Introducing the new member clubs: Wednesfield Community
Mon 13th July 2026 | Wednesfield Community | By Jay Cooper
With the 2026/27 NWCFL campaign fast approaching, now is the perfect time to introduce the new member clubs to their respective divisions.
Or perhaps better – to let the new member clubs introduce themselves.
Last week, I spoke to Katie Hedges – secretary at Wednesfield Community, who will take their place in the NWCFL First Division South this season following a lateral move from the Midland League after the end of the 2025/26 season.
Wednesfield Community Football Club, better known as just Wednesfield FC, only took on that name in 1989 – a full 28 years after their founding. They began life as Wednesfield Social FC in 1961, and inherited the nickname of “the Cottagers”, so named due to their stadium name – the Cottage Ground.
Wednesfield were West Midlands (Regional) League members by the mid-seventies. In their first season in that league system, they became champions of what was then called Division One A, and came second in the next league up, called Division One at the time, to secure a Premier Division bow in only their third campaign as a member of the pyramid.
A well-known story about the club comes from their efforts in the Staffordshire Senior Cup in the 1993/94 season. They reached the final of the competition and were due to play Macclesfield Town in a two-leg affair.
However, due to ground maintenance at Macc’s Moss Rose, the final was delayed until August of that year, and by game day, nine of the Cottagers’ key players had already departed over the summer.
Just to add insult to injury, a thief had also stolen approximately £1k of players’ belongings during the second half of the away leg, which they lost 4-0, resulting in a 14-1 aggregate defeat.
Despite the negative nature of this story, the club didn’t let it hinder their ambitions, and were West Midlands Premier Division champions in 1996 and 1997. Promotion to the Midland Alliance League followed, and they held their own at that level for six seasons before relegation in 2003.
Back in the West Midlands, after a few years of little success, the 2008 campaign was more exciting for the club. They came fourth in the West Midlands Prem, and reached two cup finals – the West Midlands League Cup, and the J.W. Hunt Cup.
They came fourth again in 2011, before dropping to the foot of the division in 2015 and being relegated back to Division One. They adjusted quickly, finishing fourth in 2016 and second the next year, behind only 99-point Haughmond, to regain a place in the Prem.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and two discontinued seasons of football in 2020 and 2021, the West Midlands (Regional) Premier Division lost its status as a Step Six league, and Wednesfield, as a Step Six club, were laterally moved to Division One of the Midland League.
In the five years since, it has been a topsy-turvy ride for Wednesfield Community. They’ve finished as high as sixth and as low as 21st in a 22-team league whilst playing in the Midland League, and in 2025/26, they came 20th in a 21-team division.
Their move to the NWCFL is a lateral one, not forced by promotion or relegation, and they are ready for a new test in this pyramid.
----------
Katie Hedges
1. How would you describe Wednesfield Community to someone who had never heard of the club?
a. The clue is in the name - Wednesfield Community Football Club! We are a home for all who want it. No matter if you’re new to the area and just looking to make new friends and meet good people, if you’re just starting your footballing journey, or if you’re an experienced talent and want to push yourself to be the best you can be, there’s something for everyone and everyone is welcome.
We’re building new pathways in the male, female and disability games and trying to provide real value and opportunity for our local community. So, if you’ve never been or never heard of us then there’s never been a better time to get involved.
2. What does the club mean to the area and community that you represent?
a. As a true community hub, Wednesfield Community Football Club is a place for everyone. We work hard to generate that family atmosphere where children can take their first steps on their footballing journey, talented players can excel and work towards making their dreams come true, and everyone has a place they can belong.
3. Tell me about the manager.
a. Kyle is a new manager for this season; he is young and vibrant with a dedicated belief in youth talent and a wish to help players progress and give them opportunities.
This was exactly what attracted us to him in the first place and what we believe will not only make us successful this season, but for many years to come. He has a decorated history in youth football, as well has having completed UEFA training to a good level.
He will be a coach for the future and we’re proud to be a part of that future, hopefully for many years to come.
4. Tell me a bit about last season – your last one in the Midland League?
a. Last year was a tough one for us - with lots of changes around the club, it was never going to be easy. However, lots of lessons were learnt and although it was a tough season, I think we have come out of it positively.
We have a fresh new look, a vibrant atmosphere which had been missing for a few seasons, and a new positive outlook for the future which I think is exactly what the club needed. It was a shame to see some good faces leave in the transition, but we wish them all well and it’s time now to look forwards to the future and a new exciting season.
5. How have you adjusted to the news of your lateral move to the NWCFL?
a. Wholly positively! To an extent, there’s an element of the unknown this season, but looking at the exciting names in the league, we can’t wait to get started.
This move has meant we’ve been able to keep some local rivalries as well as adding some fresh new challenges, so I think it feels like a positive move for us as a club.
6. How well have you been getting along with your pre-season prep? New signings, friendlies, etc?
a. As far as I can tell you, everything has gone to plan! We’ve signed some great new players who we know will change us for the better overall. We’re also really pleased with the players we’ve retained.
I can promise they have been all business, and what we’re seeing in training speaks for itself - honestly, I have been so impressed with what I’ve seen so far, and the best is yet to come.
7. What are your ambitions for the upcoming 2026/27 season in the NWCFL?
a. It’s a competitive league - there’s no doubt about that - but we are quietly confident we can get stuck in and mix it up with the best.
There will be ups and downs, which is the hallmark of a competitive league, but watch this space for Wednesfield Community - we’ll do our talking on the pitch!
----------
We wish everyone at Wednesfield Community all the best for the 2026/27 season!
