Hibernian Historical Trust marks the site of the first women’s football international

A plaque to commemorate the first ever international women’s football match between Scotland and England was unveiled recently by Joe Fitzpatrick MSP, Minister for Health, Sport and Wellbeing.

The fixture which Scotland won 3-0 took place on May 7, 1881 at what was then Hibernian Park but is now the club rooms and car park of the Hibernian Supporters’ Association in Sunnyside.

The Scotland women’s team head coach Shelley Kerr, and Hibernian
Ladies’ captain Joelle Murray attended the event along with Ian Young, Chairman
of Hibernian Historic Trust and Tom Wright the Hibernian curator and club
historian.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “I’m so pleased to be able to join
everyone here today to celebrate the first international women’s football match
here in Edinburgh.

“Our women’s football team have come on so far in recent
years and they did really well in the World Cup and they are doing really well
to progress to the next championships in 2121 in England.

Joelle Murray said: “It’s absolutely massive, and with
women’s football growing so fast at the moment there’s no better time to have a
plaque.

“It’s great to see the club supporting this and so many
people going along as well.

“I’m proud of the women who played that day – they were pioneers of the women’s game and their passion, dedication and commitment at a time when women’s football was widely looked down upon is admirable.

“There were a lot of hurdles and challenges that those women faced back then.”