PICTURES: A growing Inverness girls’ football club celebrated another year of resounding success with an awards event at the Kingsmills Hotel
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Thistle Girls FC, established in 2017 with just seven youngsters and two founding coaches, has enjoyed remarkable growth under head coach Lee Murray and assistant Anne Weir.
Every week, almost 150 girls aged from five to 15 are put through their paces by 15 volunteer coaches.
At the club’s ‘elite’ level, both under-13s and under-15s beat Ross County to win the SWF Regional League Cup. Both retain a chance of league title success.
Unlike many clubs, coaching has been free but, from January, a small parental donation will be required to help meet rising costs.
The glittering awards night was boosted by the presence of Caley Thistle women players. Thistle, while independent, has a player ‘feeder’ agreement with ICTWFC.
The girls and parents were treated to video messages from top Scottish club and international players.
Mr Murray thanked the coaches, girls and ICTWFC players for making it a great occasion, adding: “The club has gone from strength to strength and we are proud of what we have achieved. There has been incredible hard work from the girls and a fantastic willingness to learn and improve.”
ICT player Julia Scott said: “It was great to see so many girls who were enthusiastic about football. Being a teacher, I see so many teenage girls drop out of sport.
“Thistle are amazing at giving these girls a platform to play, meet new friends and build confidence.”