Introducing the new member clubs: Wednesfield Community
Mon 13th July 2026 | Wednesfield Community
By Jay Cooper
With the 2026/27 NWCFL campaign fast approaching, now is the perfect time to introduce the new member clubs to their respective divisions.
Or perhaps better – to let the new member clubs introduce themselves.
Last week, I spoke to Katie Hedges – secretary at Wednesfield Community, who will take their place in the NWCFL First Division South this season following a lateral move from the Midland League after the end of the 2025/26 season.
Wednesfield Community Football Club, better known as just Wednesfield FC, only took on that name in 1989 – a full 28 years after their founding. They began life as Wednesfield Social FC in 1961, and inherited the nickname of “the Cottagers”, so named due to their stadium name – the Cottage Ground.
Wednesfield were West Midlands (Regional) League members by the mid-seventies. In their first season in that league system, they became champions of what was then called Division One A, and came second in the next league up, called Division One at the time, to secure a Premier Division bow in only their third campaign as a member of the pyramid.
A well-known story about the club comes from their efforts in the Staffordshire Senior Cup in the 1993/94 season. They reached the final of the competition and were due to play Macclesfield Town in a two-leg affair.
However, due to ground maintenance at Macc’s Moss Rose, the final was delayed until August of that year, and by game day, nine of the Cottagers’ key players had already departed over the summer.
Just to add insult to injury, a thief had also stolen approximately £1k of players’ belongings during the second half of the away leg, which they lost 4-0, resulting in a 14-1 aggregate defeat.
Despite the negative nature of this story, the club didn’t let it hinder their ambitions, and were West Midlands Premier Division champions in 1996 and 1997. Promotion to the Midland Alliance League followed, and they held their own at that level for six seasons before relegation in 2003.
Back in the West Midlands, after a few years of little success, the 2008 campaign was more exciting for the club. They came fourth in the West Midlands Prem, and reached two cup finals – the West Midlands League Cup, and the J.W. Hunt Cup.
They came fourth again in 2011, before dropping to the foot of the division in 2015 and being relegated back to Division One. They adjusted quickly, finishing fourth in 2016 and second the next year, behind only 99-point Haughmond, to regain a place in the Prem.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and two discontinued seasons of football in 2020 and 2021, the West Midlands (Regional) Premier Division lost its status as a Step Six league, and Wednesfield, as a Step Six club, were laterally moved to Division One of the Midland League.
In the five years since, it has been a topsy-turvy ride for Wednesfield Community. They’ve finished as high as sixth and as low as 21st in a 22-team league whilst playing in the Midland League, and in 2025/26, they came 20th in a 21-team division.
Their move to the NWCFL is a lateral one, not forced by promotion or relegation, and they are ready for a new test in this pyramid.
----------
Katie Hedges
1. How would you describe Wednesfield Community to someone who had never heard of the club?
a. The clue is in the name - Wednesfield Community Football Club! We are a home for all who want it. No matter if you’re new to the area and just looking to make new friends and meet good people, if you’re just starting your footballing journey, or if you’re an experienced talent and want to push yourself to be the best you can be, there’s something for everyone and everyone is welcome.
We’re building new pathways in the male, female and disability games and trying to provide real value and opportunity for our local community. So, if you’ve never been or never heard of us then there’s never been a better time to get involved.
2. What does the club mean to the area and community that you represent?
a. As a true community hub, Wednesfield Community Football Club is a place for everyone. We work hard to generate that family atmosphere where children can take their first steps on their footballing journey, talented players can excel and work towards making their dreams come true, and everyone has a place they can belong.
3. Tell me about the manager.
a. Kyle is a new manager for this season; he is young and vibrant with a dedicated belief in youth talent and a wish to help players progress and give them opportunities.
This was exactly what attracted us to him in the first place and what we believe will not only make us successful this season, but for many years to come. He has a decorated history in youth football, as well has having completed UEFA training to a good level.
He will be a coach for the future and we’re proud to be a part of that future, hopefully for many years to come.
4. Tell me a bit about last season – your last one in the Midland League?
a. Last year was a tough one for us - with lots of changes around the club, it was never going to be easy. However, lots of lessons were learnt and although it was a tough season, I think we have come out of it positively.
We have a fresh new look, a vibrant atmosphere which had been missing for a few seasons, and a new positive outlook for the future which I think is exactly what the club needed. It was a shame to see some good faces leave in the transition, but we wish them all well and it’s time now to look forwards to the future and a new exciting season.
5. How have you adjusted to the news of your lateral move to the NWCFL?
a. Wholly positively! To an extent, there’s an element of the unknown this season, but looking at the exciting names in the league, we can’t wait to get started.
This move has meant we’ve been able to keep some local rivalries as well as adding some fresh new challenges, so I think it feels like a positive move for us as a club.
6. How well have you been getting along with your pre-season prep? New signings, friendlies, etc?
a. As far as I can tell you, everything has gone to plan! We’ve signed some great new players who we know will change us for the better overall. We’re also really pleased with the players we’ve retained.
I can promise they have been all business, and what we’re seeing in training speaks for itself - honestly, I have been so impressed with what I’ve seen so far, and the best is yet to come.
7. What are your ambitions for the upcoming 2026/27 season in the NWCFL?
a. It’s a competitive league - there’s no doubt about that - but we are quietly confident we can get stuck in and mix it up with the best.
There will be ups and downs, which is the hallmark of a competitive league, but watch this space for Wednesfield Community - we’ll do our talking on the pitch!
----------
We wish everyone at Wednesfield Community all the best for the 2026/27 season!
