Yesterday saw the welcome return of the first SPAR Scotland Future Stars Cup tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scotland’s state-of-the-art Sports Performance Centre, Oriam, played host to over 250 girls aged 12-16, who represented their respective schools in a competitive, fun and inclusive competition.
SPAR Scotland initially teamed up with the Scottish FA back in 2019 to support the Scotland Women’s National Team and boost the girls’ and women’s grassroots scene – which included the introduction of the SPAR Scotland Future Stars Cup – which boasts representation from across all six Scottish FA regions.
Scotland stars Lee Alexander and Lizzie Arnot were on hand to help with the prizegiving ceremony and celebrate the efforts and skills of everyone who took part.
The Scottish FA’s Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football, Fiona McIntyre, said: “It really was great to see the return of the SPAR Scotland Future Stars Cup. It’s been two years too long without it given everything else that was going on in the world.
“Seeing those happy faces – not to mention the skills on show – at Oriam was a timely reminder of why we all do what we do to try and progress the girls’ and women’s grassroots scene in this country.
“With that in mind, we are extremely grateful to SPAR for their continued support. Not only do they share our enthusiasm for this competition and what it represents, but they are aligned with our wider goals for the Scottish game.
“We had two outstanding role models present today in Lee Alexander and Lizzie Arnot. Hopefully a few of those taking part will have been inspired and look to follow in their footsteps one day.”
Colin McLean, CEO for SPAR Scotland added: ““It’s been great to be here along with the Scottish FA watching teams from across Scotland play in our Future Stars Cup final. Covid really did play havoc with this tournament but eventually reaching the final is amazing. Watching the girls play yesterday just shows the level of skills and talent there is out there. It’s going to be interesting to watch as some of these girls hopefully progress in their career in the years ahead.
“Being a partner of the Scottish FA has enabled us to finally deliver this tournament and give girls aged 12 to 16 across Scotland the opportunity to compete in a competitive tournament. Huge congratulations to all the teams who took part in our tournament, not just to the ones who made finals day. We’re really looking forward to delivering an even bigger event later this year.”
SPAR Scotland initially signed a contract with the Scottish FA in 2019 for a 2-year period. That contract has been extended through to August 2023. SPAR Scotland are sponsors of the Scotland Women’s National Team as well as grassroots sponsors of the Scottish FA.
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