Granite City Ladies manager Dave Easton believes his players can reach the upper echelons of women’s football in Scotland after linking up with Highland League champions Cove Rangers.
The Scottish Women’s Football League Division 1 North team is to become the official women’s team of Cove Rangers. The team will change its name to Cove Rangers Ladies FC at the beginning of the 2018 season and will train and play at Cove’s new Balmoral Stadium, due to be completed this year.
Only formed at the beginning of the 2016 season, Granite City Ladies were promoted to SWFL Division 1 North this season, after becoming champions of Division 2 North.
The Aberdeen side won all 21 matches, had a goal difference of plus 113 and finished 19 points ahead of runners-up Deveronvale.
At present, Granite City Ladies train twice a week at Northfield Academy and play their home games at Kaimhill.
Easton feels their new relationship with Cove Rangers will help his side reach the next level.
He said: “Winning the league the way we did was well beyond my expectations but the biggest problem we have is the lack of facilities in Aberdeen.
“The women’s game is becoming much more popular and we are seeing more and more girls wanting to play all the time.
“We knew that if we wanted to progress up the divisions to the Scottish Women’s Premier League there is certain criteria we have to meet.
“It became apparent during the discussions that the ideal scenario was for us to integrate with Cove Rangers.
“It will be hugely beneficial for us to be able to train and play on the same surface. That will be priceless. The Balmoral Stadium will meet any criteria that Scottish Women’s Football demand of us, so it is very exciting for the team.”
Cove Rangers chairman Keith Moorhouse is also enthusiastic about the new partnership.
He said: “Women’s football, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, is well-established and becoming increasingly competitive in the north-east. We’ve been considering establishing a women’s setup for some time now and Granite City are the perfect partner for us.
“They’ve achieved remarkable success in only one season and we will support them in achieving their ambitions through our brand, the use of our facilities and access to our support network.”
Captain Vikki McIntee, who plays in defence, said: “It is brilliant for the club. It has been difficult to get training facilities at times that suits everyone in the team, so this will really help.”
Her vice-captain, Judy Humber, is also relishing the move to the Balmoral Stadium next season.
She said: “The whole team is thrilled.
“It is a great opportunity for us, especially being such a new club and with so many young players.
“We are excited to be able to train and play at the new stadium next season, as there just isn’t the same quality of grounds available in Aberdeen as a permanent location.
“To be part of such a successful club is a big step for us and we hope to show we deserve our place through our results this season.”