WATCH: Elgin City women's football team manager Michael Morrison speaks about the impact of the FIFA Women's World Cup and England's Lionesses' European Championship triumph on encouraging females to take up the sport as the Black and Whites prepare for their first competitive match

Bigger crowds and a global TV audience have helped massively increase the popularity of women's football, says Elgin City manager Michael Morrison.

By the time Morrison leads his City women's team into action for their first-ever competitive match this afternoon, the winners of today's FIFA Women's World Cup will be known.

England's Lionesses, the European champions, take on Spain in the final in Australia with millions watching the match across the world.

Morrison has watched the women's game rise and rise in recent years, and knows the timing is right for Elgin City to field a team in the national leagues for the first time.

He spoke about the impact of the international game on young girls in this area, and praised the work of the Moray Girls team which has become a feeder for Elgin City's SWFL side.

Read more: Interview with team captain Mel MacDonald and more pictures.

City head to Harlaw Park to take on Inverurie Locos Women in a League Cup group match today - their first-ever competitive fixture.

They were awarded a 3-0 win in their scheduled SWFL North League opener against Forfar Farmington Development Team two weeks ago when their opponents couldn't raise a team.

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