PICTURES – Year of progress on and off the pitch for Ross County Girls
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Ross County Girls and Women have had a year of significant growth in 2021.
The most obvious change at the club has come in its name – it was previously known as Invergordon before an affiliation with the Staggies began this year – but there has also been evidence of progress on the pitch.
A recent special session open to all school children were attended by 100 girls at the end of just the club’s third season, including some who had travelled from as far away as Skye and Wick.
Ross County have seen high numbers attending their weekly Tuesday night sessions in Tain too. With those being open to school pupils ranging from Primary five to sixth year in secondary schools, over 60 girls regularly attend training.
Their 2021 season was threatened by Covid early on, but a competitive season was able to run between August and December.
The older age groups in particular had a decent amount of success.
While the under-11s took part in weekly festivals, County’s under-13 and under-15 squads finished second in their leagues.
In the North Cup finals, too, the Staggies were runners up to Thistle Girls.
Next year could be just as exciting, as they hope to launch under-8, under-10 and senior teams soon.
Before that, though, has been a chance to reflect, and although Covid prevented a presentation night end of year awards were handed out at the final training session of 2021.
n Award winners
Most improved player – Under-15: Alison Wood, Under-13: Leona Afrin, Under-11: Emerson Hutton.
Player’s player of the year – Under-15: Sophie Skinner, Under-13: Rhian Foreman, Under-11: Alex Quigley.
Player of the year – Under-15: Agnes Hooper and Lilly Mackenzie, Under-13: Amy Marshall, Under-11: Violet Gunn.
Club ethos award – Under-15: Hope Warner-Macintosh, Under-13: Ellie Hutton, Under-11: Eilidh McWhirter.
n Ross County Girls are always looking for new potential players, for more information contact the club on Facebook or coach Iain Maciver on 0778631529