Moray Girls team are the new Invincibles
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A LOCAL girls' football team celebrated an incredible season with a trophy presentation in Elgin on Saturday.
The Moray Girls Under-13s have gone from strength to strength this year – with both a league win and Scottish Cup success – and the entire Moray Girls and Ladies club marked the performance of all sections at its annual awards and end-of-season get-together at New Elgin Hall on Saturday, November 16.
The under-13s team claimed the championship trophy in the North Kim Little League, winning 16 games – losing only the 17th match on Saturday, and scoring 107 goals over the season.
The team members have demonstrated their commitment week after week, with members travelling from Grantown, Inverness, Buckie and Aberlour for training in Elgin.
They are one of two under-13 teams within the Moray Girls FC banner. Their fellow under-13s team finished in the runners-up spot in the North Claire Emslie League.
The under-16s came fifth in the North Under-16s League, and the women's team finished sixth and were the only team to get points against group winners Dundee City.
The club's membership stands at 55 across the age groups.
Graham McKenzie and Brian Mann, who both have daughters active at the club, stepped in to coaching roles three years ago to keep Moray Girls alive and kicking and are keen to see membership swell further next season.
Graham told the girls at the celebration: "Some of your football has been a joy to watch and it's all credit to your hard work paying off."
Their Scottish Cup run got off to a frustrating start with the first game called off and in the next round Graham was out cutting grass before the teams could meet. The girls pushed through to the quarter-finals in September despite the hurdles, where title-holders Donside dashed their cup hopes.
Donside also halted Moray Girls' League Cup run – "a hard one to take", said Graham, after they lost 5-4 on penalties.
Graham said: "It was fantastic having the ladies coming down and cheering on the girls in the Scottish Cup and the girls really appreciated their support."
The girls will now enjoy a well-earned break before training restarts after the Christmas school holidays.
Graham said: "It's been years of hard work. Every week they improve."
The girls and women train on Tuesday nights at Elgin Academy. Graham said new members will be made most welcome, whatever their ability level. Those interested in joining can email moray.girls@yahoo.com or phone Debbie Mann, secretary, on 07484 710863.
