26-year old Cheryl came through the junior ranks at Rugby Town, making her first team debut at 15, before joining Birmingham’s Centre of Excellence at Under 17 level. She had a spell with Coventry City to gain more first team experience in the Women’s Premier League before returning to the Birmingham in 2014 where she was among the leading goalscorers in the Development League in 2014/15.

Called up to the first team, Cheryl made her debut against Notts County Ladies in the Women’s Super League, and was awarded a new contract for the 2015/16 season.

At the end of that season, Cheryl took up the opportunity to pursue a coaching career in the USA alongside playing for Boston Breakers where she was a member of the Development Team which won back-to-back League titles in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Having returned to the UK in 2020, Cheryl spent last season playing for her local club, Rugby Borough, whilst coaching the Birmingham City Women RTC Under 9/10 girls, as well as launching own coaching venture in the girls’ game.

At Blues, Cheryl works alongside Glassgirls Coach Mike Harris, and she explained how the connection helped bring her to Stourbridge.

“Mike was telling me about the club, the investment, what the Board are doing on the girls side, trying to make it as professional as they can, so when Mike asked me I thought, yeah, I’d love to be part of that journey.”

Injury curtailed Cheryl’s involvement last season, but she is aiming to be ready to go ahead of the new campaign.

“I’ve been seeing the physio at Stourbridge which has been helping. I’m hoping to be straight into strength & conditioning and fitness training, hopefully with a quick turnaround. With a good pre-season under my belt I should be ready to go.”

For Glassgirls manager Andy Fisher, the signing is the first step towards the new season.

“We need to strengthen the squad, like any club would do ahead of a new season. Going into a tougher Division, with more matches to play, the extra depth is essential. Cheryl has plenty of experience and she will add something to the mix without question.

“We’re still talking to other players, and things are starting to take shape. We should be able to announce more new signings in the near future.

“It’s an exciting time, we’re going into the unknown a little bit, but we aim to be ready to hit the ground running. The pre-season programme is taking shape, and the fixtures we’ve got lined up will prepare us well. Right now I’m feeling very positive!”