The Scottish Women's Premier League has announced record attendances for the game in the country.
Over 12,700 fans attended SWPL games across the two leagues at the weekend, with the highest by far taking place at Easter Road, where 8,066 fans witnessed the Edinburgh derby.
That was well over the previous domestic record set last season at 5,512.
The match between Celtic and Rangers on Saturday night also attracted 3,328 spectators to Broadwood Stadium.
SWPL managing director Fiona McIntyre believes the figures are further evidence of the continued growth of women’s football in Scotland.
“This is another historic moment for the SWPL and the women’s game as a whole”, she stated.
“What we’re seeing is the continued growth of women’s football in Scotland and a desire for fans to engage with it.
"When big games are played within the best stadiums in Scotland, we can now expect thousands of fans to attend. This is a huge moment and one we can’t underestimate.
“I think this weekend gives clubs further confidence in the direction of the game.
"From the outset, we pinpointed the men’s World Cup period as a potential window of opportunity for women’s football in Scotland, with no men’s Premiership matches over the world cup period.
"This weekend’s attendances are hugely encouraging and illustrate the increasing appetite for women’s football in Scotland.
"It is our role, alongside the clubs, to capitalise on that interest and ensure games are as accessible and affordable as possible to encourage attendance.”
With the SWPL Cup final coming up soon, McIntyre is hopeful that the wave of interest will continue and that attendance records will continue to be broken, including in the showpiece event.
She continued: “We’re on track to see a record crowd at the Sky Sports Cup Final."
“Tynecastle is one of Scotland’s top stadiums, a perfect backdrop for this final. Rangers and Hibernian are also both well supported and in fine form going into the match
"I’d encourage any fan to buy their ticket and be part of another historic moment for the women’s game.”
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