Kerri Welsh named as England WU17s head coach

Kerri Welsh has been appointed the new head coach of the England women’s under-17s.

Welsh joined the FA in the 2024-25 season and gained valuable experience as a national team assistant coach, working with the WU17s and WU16s squads.

Having spent four years as head coach of Aston Villa’s Professional Game Academy U21 side, she brings a wealth of experience in youth development to her new role. Welsh made the move into coaching whilst still an active first team player for Villa. She spent eight years playing in claret and blue and was club captain during the Championship-winning campaign in 2019-20 under then-head coach Gemma Davies, who now serves as assistant coach for the England WU23s.

The 2025-26 season will see Welsh’s side bid for a place in the 2026 UEFA Women's U17 EURO finals which will be held in Northern Ireland in May. Qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup will also be on the line at the tournament, with the top five placed teams earning their place as UEFA’s representatives.

Kerri Welsh said: “I’m honoured to be named the new head coach of the WU17s. Working with young players is something I’ve always been really passionate about – helping them grow not just as footballers, but as people too. It’s such an exciting time to be part of the England setup, especially with the senior team achieving so much both on and off the pitch. It’s the responsibility of those of us in the pathway to ensure the next generation are ready to continue that legacy. I’m grateful to Gavin Step and the FA for the opportunity and can’t wait for the season to start.”

Gavin Step, Interim Women’s Technical Director at the FA, said: “We’re delighted to confirm Kerri as the new head coach of the WU17s. Her promotion is thoroughly deserved after the positive impact she’s made since joining us last season. It promises to be an exciting season for our Young Lionesses with two potential tournaments to qualify for. We wish Kerri and the squad every success and look forward to seeing what they can achieve together.”