BUDDING young footballers can see the Scottish Women’s Cup this evening (Thursday).

Haddington Athletic Community Football Club has launched a new side, which is open to all girls in the community between the ages of five and 12 who want to play football.

The initiative has been a great success, nearly doubling the number of participants in just four weeks.

It is hoped the arrival of the trophy at Whittingehame Drive will encourage the girls to keep going with their football and to help grow the game further.

Aileen Campbell, Scottish Women’s Football (SWF) CEO, was looking forward to the visit.

She said: “This partnership between Haddington Athletic and the Scottish FA has been a great success and shows that many girls with an interest in football are keen to try it if they are given the opportunity.

“The SWF are determined that every woman and girl in Scotland should have the opportunity to get involved in football, and it’s great to see so many taking this up in East Lothian.

“The Scottish Women’s Cup is the trophy with the biggest history in the Women’s game, and I’m delighted to bring it to Haddington to hopefully provide some inspiration to these new players.

“I’ll also highlight the fact that the final is only a few weeks away at Tynecastle and tickets for under 13s are free.

“That means the girls can see either Celtic Women or Glasgow City lift the club for themselves.”