College Football Team attends FIFA Women’s World Cup

The team flew to Paris with two members of staff on Wednesday 19 June ahead of the Scotland team's crunch final group game against Argentina.

Before the game the students took the time to experience some of the culture the city visiting the Arc De Triomphe, Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower. This was a particular highlight of the students and staff as many other football fans had gathered at the world famous landmark, creating a real carnival atmosphere ahead of the evening’s match.

They then made their way to the Parc de Princes, home of Paris St Germain alongside 28,500 other spectators where they were interviewed and photographed by the Scotsman, ITV and the Paris press.

It was the first time a Women's Scotland team had qualified for the World Cup and the first time in 21 years that any Scotland side had made it to a major tournament, inspiring a whole nation in the process.

The second day of the trip involved more sightseeing with the group visiting the Louvre and Notre-Dame Cathedral before heading to the FIFA Fan Zone where there were other teams of supporters from across the globe to watch Netherlands v Canada in their match before heading back to the airport.

Sport and Fitness Lecturer Martin McCann said:

The trip was a fantastic success and an experience none of us will ever forget.

On a personal note, we'd like to thank the members of our Women's squad for their hard work and dedication this season. Not only in training every week and playing their matches but going over and above the call of duty, volunteering at a number of events throughout the year which saw them deliver sessions to over 2000 school girls, represent West Lothian College against Sunderland AFC in our first ever match outside of Scotland, turning our Women in Sport 'Day' into a full week and being positive role models for the next generation of female players.

We wish the best of luck to those who have now graduated and to those who are returning... we go again in August!”

The visit to France was the last international trip for students in 2018/19, where over 100 students have had the chance to undertake cultural visits, exchanges, Scholarships and work experience in countries such as France, Sweden, Italy and America over the course of the year as part of their studies.

If you want to find out more about courses and international experiences at West Lothian College visit: www.west-lothian.ac.uk