Aimee Black’s first full season with Aberdeen Women got off to a positive start. The young defender, who has signed a two year semi-professional contract, made her first Dons start in the opening game of the new campaign and helped her side pick up their first win of the campaign on match day one.

Black moved permanently to the Women’s team from Aberdeen Ladies under-18s during last season and she noticed the difference straight away.

“It was a really big step up. There’s such a jump in intensity levels going from under eighteen to the women’s team. I even felt that just starting training with the women made me fitter quickly just from training alongside fitter, stronger players. It made it a bit more difficult that the team were having a difficult season. I was still trying to settle in, and the players and coaches helped me with that despite it being a difficult period for the team. The younger players in the squad have helped me settle both on the pitch and in training. I’ve just been trying to be like a sponge in terms of learning and soak up as I can from the players and coaches.”

Clinton Lancaster took charge of the team during the summer break and Aimee has speaks positively about her new manager. “I’ve really enjoyed it since he came in and he’s a really good coach. He wants us to play in a way that I think is my style of play. He likes defending on the front foot and trying to get the back ball. I love defending and I’ve really enjoyed his approach to that.”

Her pre-season performances suggested that Black, who turned 17 on the opening day of the season, would be in the starting line-up as the campaign kicked off against Motherwell. To be a starter so early in her time in the squad came as a surprise to Black.

“I didn’t expect to be a starter so quickly, but I’m really honoured and delighted that the opportunity came to me. Maddie Finnie and I have played together through different age groups as well as Scotland so it’s good to have her alongside me on the pitch. There are a few other players in the squad that I’ve played with before, so I think that has been good for helping me settle into the group. I was confident going into the first game but there was obviously nerves too as it was my first start for the team. The confidence came from the way we have been playing and the style of play that Clint wants us to play. It’s always good to start the season on a high and it was good to have the crowd behind us at the Balmoral too. I think that win should give us confidence for the season ahead.”

The new season brings new experiences for the Scotland youth international, like watching her games back on television. As the young defender sets her targets for the campaign ahead, she is also excited by the increased coverage that her games will have no she is playing for the women’s team.

“I have set a few personal goals for the season; I want to play as many games as I can. I want to learn as much as I can from the players around me and just grow my experience in women’s football. It was really exciting watching the highlights on tv and it made me appreciate how far I’ve come. My family and friends were messaging me when our game was on and it’s something that I really like.”

Aberdeen Women are back in action on Wednesday evening when they travel to take on newly promoted Montrose. Kick-off is 7.30pm at Links Park.