Banned football girl campaigning for rule change

May 19 2011 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

SOCCER schoolgirl Alyshia Walker’s campaign to overturn a rule banning her from taking part in the Tesco Cup later this month because she’s a girl has picked up speed — after the teenager received backing from West Lothian’s MPs, MSPs and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

The 13-year-old, who is Fauldhouse Foxes captain and top scorer after netting more than 60 goals in just 21 games, helped her side qualify for the finals of the Tesco Cup in Birmingham by winning the youth Scottish Cup.

But her hopes of lining up alongside her team mates in the competition were cruelly dashed by English FA rules which prohibit girls being part of a boys’ team if they are over 11.

The decision has caused a furious backlash against FA chiefs who admit they are considering a rule change but it will come too late for Walker with the competition scheduled for May 22.

Pressure is also mounting on sponsors Tesco with both West Lothian's two women MSPs, Angela Constance and Fiona Hyslop, joining forces to write to both the supermarket giant and the English FA.

Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley whose constituency includes Fauldhouse said: “Fauldhouse Foxes should be enjoying their success as the winners of the Scottish Cup and their success at securing a place in the UK Home International final but instead they are having to battle with the football authorities south of the border to let their captain Alyshia Walker play with her team.

“I have written to the various authorities calling on them to see sense and to find a solution.

“It is interesting to note that the English FA was previously presented with evidence saying that girls were not at a competitive disadvantage to play with boys up until 13 years yet they choose not to change their rules.

“Alyshia is invaluable to the Fauldhouse Foxes and I have written to the First Minister, Alex Salmond and the Minister responsible for sport in Scotland, Shona Robison asking them to lend their support.”

Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow Constituency and Alyshia’s MSP said: “Tesco should be congratulated for sponsoring this football competition and for encouraging young people with their football.

“I have appealed to them however to use their powers to let Alyshia play.

“Alyshia’s talent was on display at the weekend when the Fauldhouse Foxes won the under 13s County Cup at Almondvale Stadium.

“This is the 21st century and we ca not have young talented girls disadvantaged in this way.

“I hope people can show their support for Alyshia and the Fauldhouse Foxes by signing the online petition at www.petition.co.uk/let-alyshia-play”

New Lothians Labour MSP Neil Findlay has lodged a Parliament motion for Alyshia while he has teamed up with fellow MP Graeme Morrice to pen letters to both the English FA and the UK sports minister raising this case.

The Bathgate Academy pupil, who dreams of becoming a professional footballer, also appeared on ITVs Lorraine Kelly show on Tuesday morning as she continues to drum up support.