The origins of ladies football in Gretna go back a long way in history. Indeed to World War one. With most of the men folk away on the front, it was up to the women to make the much needed munitions to help the War effort. The UK government located a munitions factory in the township of Gretna and women came from all over the country to "Do Their Bit"! What little recreation time they had from the 12 hour shifts making the Devils Porridge was spent playing football and the factory produced a number of ladies sides that played locally, including one match at Brunton Park!

Jump forward over 100 years and on a cold damp May evening Jordan McNally and Courtney Nelson met Claire Kirkpatrick, Helen Byers, Stuart Rome and Iain Martin to suggest a project to launch a ladies team under the Gretna 2008 banner. This was a project the club had wanted to explore for a few years. After agreeing it wouldn't cost Romey anything it was agreed there and then,  that it was systems go! Recruitment began in earnest and Shaun Harrison was appointed Manager of the team.

The first training session was eagerly awaited... would anyone turn up... but they did... 9 players week 1. As the message spread a player or two more would turn up on a Friday evening and before we knew it, we were marching out onto the pitch at the Oriam in Edinburgh, to face Murieston United in a recreation tournament. We drew that game! Then went onto win the next 4 games and win the trophy. As "No Gretna, No Party" was being belted out through the corridors of the complex it was decided,  let's go for league and cup entry at 11-a-side!

The main board at Gretna FC 2008 generously agreed to support the move and the commercial team set sights on a sponsor. Eleven a-side friendlies were arranged vs Stanwix (twice) and Newlaithes, along with another on a burning hot day in Whitehaven . 

A few weeks later a local derby vs Annan Athletic and then the Scottish Cup vs Bishopton. An amazing progression in such a few months. The Ladies are all enjoying the social side as well as the football side of the club, helping as volunteers for the club and on match days.

As clubwide Director of Football, Nikki White, commented, "The Ladies section been a very positive addition to the club this season and must be applauded for all their support volunteering for the club".

So why not come along and join the Gretna FC 2008 Ladies and girls team whether it be playing, watching or sponsoring. It's going to be some journey!

Training:  Fridays 6pm, Raydale Park

Contact: Claire Kirkpatrick, Secretary  07900 690354