Girls set to have a ball again

Renfrew Ladies’ junior groups return to action

Young footballers in Renfrew are loving being back in the thick of the action as coronavirus restrictions lifted.

The talented girls have recently been allowed to get back to matches again now that full contact sport is allowed.

And Renfrew Ladies’ Kirsty McGunnigle told Express Sport the kids are enjoying football even more as the age groups continue to expand.

She said: “Renfrew girls have yet again expanded within Renfrewshire.

“We have now got around 120 girls playing every week over our five age groups: Under-7’s, Under-9’s, Under-11’s, Under13’s and our first ever 11-a-side Under-15’s team.

“Every single week we have new girls signing up and we have had to create waiting lists for girls to come in due to restrictions.

“Since the pandemic our girls were desperate to get back on to the pitch.

“Thankfully all of our teams have now started back playing games and what a difference it makes to see them all playing.

“The girls are even more buzzing at training during the week knowing there will be games at the weekend.

“From our big intake this means a lot of these girls have never experienced playing a game, and are only now getting to be involved with this.”

As well as the junior sections, Renfrew Ladies senior side are also back playing as lockdown rules continue to ease.

They are now looking to recruit new coaches as they continue to build their club.

McGunnigle added: “We are hoping with the new restrictions we can get our young girls squads along to show some support and get to know the ladies team.

“With the increase in players we are always looking for new coaches to add to our fantastic team.

“The club offers a great package including training kit, funding towards coach education and PVG to coaches.

“I am extremely proud of all the girls and coaches within our female pathway for their efforts over the past year and a half,

“We wouldn’t be able to provide these opportunities for girls in the local area without their time, dedication and support.

“Our club secretary Pauline McGinty has also been a huge part of growing the girls section behind the scenes.“