Winchburgh Albion 14s, Glasgow City YPL, and Giffnock Soccer Centre 18s emerged as the champions of the 2024 ScottishPower Youth Challenge Cup in their respective age categories after three exciting finals held at Ochilview Stadium in Stenhousemuir.
In the first final, Winchburgh Albion had to endure a challenging first half where their opponents dominated the game. Glasgow Girls’ Charly Rankin created early chances with her quick feet, while Glasgow keeper Leah Grieg displayed confidence in stopping counter attacks to keep the game goalless at halftime. The second half saw Winchburgh scoring three goals to secure a 3-0 victory, with Mia Hendry mentioning that the goals lifted the team’s spirits.
Giffnock Soccer Centre clinched the 18s cup after a tense penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Phoebe Stewart making heroic saves, including denying Glasgow Girls’ Laurie McCormack in the shootout. Despite facing challenges with cramps and injuries, Giffnock emerged victorious, with captain Katherine Sharpe playing a crucial role in the game and the shootout.
In the 16s final, Glasgow City triumphed over Youth Performance League rivals Musselburgh Windsor in a thrilling five-goal match. City’s Robyn Docherty and Musselburgh’s Evie Thomas displayed impressive skills throughout the game. City eventually secured a thrilling victory with captain Darcy Greig scoring the winning goal in the final minute.
The ScottishPower Youth Challenge Cup finals marked the culmination of Scottish Women’s Football’s major cup competition, with over 300 teams participating from across Scotland. Medals and trophies were presented by VIPs including Keith Anderson, James Reddington, Sasha Finn, Jenni Minto, and Cecil Meiklejohn.
