Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 10 May 2024 13:12
Wallace High girls crowned Scottish champions to cap ‘Invincible’ season.
The Stirling school’s under-18s defeated St Ninian’s High from Giffnock in the end of season showpiece on Thursday night – the first time it had been hosted at the national stadium.
An injury time winner from Beth Watson – scored straight from a corner – gave Wallace High a 1-0 victory as captain Sophie Timlin proudly lifted the Scottish Schools’ Football Association Shield high above her head.
Hundreds of fans from the Stirling community, including scores of parents, carers, friends and family, celebrated as the girls went undefeated in an ‘Invincible’ season that also saw them win their local league and League Cup competitions.
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 honoured to coach a group of girls who have made me so proud and embody everything that’s great about our school. They are a credit to themselves and their families and we’re absolutely delighted to have brought girls’ football to the national stage at Hampden.
“Many of the girls were part of our under-15 squad who lost out narrowly in the final last season at Alloa and they have shown character and resilience to bounce back in such style against an excellent St Ninian’s side. Both teams contributed so much to a fabulous occasion.
“We played seven tough games and came through two penalty shoot-outs to win the trophy and every single member of the squad has played their part. I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive group of players – or colleagues, from Head Teacher Scott Pennock and Colin Burke, our Head of PE, to the janitors and dinner ladies who have encouraged the girls every step of the way.”
Head Teacher Scott Pennock said: “I’ve never felt so proud to be Head Teacher of Wallace High than when the final whistle blew at Hampden.
“Everything about the occasion was absolutely wonderful; the crowd, the atmosphere and the coming together of the community – and not just from Wallace High, as we had supporters at Hampden from across the whole Stirling area.
“I’m very proud of Rachel and our staff in the PE department and, of course, I’m so proud of our girls. They were magnificent and their achievement will stay with them forever.”
Cllr Margaret Brisley, convener of the Children and Young People committee, said: “The Wallace High School girls and head coach Miss Whillans are an inspiration and this thrilling Scottish Cup victory was testament to their dedication, team work and commitment to each other.
“Well done girls. I know your parents, families and friends will be so proud of your achievements and so too are the people of Stirling. We have been cheering you all the way and are delighted you got the rewards your efforts deserved.
“The memory of your Hampden victory will live with you forever and the friendships made on your amazing journey will continue for many, many years to come.”
Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.
READ MOREA drop-in event to attract new foster carers is being hosted by Stirling Council at the Raploch Campus on Friday, May 16th.
READ MOREWallace High Senior Girls are the pride of Stirling after retaining the Scottish Cup in stunning style on Friday night in front of hundreds of delighted fans.
READ MOREIRN-BRU XTRA has launched a custom milk float delivery service bringing limited-edition Nessie Nectar straight from the shores of Loch Ness to doors across the UK.
READ MOREScottish adults are being encouraged to learn to swim this summer to boost water safety skills for the whole family.
READ MOREA new documentary - now live on STV Player - tells the story of the Maclean Brothers and their self-confessed “piss poor” preparations the ocean adventure that lay ahead.
READ MOREPeople across Stirling are being urged to cheer on Wallace High Senior Girls on Friday night (9 May) as they bid to retain the Scottish Cup.
READ MOREAudiences are invited to travel the globe - both musically and visually - this May, as both David Attenborough and Eurovision head to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE2025 marks the next chapter in The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust’s legacy with the opening of a brand-new, world-class visitor centre with exhibition and retail experience.
READ MOREPavilion Festival has rounded off its biggest ever event with over 16,000 music fans enjoying three days of non-stop live music and feel good vibes on Ayr’s iconic Low Green.
READ MOREFor one day only, families can experience Moana, Paddington, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in immersive 4DX at all 34 Cineworld 4DX screens nationwide.
READ MORECelebration of the iconic late Beatle's life and music will be performed at 26 venues nationwide.
READ MOREThis June, Dobbies Garden Centres is presenting a brand-new way to celebrate Father’s Day, combining a hearty Sunday roast with a hands-on grow-your-own herb planting workshop.
READ MORENominations for the Blue Light Awards Scotland, recognising the courage, commitment and community spirit of our Blue Light Services, are now open.
READ MOREThe Urban Forestry Programme is supporting projects in urban areas to help more people experience the benefits of trees.
READ MOREStirling Council and local partners are delighted to announce a new annual celebration of culture, which will see the area come alive at night with an exciting range of events and activities.
READ MOREIRN-BRU thinks it’s time for Scotland’s unicorns to finally toot their own horn - by giving one of the country’s most iconic sculptures a magical makeover.
READ MORENewly-crowned Masters Tournament champion Rory McIlroy is set to compete for a second Genesis Scottish Open title!
READ MOREA new £16 million flood prevention scheme for Bridge of Allan has taken a significant step forward following approval to procure a contract to design and build the defences.
READ MORETo celebrate 40 years of legendary music, Simply Red are releasing their concert film 'Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago' on the big screen.
READ MOREPavilion Festival 2025: From Big Top, live music to secret gigs - here's what to expect!
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair is back for its 36th year at Scone Palace, taking place 4th - 6th July 2025.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are welcoming children across the UK to join in on the fun this May to uncover all there is to know about grass at its free Little Seedlings Club workshop.
READ MOREStirling Highland Games have announcement that former Scotland Women’s rugby internationalist Lyndsay O'Donnell has been appointed as their honorary chieftain for 2025.
READ MORELoch Lomond Shores is hosting a continental market on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th of May!
READ MOREA ground-breaking active travel network that will transform how people get around Stirling and the wider region has officially opened.
READ MOREBluey at the Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection will be playing in cinemas across the UK and Ireland from Saturday 3rd May, just in time for the Early May Bank Holiday weekend.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MOREThe Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MOREFrom Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.
READ MORE