Meet the new goal-den girls
Football boost for women in Aberfeldy
There is a buzz surrounding the national women’s side at present after qualification was secured for a first ever appearance at the World Cup.
The excitement for the game is spreading across the country and, in Aberfeldy, that passion is showing no sign of grinding to a halt.
Local resident Jane Carmichael took to social media earlier this year with hopes of providing an opportunity for women to play the sport.
Now, four months on, weekly sessions are being held in the Highland Perthshire town under the guidance of St Andrews University coach Olivia Blair.
“The first night we had about 18 turning up and now it ranges from 12 to six, depending on the time and holidays,” Jane said.
“I was really taken aback when people were interested at first. I thought I might get about four or five.
“But there are a lot of people wanting to get involved with football. It’s hilarious because we’re all at different levels of fitness.
“Olivia does some fitness with us first and then moves on to develop our ball skills. We’re all at different stages.
“We stay for an hour to an hour and 15 minutes and usually get a game going at some point.”
The group of players started with little equipment but a commitment to the cause has seen that problem sorted.
And local club Breadalbane FC have given a helping hand by providing a pitch for the women to train on.
Jane said: “We went to Breadalbane Community Council, then set-up a charity group and went to the bank with an application for £500.
“That was to buy strips, balls and cones. Within 10 days we got that, so we’ve now got the equipment.
Women’s football in Aberfeldy has been a smash hit
“We’ve got players coming from Strathtay, Grandtully and Kenmore just now.
“But there are more people we can reach who don’t know about it.
“It’s really good fun and no experience is needed. You can develop skills or just get fit.
“If you have something to go to as a team, then it makes you get along.
“If you talk to everybody, they have noticed a difference from when they first started.
“We’ve moved on to positions and how to defend against the positions. Some of us watch football, others don’t at all.”
The next move for the determined group of ladies is to set up a match.
“I think Crieff have a group, so we’re going to look into that,” Jane told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“There will be a few nerves because players would still like to learn a few more skills. But we have some good players.
“After the October holidays we’re hoping to get into the community campus to keep it going through the winter.”
Training takes place on a Wednesday evening in Aberfeldy, starting at 7pm and players must be aged 16 or over.
If interested, contact Jane on 07821729905.