Welcome Back Lily Whitelock
Real Bedford Women are delighted to welcome Lily Whitelock back to the club for the 2026/27 season.
Whitelock initially joined the Pirates during the 2025/26 campaign, but after only a few weeks at the club, she was recalled by parent club Watford as they mounted their successful FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division title challenge.
Lily has been playing football from a young age and began competing in senior football at just 16, representing Ashford and Cheshunt while continuing her studies at college. A dynamic forward, she developed through Arsenal’s Under-21 academy, where she gained valuable experience, including featuring in the prestigious FIFA Blue Stars Tournament, before moving to Watford’s Under-23 side.
Her impressive development earned opportunities with Watford’s first team before she joined London Bees on loan. During the 2024/25 season, Whitelock made 13 appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists. One of her standout displays came in a 6-2 victory away at Chesham United, where she found the net twice.
Last season, Whitelock spent the first half of the campaign with London Bees, making 21 appearances while scoring seven goals and registering nine assists. Following her recall, she made five appearances for Watford and played her part in the Hornets’ FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division title-winning campaign, securing promotion to WSL 2.
Whitelock returns to Real Bedford as an exciting attacking addition who will strengthen the Pirates’ forward line. Her intelligent movement, relentless work rate and composed finishing make her a consistent goal threat, while her creativity and ability to bring teammates into play will provide another dimension to the team’s attack.
Bill said “We were lucky enough to work with Lily for a short spell last season, and as soon as we knew she was available, she was someone we wanted to bring back to the club this season.
She produced excellent returns in both goals and assists at Tier 4 last season, and I have every belief that she can now step up and show what she’s capable of in Tier 3, building on the experience she’s already gained with ourselves and Watford.”
Lily said: “I’m so excited to be here, I can’t wait for this season and looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together, hopefully I can make a positive contribution to the team.”
Welcome back to the Pirates, Lily.
