The 2019 Women’s World Cup kicks off this Friday, with Scotland getting their campaign under way on Sunday against England. A big travelling support is expected to follow Shelly Kerr’s squad to France for their maiden Women’s World Cup appearance.

Aberdeen Women’s captain Kelly Forrest will be amongst those making the trip to Nice at the weekend. “I’m really looking forward to it. I was out at the Euro’s in 2017 but I think this year is going to be something special. It’s an exceptionally good squad and I think the squad as a whole has grown over the campaign. I know a lot of people that are going over and it will be a great atmosphere, particularly for the England game. It will be a really special occasion”.

Scotland topped their group to qualify for the tournament and Kelly believes they can give a good account of themselves in France. “I think they’ll be alright, they’re a really organised team, you could see that in their recent games and I think that’s one of their strengths. They’ve got good leadership in the squad and a variety of youth and experience”.

The Dons defender also praised manager Shelly Kerr and hopes she can mastermind a victory against the auld enemy on Sunday. “Shelly Kerr has brought a lot of organisation and that shows. Hopefully they can at least get a win against England!”.

Shelly Kerr watches on as the national team prepare to head to France for the World Cup

The Scots will be joined in Group B by Japan and Argentina, as well as Phillip Neville’s England. Kelly feels that the achievement of qualifying is positive for the women’s game in Scotland as a whole. “I think qualifying for the World Cup massive for the growth of the game and the fact that these girls have achieved something that the men haven’t done in twenty years is huge. I think it’s led to the growth of the domestic game as well”.

The Dons skipper also feels the exposure the tournament provides will also be beneficial for the club’s youth players. “For the young players starting out at Aberdeen, I don’t think you can get any better than dreaming about playing at a World Cup and representing your country. Players like Rachel Corsie attending youth events like she did here really adds to that for the young players”.

Scotland captain Corsie plies her trade in the USA and many of the Scotland play professionally outside of their home country. There are seven home-based players in the squad however, which Forrest feels is a positive reflection on the domestic game. “The girls that still play here domestically are probably up there with the most experienced in the squad and it’s really good that they’ve chosen to play their football domestically and it’s a real positive for the game here”.

Scotland captain Rachel Corsie at Glasgow Airport before the flight to France

Although she will be there to cheer the team on this Sunday, Kelly wanted to send the squad a message before they kick off. “On behalf of all the girls at Aberdeen and the whole club, we wish them a massive good luck”.