Spartans Shelley Kerr has stepped down as Head Coach of Spartans FC women's first team. Carson Ralton confirmed "We are very fortunate to have Debbi McCulloch as a coach at the club and with immediate effect Debbi has accepted the opportunity to take over as Head Coach. Debbi is an excellent highly respected coach who will revel in the lead role".

When asked how she felt about her new position Debbi stated, "Although I am disappointed that Shelley has decided to stand down I am excited to be taking on the more challenging role of Head Coach. I have learned a lot from Shelley in all aspects of the game and I am keen to take that learning forward while also introducing ideas of my own. We have a great bunch of players at the club and fantastic support from the Spartans family, it is great place to be and I am eager to build on what has already been achieved". 

Debbi's tenure starts tomorrow when Spartans travel to meet Aberdeen on league duty with a 2:00 kick off at Lochside Park, Bridge of Don.

   16 April 2010

Scotland have been handed a tough draw for the finals of the UEFA European Women's Under 19 Championship in Macedonia this summer.

There will be an Auld Enemy clash as Scotland take on holders England in Group A, along with three-time winners Germany, and 2008 winners Italy.

This evening's draw in Skopje also saw hosts Macedonia paired with The Netherlands, Spain and France.

Coach Shelley Kerr said: “Yes it’s a tough draw,

but when you get down to the last eight there are no easy games. We knew we would be in a competitive group no matter how the draw panned out.
“Anything is possible. We’ve earned our place at the finals, and we’ve got a strong, settled squad that has shown genuine growth and development throughout this tournament.

“We’re under no illusions about how challenging these games will be, but it’s very exciting to be playing against the top teams. I know from my own playing days that there never needs to be any extra  motivation when you play England, so I’m sure both sets of players will be up for that one.

“No doubt we’ll be seen as underdogs because we qualified as the best runner up, but that’s not our mindset. We’ve earned our place, we’re there on merit, and we’re looking forward to getting out to Macedonia. We know what we’re up against now and it’s all about our final preparations.”

The finals are held from 24 May – 5 June 2010. Group matches will be played in Skopje and Kumanovo on 24, 27 and 30 May.

The semi-finals take place three days later and the final on Saturday 5 June at the National Arena in the capital.