Aberdeen Football Club can this afternoon confirm it has launched a Senior Women’s team for the first time in its history.

The new Aberdeen FC Women will compete in the SWFL 1 North League in it’s inaugural season in 2019.

To ensure there is a development pathway for young, talented women in the region, the club has also formalised its relationship with local girls’ club Aberdeen FC Ladies who will continue to operate teams from U7s to U19 National Performance League.

The club will now work to be the leading developers of women’s football in the North East of Scotland, supporting them through their journey, with the aim of progressing the players and team to the Scottish Women’s Premier League.

Aberdeen FC Women will be coached by club appointed staff delivering the AFC philosophy, developing their talent, and supporting women in the North-east who have a passion to play top-level football.

The players, formerly of Aberdeen FC Ladies, were invited to Pittodrie this week to sign their official registration forms with the club and begin the process of integration at Pittodrie.

Work will continue behind the scenes at the club to develop coaching and support mechanisms as the women prepare to kick-off their season in March 2019.

Director of Football Operations, Steven Gunn added. “Aberdeen Football Club has had an affiliation with AFC Ladies for the last few years, largely through the provision of playing kit for the senior Ladies team. However, we are delighted to confirm the new Aberdeen FC Women’s team will be integrated into the high-performance environment at Pittodrie.

‘The rate of change in women’s sports is one of the most exciting trends in the sports industry right now and we’re excited about the challenge of launching our first ever official Women’s team.”