Alloa Athletic’s women’s team is poised for a transformative journey under the leadership of Allan Milne, who has unveiled ambitious plans to elevate the squad and make a lasting impact in Clackmannanshire. Speaking at a recent Q&A session for Alloa Athletic season ticket holders, Milne laid out his vision for the team’s future, focusing on both immediate and long-term goals that aim to inspire local talent and increase community engagement.
Milne, who took charge of the Alloa Women’s team in February, has swiftly begun to make his mark. His initial period with the squad was dedicated to assessing the team’s strengths and needs, and now, with a blend of experience from higher leagues, he is driving the team forward with renewed vigor. “When I first came in, it was about settling in and understanding what we had in the squad,” Milne explained. “This season, we’ve brought in a lot of experience from leagues above to help us progress and push up through the leagues as much as possible.”
The current season has seen the team start strongly, remaining unbeaten in the League Cup. Milne’s ambition is to elevate the team to the pinnacle of women’s football in Scotland, aiming to reach the SWPL1, the top flight of the women’s game. His vision is clear: “We want to make Alloa Women’s team one of the most successful in the area. Within four leagues, we can be in the SWPL1.”
To achieve these goals, Milne believes that increasing local support is crucial. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in helping to attract top talent and creating a thriving football environment. “For us to keep attracting the best players to come and play for Alloa, we need support from guys like yourselves sitting here,” he stated.
Under Milne’s stewardship, the team has already garnered a loyal following who attend their home games, which are held on Sunday afternoons at the Indodrill Stadium. The objective is to expand this support base and create a more vibrant matchday experience that engages the entire community. “We want to make Sunday more of a community day,” Milne said. “Kids come down, families come down, and we have more activities going on around the stadium to welcome you.”
Milne’s aspirations go beyond just winning matches; he aims to serve as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of female footballers in the Clackmannanshire and Forth Valley regions. He hopes that by showcasing the team’s commitment and success, young girls will see Alloa Women’s team as a premier destination for their footballing ambitions. “Ideally, we want young girls around this area looking at the team and thinking we’ve got one of the best women’s teams in the area,” he said. “We want them thinking they don’t want to go to Hearts or Hibs; they want to come here.”
In addition to fostering local talent, Milne is focused on building a strong community connection. “The girls do this on their spare time,” he noted. “They don’t get paid or anything; they’re working hard and getting to play here is fantastic for them.” His goal is to ensure that the players feel integrated into both the club and the broader community.
As the season progresses, Milne’s vision for the Alloa Women’s team continues to evolve, with plans to enhance the matchday experience and further engage with the local community. Supporters can keep up to date with the team’s fixtures and activities via social media platforms such as X and Facebook.
With Allan Milne at the helm and a dedicated team working hard on and off the pitch, Alloa Women’s team is set to become a beacon of inspiration and excellence in Scottish women’s football. The club’s commitment to growth, community, and excellence promises an exciting future for both the team and its supporters.