Picture: Eric Cormack. Image No.(041481).
MELANIE SMITH NEW MANAGER
BUCKIE Ladies FC have scored a close season success with an SFA award. The club were celebrating recently when they were handed their Quality Mark Bronze certificate from the Scottish game’s governing body. To get the award, Buckie Ladies had to pass certain organisational criteria, such as having a committee and a constitution. It was something that much loved former manager, the late Dave ‘Parro’ Findlay who passed away suddenly last December had wanted to set in motion. Current manager Mel Smith said: “It was something ‘Parro’ wanted to get set up for us; he did the Quality Mark when he was Buckie Rovers manager and when he was with the youth development set up at Buckie Thistle. “We’re just chuffed to have got the Quality Mark, ‘Parro’ would’ve been delighted for us and what we’ve achieved so far for the club in what is a relatively short space of time. We did it for him. “It gives us recognition for all the hard work and commitment which has been shown by everyone at the club.
What makes it more of an achievement is that we’ve got this award at the end of what it only our second season. “Striving for excellence is what Buckie Ladies is all about and we’re working hard to get better each and every week.”
Smith also paid tribute to SFA club development manager Mark Slater for his guidance and help in gaining the award. While the squad is currently relaxing during the festive period, Smith has plans for them after the new year celebrations are over in time for the season starting around the end of February. “I’m looking at doing six weeks of hard fitness training to get us ready for the new season,” she continued. “We’ll be on the sand dunes, doing running, all that sort of stuff. “We did have a wee training session recently after not training at all for a couple of weeks and it was amazing to see how quickly fitness levels can go so we’ll be working hard to get those back. “Our first competitive game will be in the Scottish Cup and then the league is due to start at the end of February or beginning of March.” It will be a case of new season, new league for Buckie Ladies as they get set to make their debut in the Highlands and Islands Division 2 setup, where new teams and challenges await.
Smith said the club were relaxed about the move as the teams in that league were at a broadly similar level to Buckie. The last two seasons have seen the ladies up against some experienced and well-funded outfits who have delivered their share of double digit defeats. The club are always on the lookout for more players, including younger ones to complement a largely more mature squad. For more details of Buckie Ladies training sessions and other club information, visit their Facebook page.