New Manager appointed as Aliyah Anthony Steps Up.

Oxford City are delighted to announce two significant appointments within our Women’s First Team and wider Women’s & Girls’ football operations, marking another important step in the club’s long-term commitment to the growth of the women’s game.

Aliyah Anthony has accepted a new full-time position as the club’s Head of Women’s & Girls’ Football, taking on a leading role in shaping and developing the future of our women's and girls' provision.

The appointment underlines the club’s ambition and continued investment in the women’s game, with a commitment to building a sustainable pathway and creating opportunities for players at every level. 

Aliyah said: “’I'm incredibly proud and honoured to take on the role of Head of Women’s Football at Oxford City FC. 

“Women’s football is something I am hugely passionate about, and having the opportunity to lead, develop and shape the future of the female pathway at this club means so much to me.

“For me, this role is about more than just football. It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence, raising standards and ensuring every girl and woman who walks through our doors feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their potential.

“I’m excited to continue building something special, working alongside some fantastic people and pushing the women’s and girls’ game forward.

“This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”

As part of the transition, Anthony will step away from her role as Women’s First Team Manager, although she will retain an important role in overseeing First Team operations, as well as community engagement and our Elite player pathway for Women and Girls. 

Following a thorough recruitment process, we are equally delighted to confirm that Shelley Strange has been appointed as the club’s new Women’s First Team Manager.

Strange arrives with an impressive coaching background, having played a key role in Wycombe’s SRWFL title-winning campaign last season, alongside more than a decade of experience at Reading Football Club's academy.

Shelley said: “I am thrilled to be stepping into the role of manager at Oxford City Women. 

“It is a fantastic club to be a part of, and I was immediately drawn to their genuine ambition and clear vision for the future of women and girls' football. 

“I cannot wait to get started, and help build on the great foundations already in place.”

During her time at Reading, Strange became the first female coach to work within the club’s Category One Academy. She also went on to serve as Assistant Manager of Reading FC Women, working alongside manager Pedro Bruno, before departing in June 2025.

Strange will now take charge of the Hoops for the remainder of the SRWFL season and beyond, as the team look to build on their strong start to the campaign.

Louise Merritt, Managing Director, said “We are incredibly proud to be in a position to make a long-term commitment to both Aliyah and Shelley, strengthening our investment in the women’s game and accelerating our ambitious plans to inspire the next generation of female footballers.

“From a girl’s experience of football, whether that’s attending a matchday, taking part in a session at the club or engaging with us in the wider community, we want to create opportunities and provide a pathway for them to grow at our club.

“Aliyah’s passion, energy and commitment to the club will continue to be instrumental in driving this vision forward.

“Shelley brings a wealth of experience, both through her previous coaching roles at Reading FC’s Academy and Wycombe Wanders, her role as Community Lead and now as our Women’s First Team Manager.

“Together, these appointments represent a hugely exciting step forward for women’s and girls’ football at Oxford City FC.”

The two appointments represent an exciting new chapter for Oxford City, strengthening the leadership of our Women’s First Team while providing dedicated full-time focus on the continued growth of our women’s and girls’ football pathway.

We would like to congratulate both Aliyah and Shelley on their appointments and wish them every success in their new roles.