Watford Football Club are delighted to announce that Grace Williams has been appointed the new General Manager of Watford FC Ladies.
A former Watford Academy and Centre of Excellence player, Grace is more than familiar with the Golden Girls and brings a wealth of footballing knowledge to the role. And, having also managed a fitness club, she has a rounded background that enables her to take on every challenge thrown at her and the Golden Girls moving forward.
The first match under her stewardship will be this Sunday - Remembrance Day - as Head Coach Armand Kavaja’s side line up in a local derby against MK Dons Ladies at Kings Langley FC.
Williams, though, is already looking further forward to the challenges facing the Ladies in the short, mid, and long-term, and is relishing the prospect of taking the Golden Girls forward.
“It’s a dream (of mine), working for Watford FC, since being part of the academy as a young girl,” said Williams.
“Watford is an ambitious club and I relate to and appreciate the core values of the club, I think Watford FC Ladies are moving in the right direction and I want to be part of the growth and development of the club as well as Women’s football as a whole.”
That drive to push Women’s football - and Watford FC Ladies in particular - to its limit lie at the heart of Williams’ motivations.
“My goals are solely to promote and continue to represent to a high standard, Watford FC Ladies,” said the General Manager.
“This can consist of league promotion, increasing our match day attendances, working with the local community and sponsors.
“This isn’t just a job for me, football is my passion and I hope to show my commitment to the role with professionalism and dedication to what I am doing and going that extra mile for the club to achieve these goals.”
Formerly an academy coach in the United States, Williams managed and coached her own teams in a town called Madison in Connecticut, working with boys and girls from Under-12 to Under-14 levels.
“It was amazing working in Women’s football in the USA,” said the former centre of excellence player. “Mainly because of the drive and passion for the majority of young girls to play football as their main sport.
“There is a clear importance to be involved and develop in America, which is something that is becoming apparent over here. I hope to bring over the importance of women’s football from youth to elite development and promote women’s football, especially, at Watford FC Ladies.”
Returning home, and in particular to a club that she’s more than familiar with, Williams said she was pleased to come full circle and help develop the club moving forward.
“It feels great to come back to what feels like my home club,” said Williams. “Growing up it was all Watford FC, so I feel immensely proud to now wear that badge and be involved in the Ladies’ club, and hopefully inspire and share my passion to others who want to be part of Watford FC Ladies.”
But first, before work can begin on the long-term ambitions of the club, a first taste of action at Kings Langley awaits, as third-placed Watford take on MK Dons on Sunday. Williams is looking forward to getting to know the supporters.
“Firstly, (I just want to say) thank you for your continuous support that you have shown the Ladies team,” said the General Manager. “I look forward to meeting you all at our next home game, please come and introduce yourself when you can!
“At the end of the day, we are all here for Watford FC Ladies so I look forward to speaking to you all – come on you 'Orns!”
