Musselburgh Windsor Girls U-14s have received new equipment after being nominated for a prize giveaway from ScottishPower by Boroughmuir Thistle defender – and former Musselburgh youth player – Amy Forbes.
Amy Forbes, who signed for SWPL2 Boroughmuir after eight years in the youth set-up at city neighbours Heart of Midlothian, visited a Musselburgh training session at Pinkie Playing Fields to handover the kit alongside Alan Morgan, Head of Delivery at SP Energy Networks, part of the ScottishPower group.
Musselburgh were also given tickets to a Boroughmuir Thistle game to see centre half Amy play in an SWPL2 match.
Amy Forbes said: “It’s a real full circle moment for me being back at Musselburgh Windsor. Everything I learned came from this pitch. My sister got me in to playing because she played at Hearts and knew the coaches here. I’d never really kicked a ball other than with my sister or with some boys. When I came here there were so many girls who were just like me and I’m hugely grateful for everything the club gave me.
“When I was a young player there were always challenges around kit, it was always hand me downs from the boys. None of it would fit properly, sometimes four sizes too big. Having the right kit now can really make a difference. Players go out and play with more confidence. It’s so important.
“Girls football has come a long way since then. It’s amazing ScottishPower are showing such great support, not just for these girls, but the game as a whole. It lets the girls know that their game is valued and matters, because they’ve access to the same as the boys. Having the girls come along to one of my games was great too – it hopefully shows them that they can achieve anything and I’m really proud to be able to be a role model for them.”
Darren McConachie, Musselburgh Windsor U14s coach and team secretary, said: “Girls football has exploded recently, here at Windsor as much as anywhere else. We’ve got about 300 girls involved all the way from 4-a-side youth games up to our 11-a-side adult sections. Football is nowhere without grassroots football, but we do so much more here from walking and recreational football to supporting our community with football memories programmes and even foodbanks.
“We were delighted to see Amy back tonight and interacting with the girls on the pitch. It just shows them what they might be able to do in a few years’ time. It’s fantastic to get this kit from ScottishPower. Any grassroots club knows that funding for kit is a problem that comes round every year. To get this head start really helps the girls. It means the girls can focus on the fun bits, developing and just enjoy the game.”
Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of ScottishPower, said: “We want to energise women’s football for both current and future generations and build a community of players that inspire even more people to play and enjoy the game.
“That means working with our partners at SWF and the SWPL to help clubs and players overcome barriers to their growth and operation which can sometimes be as simple has everyone having the right kit, all the way down to bibs, balls and boots.
“Grassroots football is the heartbeat of our communities. We’re proud to play our part in helping these clubs continue to inspire, develop talent, and bring people together. This donation reflects our commitment to making a positive difference where it matters most.”
