Banned footballer welcomes rules change

A TALENTED 13-year-old girl footballer who was banned from playing in a national cup final because she is female has welcomed the news that the rulebook has been torn up.

As reported by the News back in May Bathgate Academy pupil Alyshia Walker was Fauldhouse Foxes’ Under-13s captain and top scorer, but because the Tesco Cup final took place in England, it was governed by the English Football Association rules, which prevent girls being part of a boys team if they are over 11.

It has emerged that the rules were changed just three days after the cup final was played.

Alyshia, who now plays for Celtic Girls U-17s, said: “I was shocked that they changed the rules three days after the final and not before – I wish they had done it before the final.

“But it’s a good thing for girls who play football from now on who will have an opportunity to play in the British Cup.”