Delting Women and Girls Football Club was established in 2025 to create a welcoming, accessible and enjoyable opportunity for women and girls in the local community to play football.
As the first club in Shetland to launch a women's team, it has opened up a new pathway for female players in the isles. Previously, opportunities for women were largely limited to representing the Shetland side, while younger girls could only access the sport through existing junior teams.
The clubs’ ambitions were to establish a women's team that could train regularly and have the opportunity to play in a women's league or regular club-level competition in Shetland.
More than a club
The club is part of North Mainland Community Sports Hub, which is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hub network and supported by Shetland Islands Council.
Funded by The National Lottery, the Community Sport Hub programme brings sports clubs and community organisations together to create stronger, safer, more sustainable and inclusive clubs, helping to increase the impact of sport and physical activity across communities in Scotland.
Delting Women and Girls Football Club is a great example of what can happen when a community responds to a need. Access to regular sport isn't simply about physical health. In a rural community, a local sports club can become an important social hub – creating opportunities to meet people, develop friendships, volunteer, learn new skills and build confidence. Something the Community Sports Hub in the area aims to support and develop.
Danny Peterson, Community Sports Hub Officer said:
“The introduction of the Delting FC Women and Girls club has been one of the biggest success stories to come from the North Mainland CSH and is a shining example of what can be done when a group of individuals have a set of principles and will to establish an opportunity, which align perfectly with the aims of the Hub. It has been a pleasure watching the club go from strength to strength.”
The impact of Delting Women and Girls Football Club extends far beyond the game itself. The club gives locals the opportunity to build confidence, improve fitness, forge friendships and try something new, while creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong.
Changing the game
Jakki Grant coaches alongside Debbie Young and Sara Farmer at Delting Women and Girls Football Club and was a driving force behind the establishment of the club.
Jakki noticed that there was a gap for women who wanted to play regularly but perhaps hadn't played before or for many years, and there wasn't somewhere to do that close to home. She wanted to change that.
Jakki said, “When we started in September 2025, we didn't really know where it would lead – we just knew that the need was there and that we wanted to give it a go. What has happened since has demonstrated just how much that need existed.”
Coach Debbie Young added:
"It's bringing people out of their comfort zone – people who have never played football before are giving it a go. It's also brought people back to the game who never thought they'd get the chance to play again."
For regular player Abbie Robertson, joining Delting Women and Girls Football Club has provided something that extends far beyond exercise.
Abbie said, "I joined Delting Women's Football Club because it's a space where I can switch off from mum life and have 90 minutes of fun, exercise and to just be me. Since joining the team when it first started up, I've felt I've gained a part of myself back."
She added, "I love the positive atmosphere Sara, Jakki and Debbie create at every training session – they make everyone feel included, supported and part of the team. I feel so proud to be part of such an amazing group of women and to be part of something so special in women's football."
A place for everyone
At Delting Women and Girls Football Club, the focus is on creating a welcoming environment where everyone can get involved.
The inclusive environment created by the club is helping to remove some of the barriers that can prevent people from taking part in sport.
Club member Lynn Tait highlights the importance of accessibility to women with different levels of experience.
Lynn said, "I come to training to keep fit, have fun and challenge myself. It's brilliant to be part of a team where everyone is included and encouraged – whether you're experienced or completely new to football, there's a place for you."
For Lynn, what happens away from the football itself is just as valuable.
She added, "The friendships and confidence I've gained from being part of the team are just as important as what happens on the pitch."
The power of sport in a rural community
By bringing together women who may never otherwise have crossed paths, Delting Women and Girls Football Club is helping people build confidence, make new connections and discover a love of the game.
Missy McShane captures that atmosphere perfectly:
"Delting training is the best. I enjoy that no one is judging or caring if you make mistakes, but when you succeed everyone is there to cheer you on. I go to training to play football with a bunch of girls who help me develop my football and fitness while having a laugh."
The impact of the club isn't limited to Delting. The coaches believe the club is contributing to a much bigger change in women's football across the islands.
Since the club was founded, three other districts have begun developing their own women’s teams. What started as one club addressing a gap in provision could help lay the foundations for a wider women’s football network across Shetland.
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