New Look Dunfermline Ladies Going for Glory as the Women`s Game Takes Another Step Forward

The rising popularity of women’s football has led to changes in the professional structure of the scottish leagues. This restructuring sees regional leagues added to the football pyramid with opportunities for the winners of those leagues to climb the ladder and set their sights on the SWPL.

The Growth of the Women’s Game
The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia was the most watched since the competition began. 

It smashed TV viewing figures for women’s football right across the world, witnessed huge increases in attendance figures for matches compared with previous tournaments, and saw hospitality sales increase by 27% from those in France in 2019. Interest in the tournament also saw many more football betting markets than had previously been available.

This reflects the growing interest in women’s football in Scotland, with the last season marking the first time overall attendance figures in the SWPL broke through the 100,000 barrier.

With regional teams having the opportunity to join the Women`s League One and the SWPL, newer talent will be more motivated than ever. This will drive more competition and undoubtedly play a part in the growth of the women`s game.

New Start for Dunfermline Athletic Ladies
Competing in the 12-team Biffa SWF East this season, Dunfermline Athletic Ladies had a summer of change. Five players departed the club, including last season’s captain, Mims Callis, who moved to Edinburgh South. To bolster the squad following these departures, 6 new players have been signed, giving the team a new look. After a positive start, hopes are high for a strong campaign that players, staff and fans hope will end in promotion.

Manager Angie Comries will be hoping this influx of new talent will breathe fresh air into the club and see the team competing for those all-important promotion places come the end of the season.

A Short Season and a Game of Dreams
The new setup for the Biffa SWFL format meant teams played a short season from January until spring, with Dunfermline Ladies securing the spot in the newly formed Biffa SWFL East with a series of strong performances, including a 10-0 thrashing of Falkirk Development.

That game marked The Pars Ladies’ first-ever game at the KDM Group East End Park. Fans were offered free entry, with hundreds turning up to watch a comfortable win on the ground that has been home to The Pars since 1885.

Investment is Key
Restructuring women’s football in Scotland provides an opportunity. It’s down to clubs to make the most of it and push on. Playing a women’s game at the KDM Group East End Park is a demonstration of the club’s commitment to developing its women’s team. 
Any team rising through the ranks in football has to accept they won’t always be able to hang on to their best players. But investment in development can help counter this. That includes investment in new players to maintain the upward trajectory of the club, and in the next generation of talent. 

Dunfermline Athletic Ladies already have teams playing at all levels. And the future looks bright for the club as it sets out on a quest to eventually break the Glasgow dominance of women’s football in Scotland.

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