Just in time for International Women’s Day and Scottish Apprenticeships Week, Rangers football club has launched their Women’s Modern Apprenticeships.

In a first for the game in this country, Rangers players will work towards a SCQF Level 8 qualification in Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance alongside their playing commitments.

Rangers Managing Director Stewart Robertson today said: “We are proud to launch this initiative for our Women’s team in partnership with Skills Development Scotland.

“In doing so, it will allow more young footballers to have the opportunity to compete at an elite level whilst representing our club and, importantly, to have access to our excellent facilities and continued education.”

Rangers WFC manager Amy McDonald said: “This is a very exciting day for the Women’s and Girls’ programme at Rangers.

 “Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and this is the perfect way for the club to celebrate that, by continuing its commitment to the development of our young footballers.”

Rangers FC manager Steven Gerrard said: “The launch of modern apprenticeships for players in our Women’s team will encourage young women and girls to get involved in football.”

National Training Programmes Performance and Operations Manager at SDS, Paul McGuiness said: “Clubs offering contracts to female players and, therefore, opening up the opportunity for women to take up football apprenticeships is a major milestone.

“It sends a positive signal to young women that it’s possible to make a career out of playing football in this country.

Unlike other Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland, the Achieving Excellence in Sports Modern Apprenticeship allows apprentices to incorporate other learning into their job to achieve qualifications in areas such as Civil Engineering, Hospitality or Sports Management.