Edinburgh is rightly considered a fantastic city for living, offering everything one needs to enjoy each day to the fullest. But beyond its incredible nature and stunning architecture, it is a city where everyone can unlock their professional potential, no matter the field. Take sport, for example. This sector is incredibly strong in Edinburgh, proven by the various clubs and teams that have thrived for years, delighting their fans. More at iedinburgh.
It would be a mistake, however, to think these teams are composed mainly of men. Women’s sport in Scotland is also highly developed, with female athletes achieving equally impressive results. A prime example is Hibernian Women’s Football Club. This Edinburgh team is distinguished by its incredible athletes who are not afraid of challenges and persistently strive for success against all odds.
Their capabilities are so powerful that they offer worthy competition to their male counterparts. In fact, the team’s history includes moments where the women achieved results the men’s side could only dream of for decades. This women’s team certainly deserves special attention, and its journey can serve as a true source of inspiration for anyone who doubts their own potential.
Early Years
The Club’s history began in 1997, founded by Iain Johnston and Paul Johnston. Initially, it had a different name, known to fans as Preston Athletic. It wasn’t until 1999 that the team was rebranded as Hibernian Ladies. Their success was so great that they soon became a leading team in Scotland.
A Team of the Best
It’s important to note that the Club brought together such strong players that their combined force was something incredible. Every appearance on the football pitch became a real event, and their potential was both the cause and effect of numerous victories. The team has won the league championship three times and has represented Scotland in The UEFA Women’s Champions League. Unfortunately, despite brilliant performances, the women were unable to advance further, finishing second or third in the group stages.
Consistent Success
Further proof of the Club’s high level of professionalism is that it has won The Women’s Scottish Cup on multiple occasions. For instance, in 2010, the team won it for the fifth time. Interestingly, this success stood in sharp contrast to that of the Hibernian men’s club, which had failed to win The Scottish Cup for nearly a century until their triumph in 2016.
But let’s return to the brilliant women’s team. In the winter of 2011, six of the Club’s players were selected for The Scotland women’s national football team. In May of that same year, Hibernian Ladies showed a fantastic result and won the final of The Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup.
Recent Changes
Before the start of the 2020 season, the Club surprised fans with a new name, becoming Hibernian Women’s Football Club. For the players themselves, the changes also affected their working arrangements, as they were offered part-time contracts for the first time.
Furthermore, there were changes in management. In July 2022, the senior women’s team moved under the umbrella of the Hibernian men’s club, while the youth teams remained under the remit of The Hibernian Community Foundation.
Hibernian Women’s Football Club is a true example of female success. The results and professional achievements of the players demonstrate their incredible self-belief and desire for victory. Studying the history of this Club, it’s clear that underestimating women in sport is a poor idea, especially when it concerns a whole team of talented and capable individuals. United, they can achieve a great deal.
The experience of the Hibernian men’s team is the best proof of this. While the men’s side went decades without achieving a coveted victory, their female colleagues were winning matches with enviable frequency. This shows that building a truly successful sports career is possible in Edinburgh, without facing gender inequality. On the contrary, as practice shows, this unique city seems to favour women, providing them with development opportunities absolutely equal to those of men.