Team South Lanarkshire’s girls’ football team is ready to compete in next month's International Children’s Games.
The squad will play at the event in Coventry on August 11, and have high hopes for the tournament.
Coach Cara McBrearty, who has played for Celtic and Partick Thistle, is confident that her team is prepared.
She said: “Our training and warm-up games have all been excellent and I can tell the girls are all ready to go down there and do their best to bring home the trophy for South Lanarkshire.
“They are all playing at such a high level now that they are a joy to coach.
“Every single one of them is so dedicated, they know what’s required to succeed.”
The International Children’s Games football tournament is a six-a-side event and the eight players representing South Lanarkshire currently play for Rangers, Hamilton Accies, Celtic and Glasgow City.
Lily Boyce, who goes to Stonelaw High in Rutherglen and plays for Rangers, is one of the youngest girls in the squad.
Her mum, Kim, said: “We are all so proud of Lily. She is only 13 and has had a fantastic year and has already been away with the Scotland schools’ team, so knows what to expect.
“They are a great bunch of girls, and all seem to be gelling really well ahead of the Games.
“I used to play myself when I was younger, for Arsenal and Charlton, but the opportunities that are now available to all the girls is unbelievable. There is such an interest in the women’s game now.”
Goalkeeper Emma Thomson, who attends Strathaven Academy, plays for Hamilton Accies.
She said: “I’m really excited about the Games and hope it can be a springboard onto bigger things.
“I started out by playing in school football tournaments and my role model was Lee Alexander [current Scotland Women’s goalkeeper] – seeing how well she was doing inspired me.
“You definitely need to be a bit crazy to be a goalkeeper – and you also have to have a mental toughness, as there can be spells during a game when you aren’t doing much and are then called into action really quickly.”
Olivia McStay, who goes to Holy Cross High, can fill-in at centre-half or full-back and plays for Celtic. She said: “I am absolutely buzzing for the tournament and can’t wait for it to start.
“My dad and family were the first ones who got me into football, and I’ve enjoyed playing and watching for as long as I can remember.
“The interest in the women’s game is fantastic, and it’s really encouraging that if you are good enough you can make a career out of it now. That’s the ultimate aim.”
Sienna McGoldrick also attends Holy Cross and is a midfielder who plays for Celtic too. She said: “I think we have a really good chance of winning the tournament.
“We are really bonding as a team, and everyone is working so hard for one another.”
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