Page 21 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.27 2022-23

Hundreds of girls showcased their talent as they took part in last week’s SPAR Future Stars Cup
final day at Broadwood Stadium near Cumbernauld. Six hours of non-stop football was attended
by more than 400 girls from all over the country, hosted by SPAR Scotland.
Local and regional rounds saw more than 3,000 young girls aged 12-16 take part. A total of 300
teams from 200 schools entered the competition, this was whittled down to teams from 34 schools
around Scotland which took part in the showcase event.
Aimed at S1-S4 pupils, the football competition is a platform for young girls to play in a
competitive, fun and friendly tournament which was run by Scottish FA community coaches.
Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach Pedro Martinez Losa attended the event along
with SWNT forward Lauren Davidson – both helped present medals and the trophy to the winners
across both age groups.
S1/2 Winners: Braeview Academy - Runner-up: St Ninians HS
S3/4 Winners: Holy Cross HS - Runner-up: James Gillespie HS
Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach, Pedro Martinez Losa, said: "SPAR Future
Stars is a fantastic opportunity to get lots of girls on the pitch and involved in the game.
“It gives young aspiring players the opportunity to develop their love of football, to be part of
a team and advance their skills.
“Hopefully we'll see some of today's young players featuring for the Scotland Women’s
National Team in years to come."
Scottish FA Head of Girls and Women’s Football Shirley Martin said: “SPAR Future Stars is a
great opportunity for girls to play in a fun and friendly environment, with their friends, while
representing their school.
“These are the types of positive sporting experiences that the players will remember for years
to come and will hopefully foster a love for the game.”
Colin McLean, SPAR Scotland CEO, said: “We have had an excellent day supporting all the
girls’ teams taking part in the 2023 SPAR Future Stars Cup.
“It has been impressive to see their excellent skills played out on the pitch. And even better to
have so many schoolgirls take part in the competition. We hope to see one of these girls play for the
SWNT one day.
“Partnering with the Scottish FA has enabled us to deliver a professionally organised
tournament and give girls aged 12 to 16 across Scotland the opportunity to compete in a
competitive contest. Congratulations to every team who took part since September last year.”
(www.scottishfa.co.uk)

The Electric Ireland Shooting Stars programme in partnership with the Irish FA Foundation is set
to kick off again next month.
Delivered by Irish FA Foundation staff, Shooting Stars is set to be rolled out in 16 centres
across Northern Ireland, providing opportunities for girls aged 4-11 to have fun, make friends and
learn the fundamentals of football.
It will run from 17 April - and it costs £25 per person, £40 for two or £55 for three to
participate in the eight-week programme.
The programme is taking place in the following areas/venues: Antrim and Newtownabbey -
Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre; Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon – South Lake Leisure
Centre, Craigavon; Belfast – Shankill Leisure Centre; Belfast (East) – Lisnasharragh Leisure
Centre; Belfast (West) – Brooke Activity Centre and Falls Leisure Centre.
Also: Causeway Coast and Glens – Joey Dunlop Centre in Ballymoney and Coleraine Leisure
Centre; Derry and Strabane – Templemore Sports Complex; Fermanagh and Omagh – Bawnacre
Leisure Centre, Irvinestown; Lisburn and Castlereagh – Loughmoss Leisure Centre; Dungannon
and South Tyrone - Dungannon Leisure Centre.
Mid and East Antrim – Amphitheatre Wellness Centre, Carrickfergus; Newry, Mourne and
Down - Ballynahinch Community Centre, Ballynahinch; North Down and Ards – Ards Blair Mayne
Wellbeing & Leisure Complex, Newtownards.
To secure a place at your nearest Electric Ireland Shooting Stars centre visit
www.irishfa.com/shootingstars today.
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk