The team are taking part in the '10 for 10 Challenge' in support of Dean Prentice, a coach from Birmingham City's Women's Regional Talent Club who is battling bowel cancer.

Harley Simpson, Worcester City's new club captain, worked alongside Dean coaching the Blues' Under 10s and wanted to support the initiative for her former colleague.

Dean, who is aged just 28 and has a three-year-old son, requires a special drug not available on the NHS after the disease spread to his liver and kidneys. Proceeds from the '10 for 10 Challenge' will hopefully meet the cost of these bi-monthly private treatments that Dean will need alongside his chemotherapy as well as raising awareness about bowel cancer.

Everyone taking part will donate £10 to the cause and has to complete 10 miles through cycling, walking or running. The challenge will be to cover 9,575 miles - the distance from Birmingham City's St Andrew's Trillion Trophy Stadium to the other 91 league football grounds and Wembley.

"I've known Dean for a couple of years and he is a top guy and a great coach," said Harley. "He loves the game and has such a big heart and his courage and determination in battling his illness is truly inspiring.

"I was lucky enough to be appointed captain so thought it would be a nice start for the squad to do something purposeful as a group for such a great cause and the reaction from the girls and has been amazing. Our coach Craig Dedicoat has also pledged to donate a further £25 for every £10 raised by the team, which is fantastic gesture."

Harley kicked-off the challenge by running 10 miles and is looking forward to her team-mates following her lead in the coming days. After playing futsal for the past couple of years, the former Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion central midfielder is excited about her return to the 11-a-side format with Worcester City which she says arose by chance.

"One of my best friends Sunya Salim said she was joining Worcester and asked if I wanted to come along to training so I thought I would give it a shot and it's been absolutely brilliant," explained Harley.

"Despite the social distancing, pre-season has been engaging and enjoyable so far and the sessions have been fun but hard work too," she added. "There's already a good spirit within the squad and we can't wait for the season to start.”

Ashli Pye, one of the team, involved in the fund raising.