A WEST FIFE football club has set its sights on creating a complete pathway for females after one of its teams will again tackle the country's best.

Bayside FC, who play their matches at Pitreavie playing fields, have received confirmation that one of their girls' under-15 teams will take part in the Scottish Women's Football (SWF) National Performance League for a second successive year.

They were given the go-ahead to participate after meeting a number of set criteria and will take on the likes of Hearts, Hibernian, Celtic, Glasgow City and Boroughmuir when the new season gets under way on Saturday March 2.

Having gained valuable experience in last year's performance league, head coach David Noble believes it will aid their development significantly and can lead the way to Bayside providing opportunities for female players at all age levels.

"We have a young squad and they enjoyed it last year and learned a lot," he explained.

"They were able to play against some of the top players in Scotland. Last season was a pilot but SWF and the SFA are determined to give the top players the best training and playing environment.

"We got the green light at the start of December that we'd been accepted and are very happy."

David continued: "We had two of our players picked for a national camp last season, and a number of players in the SFA East Region under-14 set-up, so we're looking to kick-on.

"Most of the squad were under-13s at the time (last year), so we knew it would be very challenging, but in terms of player development it was invaluable. We want to keep being part of that because it made us grow as a club and we're headed in the right direction.

"It's great to see our players playing on the same pitch as some of the top players in Scotland. You're always learning from other clubs and it is a familiar environment for the players, so they will be more confident.

"Our pathway at the moment goes up to under-15 – we have two under-15 teams – but I'm confident, in time, we'll grow to have a full pathway.

"We're very ambitious and are really stepping up what we can offer."

Meanwhile, Bayside have received further good news after receiving an SFA Quality Mark award.

They have been awarded 'Community QM status' – the gold accreditation standard – after meeting criteria that includes having eight teams or more represented at children, youth, adult and female levels.

The Quality Mark scheme aims to improve or support management, development structures, administration, planning and welfare, and recognise the work of member clubs and teams.

For more information on Bayside and the teams they operate, contact the club by emailing baysidegirlsfc@hotmail.com.