Former Ascot Diamonds player, Bella Cox, made her debut for Women’s Super League side Reading Women in a preseason friendly against Bristol City. Cox was part of the squad that travelled to The Robins High Performance Centre.
She replaced Welsh international, Lily Woodham in the 67th minute of the game. Reading ultimately fell foul to the Championship side in a 2-1 defeat.
Bella joined Ascot Diamonds from Thatcham and Newbury Girls in the 19/20 season and stayed for two seasons. She was voted player’s player in the 19/20 season and played a pivotal role in the Diamonds reaching the county cup final, league cup semi final and topping the league only to be cut short by the pandemic.
In the summer of 2021, Bella attended trials at Reading where she was snapped up straight away by Reading U16’s and has been ever present in the team. This year Bella has been giving a place in the WSL academy squad attending Reading’s JMA College.


“Bella has a wand of a left foot and her dedication and game intelligence is second to none. Joining Ascot as a left back it was clear to Reading that she could play anywhere down the left hand side.”
Stuart Connor, Bella’s former manager and coach
Bella’s Dad, Andy Cox, is one of many of our dedicated coaches and will continue to coach the Diamonds squad alongside Stuart , as they enter the JPL for the first time this season.
Bella is yet more proof of the brilliant pathway and support we provide the young people who come through the door at Ascot with to achieve their footballing ambitions. Congratulations on your debut with Reading and we can’t wait to see how you get on for the rest of the season.