The games begin again for young footballers

The club, like others, was forced off the field due to the coronavirus outbreak but recent government guidance is allowing play to resume.

Head coach Olivia Blair was tirelessly through lockdown to create WhatsApp and Zoom based exercises to keep the players engaged - but nothing can beat the real thing.

Club chair John Drysdale said: “Almost 60 girls from 6-16 years old have been turning out for each of our sessions towards the end of the school holidays.

“Unfortunately, a couple of girls have moved on to other activities since we last gathered in March but, on the plus side, we have already attracted five new players, all keen to make football a key part of their active lifestyles.

“Now that schools are back, our club is keen to spread the word about girls’ football again.

“Although there is no competitive match action on offer just now, our local club is adhering closely to sport guidelines in ensuring the girls get the most out of their time with us, practising skills and improving their fitness.

“Right now we are split into seven groups, including one in particular for goalkeepers.

“So now is the perfect time for girls to give football a try.”

A change to government guidance last week forced all over 18 sides off the training pitch following some high profile breaches of safety instructions at some of Scotland’s most senior clubs.

But this does not affect the local girls’ football side which is now looking to go from strength to strength.

Mr Drysdale added: “We are in contact with primary schools throughout the Madras and Waid catchment areas, and will be working with the Active Schools co-ordinators in NE Fife, so that we can together offer whatever taster sessions might be allowed soon by the authorities.

“But, of course, girls don’t need to wait, as we run our own sessions on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings on the all-weather pitch at the University’s Sports Centre. Normally, we’d just ask girls to come along and try us out, but our registration system is now vital to our safety, so anyone interested should contact [email protected], or 07962 023683.”