Aberdeen FC Women make milestone move as they become semi professional

Aberdeen FC Women have made history as they prepare to become a semi-professional team.

The club confirmed the news of the significant milestone on Friday morning.

It comes as the SPFL take a lead role in the development of women's top-flight football as the women's game is on an exciting upward trajectory.

Aberdeen explained that they have a strong desire to build on the progress and success achieved so far, with the move to semi-professional taking AFC to the next phase of a 'strategic plan'.

The side have enjoyed back-to-back promotions and a successful season in the Park's Motor Group SWPL 1.

The Dons consolidated their mid-table position and have now made the ambitious move to further invest in the progression of the women's side.

First-team players including Jess Broadrick, Bayley Hutchison, Francesca Ogilvie, Eilidh Shore and Eva Thomson have already signed contracts that will see them remain at the club until 2024.

Further investment is being made by Aberdeen to help enhance operations both on and off the field a well as improving standards and infrastructure.

The Dons said that they are also looking to ensure there is a clear pathway to professional football for female footballers across the north-east.

AFC Director of Football, Steven Gunn, is delighted to see the Club’s vision, set in motion three years ago for AFC Women, come to fruition with this enhanced model.

He said: “Ever since we took the decision to bring the women’s team under the Aberdeen FC umbrella in 2019, we have been on an incredible journey winning the SWFL Division 1 - North, SWPL 2 and now consolidating our place in SWPL 1.

“We’ve enjoyed several ‘firsts’ including the first AFC women’s match at Pittodrie recently in front of a