FC Edinburgh and Penicuik Athletic YFC have launched a new partnership which will provide opportunities for Midlothian girls to progress into women’s 1st team football.

FC Edinburgh are now champions of the national Scottish Women’s League One and are unbeaten in 24 games, whilst Penicuik Athletic YFC are holders of the 16s Challenge Cup. The new partnership will offer a pathway for the girls to play for the capital club over the coming seasons.

Commenting on the new arrangement, Penicuik’s Steven Clarke said: “Penicuik Athletic YFC is proud to provide opportunities for girls to play football in Midlothian and winning a national cup in November was a significant moment for our community. Now we’re delighted that through this arrangement we can offer further opportunities for girls to progress up the game.

“FC Edinburgh has a squad full of fantastic role models and, already, we have had Andy Enwood in taking various sessions here at Penicuik as well as numerous players attending FC Edinburgh training sessions on a weekly basis. This has been a fantastic opportunity for them and an insight into what can be expected at the next level.”

Commenting on the partnership, FC Edinburgh head coach Andy Enwood said: “It’s no secret that FC Edinburgh are ambitious to progress up the women’s game, and a vital part of that is about providing opportunities for youngsters, not just to participate but to succeed.

“I have been hugely impressed with the set up at Penicuik and I hope that this partnership will allow them to grow the opportunities for girls to play in Midlothian and beyond.”

A memorandum of understanding between the two clubs has been approved by the Scottish Women’s Football board and the Championship and League One management committee.