Clachnacuddin prepare for start of new Highlands and Islands League season as they will open their campaign against Buckie in Inverness
CLACHNACUDDIN Women are encouraging new players to join their club as they prepare to kick off the new Highlands and Islands League season.
The Lilywhites start their campaign against Buckie at Inverness Royal Academy on Sunday with kick-off at 12.30pm.
The Inverness club currently have 15 players in their squad as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.
Nick McCourt has made the step up to become head coach after previously being involved in the coaching team at the club last season.
He said they are always on the lookout for new talent and is encouraging anyone with an interest in playing football to get in touch and be part of the club.
He said: “We are a development team where we are looking to bring in players of all levels and abilities.
“We want to bring in players who maybe wouldn’t have thought about playing football previously.
“The club is open to anyone who would like to come along to one of our training sessions and look for them to play in the team.”
Clachnacuddin Women currently hold training sessions at Conon Bridge on Tuesday nights between 7pm and 8.30pm.
The club have done a lot of fundraising to support the team in the Highlands and Islands League this season, but are still looking for a major sponsor.
Clachnacuddin have played in every season of the Highlands and Islands League since it was established in 2019. They were the first winners of the Highlands and Islands League.
Five other teams will contest the Highlands and Islands League this season including Buckie, Caithness, Nairn St Ninian, Orkney and Sutherland.
Last year’s champions Ross County have decided not to defend their title this season with Ross and Cromarty also pulling out of the competition.
Shetland are set to play in the Highlands and Islands League Cup for the first time.
McCourt is hopeful his team can have a successful campaign, but says their main priority is getting more women into football and enjoying the sport.
He also hopes he can encourage some of his players to consider being the head coach in the future.
He said: “We have new players coming in and we will see how the season goes.
“But the most important thing I want to see is the players to go out on the field on a Sunday and enjoy playing football.
“The league gives a great opportunity for women to play football here and I would encourage anyone to come to one of our training sessions. We will never leave anyone out and everyone will be involved.
“I would like to see one of the women make the step up and take the management role in the future, but I am happy to be head coach.”
