Fantastic news from within our Academy pathway
By Matty Paddock - 19/11/2025
Posted 3 hours ago
AHEAD of this weekend’s big FA Cup tie, Harriers Women have signed two players from the growing U18s pathway at the club.
The Reds head to AFC Fylde in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Second Round this weekend – an historic occasion for the club on its own.
That Cup run has formed part of a season of hard-work and exploration for Harriers thus far, coupled with adjustment to life in the National League system after promotion and the continued development of the club’s pathway.
One huge result of that work is the graduation of goalkeeper EJ Leigh and striker Molly Bubb, both of whom have signed with the first team from the U18s.
The pair have shown tremendous quality on the pitch during their time with the club, and exceptional commitment and maturity off it.
That’s been rewarded, with Head of Women’s Football Matt Guise proud to discuss the news, saying: “Their progression is a proud moment for the entire club.
“EJ and Molly represent exactly what our female pathway is built to achieve: developing home-grown players who are prepared, confident, and capable of competing at senior level. Their journey highlights the depth and strength of our junior structure, which continues to provide outstanding coaching, a supportive environment, and a clear route into the women’s first team.
“Our goal has always been to ensure that young female players can thrive, grow, and see a future within the Kidderminster Harriers family. EJ and Molly’s achievements are a testament to the hard work of our coaching staff, the dedication of their teammates and their individual commitment and hard work.
“We look forward to seeing both players continue their development and make a real impact this season. Congratulations to them and to everyone involved in our female junior pathway.”
Conforming that this progression is far from all fans can expect from the developing, progressive women’s pathway, Guise added: “We’re also proud that three players from our EDS group are now training with the first team on a weekly basis further demonstrating the ambition of our programme.
“I am immensely proud of the continued growth and development of the pathway both on and off the field, through our Central Warwickshire teams and EDS post-16 programme. The growth made possible by unwavering support from the club and hard work of our dedicated coaching staff in creating such a strong environment for talent to flourish.”
Harriers Academy Manager Brandon Bevins added: “Seeing Molly and EJ progress from our U18s to signing for the Women’s First Team, in Tier 4, is exactly what our pathway is built for.
“Their journey reflects the huge steps we’ve taken as a club over the past few months. We’re investing in our youth structure, and creating real, visible opportunities for young players to break through.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure that talented girls within our programme have a platform to grow, challenge themselves, and ultimately transition into senior football.
“Molly and EJ are brilliant examples of what can be achieved when the pathway is aligned, supported, and ambitious.”
Sunday’s Cup tie at Fylde takes place at Kellamergh Park, with kick off at 2pm.
Tickets are available to purchase from Fylde’s website at £6 adults and £2 U18s – all U14s must be accompanied by an adult.”
Interested in trials to join the Harriers family? Full time opportunities are available for boys and girls – find out more by completing the trials form or contacting academy@harriers.co.uk.
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