Delting Women delighted by first 11-a-side experience in Lerwick friendly
DELTING Women’s football team celebrated an “amazing” milestone on Saturday after playing their first ever 11-a-side match in Lerwick.
The team, which was launched late last year, had previously only held training sessions and played in seven-a-side competitions before the weekend.
All-women’s side Sparta Sirens – featuring a number of the Shetland Women’s team players – were the opponents on Saturday as Delting got their first taste of full competitive action.
Delting coach Jakki Grant said it was a huge moment for the club to finally get out onto the grass and play an 11-a-side game.
“It was a very proud moment to reach this stage,” she told Shetland News.
“There was a real sense of excitement and achievement around the group, and it marked a big step forward in the development of women’s football locally.
“From the beginning, our long-term goal has been to help re-establish a women’s district league in Shetland, so to finally see this fixture take place felt like another important step towards achieving that goal.
“We’ve worked hard as a team to reach this point, so seeing everyone out there together was incredibly special.”
Delting were the first club in Shetland to start a women’s team in October last year, with Whitedale following suit by launching their own women’s side.
Grant said a number of Delting’s players were playing full-sided matches for the very first time on Saturday, and she called it a “really important milestone”.
She said a real highlight of the game had been one of their players, who is deaf, playing with “such confidence” and showing “that she belongs on the pitch”.
“That’s what our team is all about – being inclusive, supporting one another and giving everyone the confidence to thrive.”
Grant said Sparta Sirens had given them a clear example of the high standard of Shetland women’s football, and had shown their players things to learn from and take into their next games.
The match was “an eye-opening experience for many of the players”, she said.
“They were up against a very experienced team, so it was naturally a big step up.
“Although nerves were high early on, once the players settled and found their rhythm, they showed they can compete and hold their own physically.
“The team held their own, showed fantastic determination, never stopped working for each other, and finished the match with their heads held high.
“Overall, it was a very positive and encouraging experience.”
Attentions are now turning towards organising another friendly fixture, possibly against Whitedale Women.
Grant gave a big thanks to referee Daniel Mainland for his “support and encouragement throughout the match, particularly with so many players experiencing their first competitive game”.
She also thanked Delting FC for their continued support, and everyone who came along to cheer the team on last Saturday.
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