A coach at Kilwinning Football Academy is calling for young girls to follow in the footsteps of Ayrshire’s Scotland Women’s National Team stars and get involved in the game.

Stuart Shepherd currently runs the club’s girls’ under-13s side who are due to move up to 11-a-sides next year.

He is encouraging girls aged 15 and under to join the team for trial sessions ahead of the

move.

He said: “Women’s football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

“If you look at the profile of local players like Erin Cuthbert and Lisa Swanson, there’s a few real celebrities in Scottish women’s football from this area.

“Who better to follow?”

The academy has been running for 10 years, with over 250 children participating every week between the boys and girls teams.

Stuart said the club will welcome any girls, adding: “No experience is required. Mixed abilities are all welcome. f there are any girls from teams who aren’t looking to form an 11-a-side team, we would be happy to welcome them.”

The club are currently awaiting guidance from Scottish Women’s Football on when competitive games can restar.

Stuart added: “We tried to keep the girls engaged with online activities and competitions, but as soon as they came back it was like they’d never been away.”

Training is on Monday and Wednesday nights at Almswell Road in Kilwinning

Girls interested in taking part must be aged 15 or under on January 1, 2021. To arrange a trial session, contact Stuart on 07532699011.

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