Meet West Brom's first ever women's under-18s squad

Albion have launched a brand new side as an under-18s outfit will represent the women’s team for the first time this season.

The Baggies youngsters will represent the blue and white stripes and the club badge when their season begins on Saturday.

The under-18s are managed by Jodie Williams, who has previously coached at Everton and The New Saints.

The squad will compete in the JPL Warriors League against under-18s rivals from around the country. Albion are in the female under-18s ‘white’ division, one of eight clubs from the wider Midlands area.

They kickstart life as a new side away to Wellingborough Town Ladies on Saturday morning (10.30am kick-off) in Northamptonshire.

The side’s launch is part of owners Bilkul’s continued drive to improve the women’s set-up, and to help bridge the gap between the academy ranks and the first team. Several young players have progressed in recent years.

Other clubs in the league are Boldmere St Michaels, Kidderminster Harriers, Peterborough, Real Bedford, Rugby Borough and Sky Blues in the Community (Coventry). There are seven women’s under-18s divisions nationwide.

Albion under-18s new squad is confirmed as: Grace Cooke (goalkeeper), Alexia Jew (goalkeeper), Lexi Taylor (defender), Maddie Evans (defender), Miley Wheeler (defender), Kiah Probert (defender), Martha Hill (defender), Lydia Davis (defender/midfielder), Jemima Harlin (midfielder), Louisa Taylor-Santos (midfielder), Grace Heeley (midfielder), Evie Fisher (midfielder), Darcy Jones (midfielder), Jaida Gilling-Campbell (forward), Larna Downie (forward) and Lakeema Robinson (forward).

Boss Williams will be assisted by Aaron Bryan, formerly of Wolves.

There is a weekend of no action next weekend, following the opener at Wellingborough, before a clash at local rivals Kidderminster on October 10 and a home fixture against Rugby in Smethwick on October 17.