Bromwich Albion and Middlesbrough were all cited as examples within National League North, which is the third tier of women’s football.
Stoke City are the only club in their league that pays its women’s development squad as well as first team.
Once the new build at Clayton Wood is complete, the existing pavilion will be refurbished and will become the home of the women’s team and Academy.
Asked about past negative media reports on the women’s team’s previous pitch and treatment of serious injuries, and criticism of lack of information regarding the women’s team, Steph explained the following:
- The Club has moved from Norton to Yarnfield and invested £250k in the facilities.
- Coverage of the women’s team through the Club’s media channels has improved significantly during the current season.
- Players were not insured for injuries at the time of the media attention. However, treatment was ultimately offered and provided by the Club and insurance has now been put in place.
Asked about the possibility of the women’s team playing more matches at the bet365 Stadium, it was confirmed that, with two games having taken place in ST4 so far this season, the Club will continue to schedule more games there during the years ahead.
Connect asked what is in place to encourage young girls to play the game and get scouted to join the Club. Steph said a wide-ranging programme of participation activities take place via the Club’s Foundation, that the existing network of Academy scouts pass on their recommendations regarding female players and that open trials are a further source of talent identification.
Women’s team goalkeeper, Harriet Grimshaw, had attended an event in a school that day.
Asked about the women’s team’s ambitions to be promoted beyond their current division, Steph confirmed this is subject to an application process, not just results on the pitch, and that the Club will continue to make a dynamic assessment on feasibility on each occasion.

Agenda submissions requested for December Stoke City Connect as October minutes published