14 girls. One team. A big adventure ahead.

Our brilliant young footballers at Leithen Vale Sports Club, who will be moving up to the Under-12s, are hoping to head to the Blackpool International Cup in May 2027, and we’re fundraising to help get them there.

What makes this team so special isn’t just their love of football, but the lovely group they’ve become.

Coming together from Innerleithen and other small towns and villages across the Scottish Borders, these girls have formed a genuinely lovely, close-knit team. They get on brilliantly, look out for one another and have so much fun together. They’re just as happy cheering each other on as they are celebrating a goal, and whether they win or lose, they always seem to come off the pitch smiling.

They’re also incredibly lucky to have a dedicated group of volunteer coaches who give up their time, week after week, rain or shine, to help the girls learn, improve and enjoy their football. Their commitment makes such a difference.

And that’s really what grassroots girls’ football is all about.

It’s about far more than goals and results. It’s about friendships, confidence, resilience and belonging. It’s about giving girls a place where they feel included, supported and encouraged to have a go.

From 30 April to 3 May 2027, our squad of 14 girls hopes to travel to Blackpool to take part in an international youth football tournament at Stanley Park. It will be a wonderful opportunity to play against other teams, develop their skills and, perhaps most importantly, make some brilliant memories together.

What are we fundraising for?

We’re hoping to raise £5,000 to help cover the girls’ accommodation, travel, tournament entry and, if funds allow, some matching team clothing for the occasion.

Parents and accompanying family members will be covering their own costs, so the money raised will go specifically towards supporting the 14 young players.

We’d love to make this opportunity as affordable and accessible as possible for every girl in the squad.

How can you help?

Whether you’re a local business, a football supporter, a friend, a relative or simply someone who believes in supporting girls in sport, we’d be incredibly grateful for any contribution.

Every donation, however small, will help give these girls an experience they’ll hopefully remember for years to come.

Big dreams start at grassroots level.

Thank you for supporting Leithen Vale Girls and the wonderful team they’ve become. ⚽️