Wolverhampton Women’s Football Club, which was promoted to the Women’s Super League Two (WSL2) in May, is taking its new players on a city tour to help them get to know the area before their first season as a fully professional team. As part of the tour, the squad visited the Guru Nanak Satsang Sikh Gurdwara, a place of worship and community gathering, as well as The Halls, a historic music venue in the city center. The tour aims to help new signings integrate into the local environment and build connections with the community. Head coach Dan McNamara, who has been coaching the team full-time since 2024 as part of the Royal Air Force’s elite athlete scheme, reflects on the club’s journey from its amateur beginnings. He recalls starting with just seven bibs, three footballs, and 58 players. Now, the team has its own office overlooking the Sir Jack Hayward training ground, with dedicated facilities for the women’s squad. McNamara, who previously played alongside Wayne Rooney at Everton, says the promotion was a long time coming, especially after a heartbreaking loss in a playoff final against Southampton in 2022. Under new executive chair Nathan Shi, the club has made significant changes to support its women’s team, including investing in new facilities and recruiting experienced players. Recent signings include former WSL players like Mel Lawley and Jasmine Matthews, as well as England youth goalkeeper Emily Orman, who took part in a wrestling demonstration during the tour. The team has also participated in team-building activities, such as bouldering in the Lake District and visiting Molineux, the men’s team’s stadium, where they held community football sessions for children through the Premier League Kicks program. These sessions are organized in partnership with West Midlands police and run during school holidays. Longtime supporter and women’s football writer Tony Leighton has contributed to an exhibition that highlights the club’s growth. Jenny Wilkes, chair of Wolves Women since 1999, expressed pride in the progress made, noting the strong support from volunteers and the journey from when only Rachael Heyhoe Flint, a pioneering figure in women’s cricket, attended games with her dog. Captain Anna Morphet, who left her job as a physiotherapist after the promotion, emphasized the hard work put into the summer and pre-season preparations. Despite a 2-0 opening defeat at Newcastle in their WSL2 campaign, head of women’s and girls football Russ Fraser remains confident, stating the team is stronger than many expect and aims to surprise opponents in the coming season.