Scottish female footballer prevented from playing in tournament

Wednesday 25 May 2011
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A young Scottish female footballer was prevented from playing in a tournament in Birmingham due to English rules preventing mixed teams above the age of 11.

Alyshia Walker, 13, captain of Fauldhouse Foxes, based in West Lothian, had to watch her team-mates play in the Tesco Cup play-offs – a competition contested between representatives from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – without her.

Scotland’s Fauldhouse qualified after winning a series of county, regional and then national qualifiers, with Alyshia playing a key role in their progression. The only girl in the team, Alyshia has netted more than 70 goals for Fauldhouse this season and has already played for Scotland at under-15 level.

In the tournament, Fauldhouse lost to eventual champions Staplehurst Monarchs, from England, 1-0 at the semi-final stage.

Fauldhouse secretary Ina Meek, said: “It’s such a shame. Alyshia is a hugely important player. She’s the only girl in the side, but she’s the captain, which tells you all you need to know about her ability. I’m sure if she’d been allowed to play Fauldhouse could have beaten England and gone on to win the tournament.”

From Daily Record

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