MEMORIES came flooding back for Caroline Weir last week as she made a flying visit back to Dunfermline to inspire the next generation of female footballers.

And the Real Madrid and Scotland superstar has her eye on being involved in the growth of the girls' game in her home city longer term after the success of a football camp that she led on Friday.

Caroline, who is currently recovering from an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury sustained whilst playing for the national side in September, teamed up with The Pars Foundation for the event, which attracted more than 150 star-struck youngsters.

It was held at Pitreavie Sport and Soccer Centre, which is where the former Pittencrieff Primary and Dunfermline High school pupil began her own football journey, with Elgin Star in the Fife Soccer 7s.

"It's been quite nostalgic, going back, and even having these conversations," she told Press Sport. "I think I peaked back then! It was all coming back to me.

"It's not changed that much. It's changed a little bit with the new astros, but we used to play down the bottom anyway on the grass every Saturday morning. Even the drive there brings it all back.

"It was really cool to go back actually. I really enjoyed it. We did something in the changing room, an interview, and it just smelled the same! I could just picture myself sitting there, with a bunch of boys, in our kit, waiting to go outside, so it just took me right back.

"It was really nice.

"That is where it all started for me (Pitreavie), and who would've thought that, in 20 years plus, whatever it is, I'd be back and being a role model for these girls, because I never had that growing up.

"A female football role model is so important, especially someone that they can relate to that literally comes from where they come from too. That's so important and it was something I really loved to be part of.

"It's such a big part of the position that I find myself in now, and having a bit of a platform, and seeing young girls just love football.

"I would've loved something like that, not just to play football. Yes, I always wanted to be a professional footballer, but that's not for everyone. It's more about being outside, being active, the social side of it. The amount of friends I have from such a young age is through football. They're my best friends today and that's what these girls might find as well.

"I just think that it so important to keep girls active and encourage them to play a sport like football. There's so many benefits to it. Even if they don't want to make it all the way to the top level - it doesn't matter.

"It's just being there and starting somewhere."

When asked if working with The Pars Foundation more in the future was a possibility, Caroline replied: "Hopefully. We did this to see how it went but I have a vision one day of having summer camps, trying to get down to them, and maybe take part in coaching and things like that.

"As I get a bit older, I'd love to have something in Dunfermline that I could put my name to and be involved in, so we'll see.

"It obviously went well so hopefully there's something longer term we can discuss."