The success of a Dumbarton-born 19-year-old who has been selected for the Scotland Women’s National Team squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Playoff versus Austria has inspired girls at a local high school to play the beautiful game.
Rebecca McAllister has been called up for potentially her first-ever cap in what is a massive fixture an opportunity for Rebecca and Scotland to qualify for the World Cup.
The former Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School pupil has recently moved to Heart of Midlothian on a pre-contract following a loan spell at the club from Celtic last season.
Rebecca’s former head teacher, Christopher Smith, said that Rebecca’s success has inspired girls to play football at the school.
Mr Smith commented: “We are delighted that part of Rebecca’s legacy from her time in school has been the sustainability of our ongoing girl’s squads here at OLSP and their own successes.
“The staff and pupils are incredibly proud of the ongoing success and achievements of our former pupil Rebecca McAllister.
“Her personal qualities also make her a first-class ambassador not only for her sport but for her country, and we will be offering our full support as the team hopefully secure ongoing success.
“She is an incredible role model for both girls and boys, and we are all incredibly proud of her.”
The Hearts midfielder has played all through the Scotland National Team age groups from under-15’s up until under-19’s, prior to her call-up.
Scotland are now within touching distance of being at the World Cup, having finished second in their group, beating out the likes of Ukraine, Hungary and the Faroe Islands.
Hazel Redford, curricular leader of health and wellbeing at Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School stressed how proud the school are after hearing of Rebecca’s National Team selection.
She said: “On joining OLSP, Rebecca was immediately identified as a naturally talented footballer.
“She played in the boy’s teams representing the school up until S3 and established herself, adapting to the style and dynamics of the team.
“She was well respected by all players and in many instances was much more skilful than her counterparts.
“Her success is often discussed in the school. We were all so proud that she has been selected for Scotland Women’s National Team.
“Along with Rebecca’s success and the publicity surrounding the recent Euros and the opportunity of Scotland making the World Cup, we will be studying her progress very closely.
“On the back of this, she will be delighted to know that so many girls in OLSP are actively playing football. Uptake is at its highest with the school entering a senior and an U15’s girls team in Scottish Schools competitions this year.”
