Female footballers face anxious wait over first Scottish Cup tie
Away side struggling with financial aspect of trip to Shetland
SHETLAND Women’s football team face an anxious wait to see if they will be able to host a first ever Scottish Cup match next weekend.
The blues have been drawn at home to Stewarton Annick Ladies FC in the first preliminary round of the competition, marking Shetland’s first ever Scottish Cup venture.
They were due to host Stewarton in Lerwick on Sunday 9 August, with preparations well under way for the fixture.
But their cup opponents, who hail from Ayrshire, said they were struggling to be able to afford the journey north for the tie next weekend.
In a lengthy social media post, Stewarton Annick said they faced “significant travel costs” – potentially rising to tens of thousands of pounds – for the one-off match.
“Unlike many trips, travelling to Shetland isn’t simply a case of going the day before and returning the day after,” the club said.
“Due to work commitments, many of our players are unable to travel on Saturday or return on Monday.
“This means we need to find a way of travelling to Shetland, playing the match and returning home all on the same day, making the logistics and cost even more challenging.”
Stewarton Annick said it had requested the game be played in Aberdeen instead, but that this had been refused by Shetland – who are keen to have the chance to host a Scottish Cup match for the very first time.
“Shetland explained that, as the home team, they wanted the opportunity to host the match in front of their own community, avoid additional costs, and continue raising the profile of women’s football on the islands,” Stewarton Annick said.
“We completely understand why Shetland want to play the game at home and, to be fair, it is their home tie. We appreciate how important it is for them to showcase women’s football within their own community.”
However the club said that the financial reality of the game was “substantial”, and that they had not budgeted for or anticipated playing against a team like Shetland.
“We are delighted to see more teams from across Scotland taking part in the competition, but the draw has presented a significant logistical and financial challenge for a grassroots club with limited resources,” it said.
The club said it was quoted £14,500 for a chartered flight for 19 people.
“Other options we looked estimated at just over £13,000 for a squad and staff group of around 20 people.
“In addition to this, accommodation in Lerwick is estimated at approximately £2,280–£3,040 per night for 10 twin rooms, with further costs still to be factored in for meals, refreshments, local transport (if required), insurance, and contingency planning.
“These combined expenses place an exceptional burden on a community club operating on a limited budget.”
Stewarton Annick said it remains hopeful that a solution can be found before the game is due to be played next weekend.
They have called on any “businesses, organisations or individuals” to help support them financially, or by providing contacts who could help the club get to Shetland and back.
“Any support would not only help us fulfil our Scottish Cup fixture, but it would also ensure Shetland Women FC can enjoy the home tie they have rightly earned in their first Scottish Cup campaign and continue showcasing women’s football in their own community,” it said.
“Helping make this fixture happen benefits both clubs and demonstrates the spirit of grassroots football across Scotland.”
Anyone who may be able to assist is encouraged to contact Stewarton Annick Ladies through social media or by emailing stewartonafcladies@gmail.com.
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