PAUL Hennessey believes Worcester City Women's Football Club is in good shape for the future.

Hennessey has been involved with the club for the past four years and has seen it go from strength to strength.

The 21-year-old currently manages the first team and reserves on Sundays and the under 16s on Saturdays, as well as taking charge of the University of Worcester women's team on Wednesdays.

A sports degree student at the university, Hennessey has spent two years with the ladies' first team, guiding them to second in the West Midlands Division One South this season.

The reserves have achieved a top-four finish in the Kidderminster and District League, while the under 16s, who he has worked with for four years, play in the Central Warwickshire Premier League.

Hennessey's efforts were recognised at City's annual awards night at Worcestershire CCC, where men's boss Andy Preece presented him with an award for his outstanding contribution to coaching.

Hennessey said: "It was a lovely surprise to get an award for the work I have put in. Having worked with so many players it's more rewarding to see us win matches than pick up trophies.

"It would have been a bonus to get promotion with the first team but, in the long run, the under 16s and reserves are producing players that are playing for the county so we are happy with the whole club. It's not just based on first-team results."

Hennessey began coaching after coming through City's youth academy and he still manages to find time to play for Midland Combination Division One side Archdales '73 on Saturdays.

He is also due to take his UEFA B' licence with the Birmingham Football Association next month and will take part in his fourth summer camp in America in June.

Women's chairman Debbie Band, also a first-team player, paid tribute to the efforts of their coach.

She said: "He's given so much to girls' and women's football in and around the county.

"There's not many young people who would give up that sort of time on a voluntary basis and all the players love him to bits.

"He's done a tremendous job and he's a great role model."

Also at the awards, Annie Highway won the players' player of the year gong and Sarah McDowell, in the reserves last season, won the manager's player prize. Kate Hague was named most improved player.