Women’s football in Scotland continues to grow each year and has seen huge strides taken this season.
The Scottish national team has played in front of around 6,000 fans for each qualifying game at Hampden Park, while Celtic Park, Tynecastle, Easter Road, Firhill and The Tony Macaroni Stadium have all hosted women’s domestic games throughout the season, with more big venues expected to come before the season ends in May.
Add into the mix that Scotland’s top tier now has three fully-professional women’s clubs and the outlook of the women’s game in Scotland has never been brighter.
And with more and more fans taking an interest in the SWPL and the league’s below, many are wondering if this weekend is the opportunity to take in a women’s football game for the first time.
However, if you are new to the SWPL or the women’s game, the questions are simple: who are the players to look out for – and second of all – who are the bright, young talents destined to be the future of the game?
Late last year, we asked a panel of current SWPL managers, assistant managers, coaches and players as well as former players, SWPL experts and journalists to give us their list of the 10 best players in the SWPL and came up with the definitive list of best players in the Scottish women’s top tier.
So, we thought we’d do it again, but this take grab their opinions on which teenage sensations they see as bright hopes for the league in years to come.
The panel – all of whom are respected voices within the Scottish game – contributed anonymously so their choices are not guided by club or professional loyalties.
So, without further ado, here is the list of the best 20 SWPL players under the age of 20 for season 2021/22.
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This list is in no particular order
5. Eva Thomson - Aberdeen
Teenager Eva Thomson has already picked up two titles in her short career, having being part of Aberdeen's rise to the SWPL. She's been a vital part of the Dons team which has adapted incredibly well to the top tier following promotion last season. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
6. Bayley Hutchison - Aberdeen
A well-regarded member of Scotland's youth squad, Aberdeen striker Bayley Hutchison has already spoken of her desire to break into Pedro Martinez Losa's Scotland squad and make the jump to full-time professional football. With an excellent goal-scoring rate in her debut SWPL season, it probably isn't too far away. Photo: Tommy Hughes/Glasgow City
7. Eilidh Adams - Hibs
Hibs' Eilidh Adams has enjoyed a great season for the Edinburgh side having broken into the team last term, with a particularly memorable moment that saw her grab a goal in a 3-0 win over rivals Hearts at Easter Road - a game which broke Scotland's domestic attendance record for the SWPL. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
8. London Pollard - Motherwell
Pacey forward London Pollard has shown bags of potential playing for Forfar Farmington, Celtic, Partick Thistle and Motherwell over the past few seasons. However, she has really settled at 'Well under Paul Brownlie and is seen as one of Scotland's next generation. Photo: Tommy Hughes/Glasgow City