Glasgow schoolgirl raises hundreds of pounds to buy football team's kit after sponsorship challenges

A 13-year-old girl has raised money to buy her north Glasgow team’s football kit.

Sufia sprang into action to raise £700 in two days for the under 14s Athena team amid sponsorship challenges.

The girls who play at pitches in Springburn and Saint Roch’s Secondary will now be kitted out in their new purple and green home strip thanks to Sufia setting up a fundraising page.

After launching the page on Tuesday, the young player had already managed to raise £700 by Thursday.

Sufia said: “I’m very passionate about football and wanted to support my team in any way I can.”

Commenting on the Athena football academy, she said: “It’s like a family – they always support me and help me get better at football.

“I really love it and want to work towards being a professional footballer.”

Dad Ash added: “I couldn’t be more proud of Sufia. She has such a big heart and always wants to help. So when she heard the club needed support to fund shirts then she was keen to help in some way.

“I have been very impressed with the passion and care shown by the coaches approach to training not just in terms of football but also helping the girls build confidence and work together.”

Co-founder and chairperson of Athena Glasgow Women and Girls Football Academy, Craig O’Leary said: “Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of Sufia and can’t thank her enough for her continued support. She is a fantastic example of the amazing young people who play their football at Athena Glasgow.

“We would also like to invite any local businesses who may be interested in supporting the 120 girls at our club, and becoming ambassadors for the women’s and girls’ game, to get in touch with us at athenaglasgowfcenquiries@outlook.com.”