Head Coach Pauline Hamill has named her Scotland squad for this month’s UEFA Women’s Under-19 European Championship which includes seven Edinburgh based players.
The tournament will be the first UEFA finals competition to be held in Scotland since 1970. A 20-strong squad will take on Europe’s best nations later this month, with many of the girls playing for SWPL clubs. Hibs have three players in the squad, Jamie-Lee Napier, Lauren Davidson and Kirsty Morrison whilst Hearts have two, Emily Mutch and Jennifer Smith.
Spartans also have two players in the squad, Michaela McAlonie and Robyn McCafferty
The tournament offers the perfect opportunity for families and those looking to experience live football for the first time, to enjoy high quality action at family-friendly prices. Group stage matches are priced at £2 for adults and £1 for concessions with the Semi-finals and Final priced at £5 & £2 respectively.
Scotland’s matches will also see the inclusion of a family fanzone, with inflatables, face painting and giveaways to keep all the family entertained pre-match.
Tickets are available now via www.scottishfa.co.uk/wu19euro
Michaela McAlonie (pictured) couldn’t hide her excitement on hearing the news that she had been selected for the squad:
She said: “It’s an honour just playing for your country but also going to a Finals – it only happens every couple of years. So just to be in a Finals – I’m really excited.
I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s getting bigger but I think that wee girls, just seeing us achieve things and big things happening, it’ll make them want to do it even more which isgood”
Scotland start their campaign against five-time champions France, with remaining Group A matches against Norway and the Netherlands to follow. A top-two finish in the group would secure a semi-final place for Hamill’s side, along with a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’sUnder-20 World Cup.
The tournament kicks-off on Tuesday 16 July, with matches taking place at St Mirren Park in Paisley, Glasgow’s Firhill Stadium, Forthbank Stadium in Stirling and Perth’s McDiarmid Park.
Pauline Hamill, Scotland Women’s Under-19s head coach said: “We are all really looking forward to the Euros starting in just two weeks’ time.”
“Preparations have gone well and we’ve got a young group of players desperate to do well on the big stage. “We’re in a tough group but it’s a challenge I know the players will relish.”
“Women’s football is thriving in Scotland and we want to be a part of that buzz this summer”
“The players can’t wait to play in front of a loud home crowd and hopefully the country gets behind us, like they did for the ‘A’ squad’s World Cup debut in France.
“Over the course of July we want to continue to help inspire the next generation and alsoprovide a platform for these young players to take the next step in their careers and continue to progress”
Scotland Women’s Under-19s Squad
Goalkeepers
Sophie Allison (Glasgow City)
Emily Mutch (Heart of Midlothian)
Defenders
Rachel Brown (Leicester City)
Jenna Clark (Glasgow City)
Rachel Connor (University of Stirling)
Carly Girasoli (Glasgow City)
Michaela McAlonie (Spartans)
Robyn McCafferty (Spartans)
Charlotte Newsham (Manchester United)
Midfielders
Abby Callaghan (Motherwell)
Kirstie McIntosh (Hamilton Academical)
Amy Muir (Unattached)
Rebecca McGowan (St Johnstone)
Jamie-Lee Napier (Hibernian)
Jennifer Smith (Heart of Midlothian)
Forwards
Emma Craig (Celtic)
Lauren Davidson (Hibernian)
Laura McCartney (Rangers)
Kathleen McGovern (Celtic)
Kirsty Morrison (Hibernian)
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
