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Daily Record
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Wallace High girls team aim to follow senior glory in showpiece cup final
The school's under-15 girls side are in action for the Scottish Shield final tonight at the Falkirk Stadium - with the aim of following in the seniors' footsteps. Wallace High's under-15 girls' side are hoping to make it an extra-special season for the school's footballers in their national final this evening. The school's youngsters will take on a team from Braidhurst High in Motherwell in the final of the Scottish Shield at the Falkirk Stadium with an 8pm kick-off. The under-15 side have already the league and league cup, but are hoping to make it a treble and go one step further in the Shield having finished as runners-up in 2023. The Falkirk surface has already seen Wallace success with the senior girls' squad defending their national crown with a resounding 11-1 sin over Grove Academy from Dundee - with five of that squad also eligible for the U15s. Head coach Rachel Whillans is Principal Teacher at Wallace High's School of Sport. She said: 'I am so proud of the girls, who have shown an amazing work ethic and commitment all year. 'Most of these girls have been together for three years and their journey and progress has been incredible. They began as S1s in the School of Football programme and have stuck together and worked so hard to get to the level they are at today. 'Hours of training, numerous games and a togetherness like I have never seen before has allowed this talented group to reach a Scottish Cup Final. 'Inspired by the older girls, who won the U18s Shield, the girls have been desperate to emulate this. We have one more game, one more challenge and one more big night at Falkirk Stadium ahead. I know the girls will be ready and give it their all.' The U15s secured their spot in the showpiece occasion with a dramatic penalty shootout win in the semi-finals over Turnbull High after a 2-2 draw in the regular period of play. Their run has also seen them defeat James Young High, Portobello High, Bathgate Academy and Carnoustie - scoring nine goals in each of those matches. Whillans added: 'It has been a tough run, facing some excellent opposition but this is a special group of players, who I have every confidence in. 'The semi-final epitomised their spirit. They have one final match to go and we will prepare correctly and give it everything on the night. I am so proud and can't wait to see them walk out in front of the whole school community, who have been so supportive all the way. 'Thank you to our parents, carers, staff and friends and to the girls for their effort, passion and belief.' Wallace head teacher Scott Pennock said: 'One of the great privileges of my job has been spending quality time over the past 12 and a half years cheering from the touchlines and watching a range of our young people across sports realise significant team and personal milestones as they have worked together to grow, progress and achieve. 'Our senior girls, with some of this team part of that squad, have done amazingly well in reaching three finals in a row and winning two years in succession. 'Our juniors are the future in following on from them and I know their legacy is in safe hands. 'I don't know what the final score will be, but I do know that whatever it is, I will feel nothing but pride as I cheer you on, watching you give your best with a passionate Wallace community behind you. 'Drink in the occasion and atmosphere, and enjoy every minute – your achievements this season have been outstanding and we are all so proud of you.' Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: 'The senior girls' achievements in the competition last month inspired us all. It would be incredible if the U15 side makes their own mark in the competition and brings even more pride to the Wallace High community. 'The cup final will be a great occasion for both schools, so please come along to the Falkirk Stadium and show your support for these incredible young women.'
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Wallace High girls team goes for back-to-back cup glory in Friday night clash
The senior girls team from the school - who claimed victory in dramatic fashion at Hampden last year - will take on Grove Academy at the Falkirk Stadium this evening. A massive night under the lights awaits Wallace High's senior girls football squad as they bid to retain the Scottish Shield they won last year. The under-18 side will face a team from Dundee's Grove Academy at the Falkirk Stadium at 8pm this evening and will be hoping to keep the trophy in the school's cabinet after the last-gasp win at Hampden. Last year's dramatic 1-0 success at the National Stadium saw the team backed by hundreds of fans from Stirling who got behind the squad — and the girls are hoping for another big turnout to drive them on once again. Head coach Rachel Whillans is Principal Teacher at Wallace High's School of Sport, which was launched in November 2012 and now supports its pupils' potential in football, rugby, swimming, dance and basketball. She said: 'I am incredibly proud of my team, who have faced an incredible challenge this season to reach the final, for the second consecutive year. 'As the cup holders, it would have been easy to be complacent but this group of girls have such a good attitude, and combined with their work ethic and determination, they have overcome every challenge that has come their way.' Their route to the final has been far from easy and includes a sensational comeback in the semi-final against St Mungo's High from Falkirk, where the girls progressed after scoring four goals in the last ten minutes to overturn a 5-1 deficit before winning in a penalty shootout. For some of those pulling on the Wallace shirts tonight, it will be an amazing third appearance in the showpiece occasion, with the majority of the squad also having appeared in the 2023 under-15 final in Alloa where they lost out 3-2 to Lasswade High. Rachel continued: 'It has been a tough run, facing some excellent opposition but this is a special group of players, who I have every confidence in. The semi-final epitomised their spirit. They have one final match to go and we will prepare correctly and give it everything on the night. 'I would personally like to say a huge thank you to our Head Teacher Scott Pennock and the Wallace staff who have supported the girls all the way, as well as the parents and carers who have supported every match, together with the match officials and organisers. 'Finally, to my coaching team, Colin Burke, Emily Gray and goalkeeper coach Barry Wick - a huge thank you. 'We can't wait until May 9 and hopefully we can bring the trophy home and make the whole Wallace community proud.' The coaching staff at Wallace also includes local football legend Jimmy Bone, who played as a striker for clubs including Partick Thistle, Celtic, St Mirren and Hearts, winning two caps for Scotland in the process. Wallace High head teacher Scott Pennock said: 'The girls have, once again, shown an outstanding attitude to reach the Scottish Cup Final and the chance to defend their trophy. 'Coming back from 5-1 down with ten minutes to go in the semi-final is truly one of the great achievements I have witnessed in school sport. 'It typifies their amazing spirit and I wish them all the best in the final – another occasion for them to make memories that will last a lifetime.'
