WEE COUNTY residents will have a keen interest in the UEFA Women's Champions League this month as Leanne Ross takes to the field.

The 38-year-old is the Active Schools Co-ordinator for Clackmannanshire Council and works across a range of primary schools and Alloa Academy.

She retired from playing for Scotland a few years ago, but has not hung up her football boots just yet.

Leanne is club captain for Glasgow City FC and are in round 32 of the UEFA Women's Champions League against FC Chertanovo.

The first leg takes place in Moscow on Wednesday, September 11, with the home tie set for Thursday, September 26, at Petershill Park, Glasgow, with a 7.30pm kick off.

Leanne is a part time employee and works her hours around the requirements of her training and playing ensuring her Active Schools role is not disadvantaged.

She said: "Being involved in such a prestigious competition as the Champions League is exciting for me as a player and for us as a football club as it gives us the opportunity to challenge ourselves against the best teams in Europe and some of the best players in the world.

"In recent seasons we faced iconic names such as Chelsea and Barcelona which attracted a great deal of media attention and resulted in huge support at the home games.

"Although we face a lesser known name this season in FC Chertanovo of Russia, we still expect a tough challenge to be able to achieve the results we need to take us through to the last 16 of the competition.

"As captain of the club, I take a great deal of pride in leading the team out to play in the Champions League.

"We will do our best in Russia to bring home a good result to take into what we hope will be another exciting European game at a packed out Petershill Park.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Clackmannanshire Council and my colleagues in Sports Development and Active Schools for their continued support in my football career.

"I hope through my involvement in the Women's Champions League I can be a role model for young people in Clackmannanshire, giving them the opportunity to watch top level women's club football and inspiring them to participate, enjoy and achieve success in their sport of choice."