BBC SPORT | SCOTLAND  | First Scots women apprentices

Seven of the country’s top female football players have been given the chance to train as modern apprentices with a club – an opportunity only available to boys until now.

The initiative was launched at Hampden Park on Wednesday in the presence of Alasdair Morrison, the deputy enterprise and lifelong learning minister.

Ross County are the club that have welcomed the intake of women players.

In addition to developing their football and coaching skills, the seven will study for an SVQ in sports operations and development.

Training in first aid is also being provided and they will become competent in the use of IT.

I could never have dreamed about an initiative like this when I started with Scottish women’s football back in September 1998

Vera Pauw

The Scottish Women’s Football Association hope that other clubs in Scotland will follow County’s lead, inpsiring a groundswell of development in the women’s game.

Scotland coach Vera Pauw said: “England are starting a professional league in 2003 for women and nobody could have ever dreamed the game would have moved so fast down there.

“I could never have dreamed about an initiative like this when I started with Scottish women’s football back in September 1998.

“There is now an opportunity for girls to play full-time and become top sportswomen. That’s of major importance for today.”

The Scottish national team will face Sweden Under-21’s on Sunday at Glebe Park Brechin. Kick-off is at 3pm.

The challenge match is in preparation for the Uefa Women’s Championship qualifiers due to begin at the end of September against Austria.

Scotland Squad: Michelle Barr (IBV Iceland), Donna James (Ayr United), Darlene Campbell (FC Kilmarnock), Michelle Kerr (Giulianos LFC), Lyn Cullen (Ayr), Claire Johnstone (Kilmarnock), Stacey Cook (Ayr), Kirsty McNicol (Ayr), Gemma Fay (Ayr), Jo McWilliam (Cove Rangers), Julie Fleeting (Ayr), Kelly McWilliam (Cove), Lesley Fowler (Kilmarnock), Karen Penglase (Ayr), Mhairi Gilmour (Hibernian), Julia Ralph (Lossiemouth), Nicky Grant (IBV Iceland), Julie Smith (Kilmarnock), Angela Hind (Kilmarnock).