Record crowds attend opening weekend of Scottish Women's Premier League

Record crowds attended the opening weekend fixtures in the new Scottish Women’s Premier Leagues top two divisions as Rangers, Celtic and Glasgow City all got off to flying starts.

The big three scored 30 goals between them without conceding as the ‘new era’ for women’s football in Scotland got underway with the SWPL and SWPL2 rebrand.

Over 2,000 fans attended the ten games across both divisions in the highest attended opening day ever as excitement and enthusiasm for the game continues to grow following Euro 22.

The largest crowd was at Broadwood with 720 in attendance to watch reigning champions Rangers beat Glasgow Women 14-0 as they kicked of the defence of their crown in style.

Celtic kicked off their campaign with a 9-0 win over Hibernian in Airdrie and Glasgow City beat Spartans 7-0.

Elsewhere in the Premier League Hearts beat Partick Thistle 3-1 and Hamilton recorded the same result over Aberdeen as Dundee United and Motherwell shared the points with a 1-1 draw.

The SWPL managing director, Fiona McIntyre said: “We’re thrilled with this news and would like to thank all supporters that attended matches across the country on Sunday. This is a new era for women’s football in Scotland and clubs, players, and fans alike have responded incredibly positively to this.

“The investment on the pitch is clear to see and that certainly attracts fans to games. What’s also important is engaging with those fans and providing a quality experience.

“Clubs are continuing to invest in the matchday experience, and I believe the SWPL and SWPL 2 provides an exciting and affordable day out for football fans and families.”

The Scottish FA strategy for Girls’ and Women’s football, Accelerate Our Game, outlined a desire to improve visibility by ‘increasing average crowds at domestic league and cup fixtures by 10% annually.’

McIntyre added: “These figures from week 1 of the season are very positive.

“Alongside the clubs, we aim to capitalise on a number of exciting opportunities throughout the season to continue to grow attendances and achieve this target.

“The SWPL and SWPL 2 continues this Sunday, with a number of teams playing at home for the first time in 2022/23. I encourage fans, particularly of the teams involved, to get along and show their support.”