Face paint, flags and the Black Ferns

On Saturday 19 September, our U10 girls swapped the training pitch for a day out together at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, to cheer on Scotland against New Zealand's Black Ferns.

It was a day about much more than the score. It was about a group of girls who train together on a Thursday night becoming a team off the pitch too: travelling together, cheering together, and going home with memories they'll talk about for years.

A team in the stands

Saltires painted on cheeks and a giant Scotland flag stretched across the row, the girls made sure everyone around them knew who they were supporting. They sang, they shouted, and they kept that flag flying all game.

Days like these are where friendships made at training really grow. Cheering side by side, the girls were as much a team in the stands as they are on the pitch. That's what Strathendrick is about: a team on and off the pitch.

Inspired by the players

The result didn't go Scotland's way, but that wasn't what the girls will remember. They watched women play with real power, skill and courage, and cheered every Scotland tackle and carry as if they were on the pitch themselves. Seeing that up close shows young players what's possible. Who knows, one day it might be one of ours out there.

Meeting the players

After the final whistle, the girls lined up at the barrier as the sun went down, and the players came over to meet the fans. Players from both teams stopped to chat, sign flags and take selfies.

The smiles in these photos say it all. Seeing these athletes up close, and finding out they're friendly, down to earth and genuinely happy to meet young fans, made them real role models. The girls headed home with a signed flag and a lot to tell everyone at training.

And the girls didn't just take photos, they ended up in one too. Our group made it into the official Instagram post from the game: see if you can spot them in picture 7.

Come and join us on a Thursday

We're looking for more girls to join our U10 and U12 groups. You don't need to have played rugby before, and you don't need to bring a friend. You'll make plenty of them here.

Our sessions are all about enjoying rugby, having fun and building friendships. Girls learn to run, pass, catch and tackle safely, at their own pace, with coaches who want every player to feel part of the team. And there are days out like this one along the way.

When: Thursdays, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
Where: Fintry Sports Ground
Who: Girls in P4 to P7 (up to U12)
Bring: Trainers or boots, comfy sportswear, a water bottle and a warm layer

Just come along or get in touch. We'd love to see you there.