Dundee’s future female football hopefuls are without a league.
Girls’ teams still train and can take part in some one-off competitions, but have no equivalent of the boys’ leagues.
Millie Cathcart, a P5 pupil at Downfield Primary, is dismayed at not being able to compete.
She said: “It’s a shame all the girls teams can’t meet up and play together. It would be nice if we could play and represent Downfield.”
Her father, Graham Cathcart, said: “It’s not sending the right message, that boys can play and girls can’t. It is unfair that half the pupils are excluded.
“The whole team, and the coaches, are disappointed that they can’t play more often.”
Grenville Dawson, spokesman for the Dundee Schools Football Association, said: “It’s certainly true at the moment that there is a bit of an imbalance.
“We are in discussions to try to get the league back up it’s not been running for a few years.
“The girls are welcome to take part in tournaments as part of the boys’ school teams, but we understand they may not want to do that.
“We’re hoping to get something going, but certainly there are no plans to get a league going this season. Sadly the girls’ league fell by the wayside.
“The funding aspect is only one of the reasons, it’s also difficult to get sponsorship for such a league, transport and other things aren’t cheap.”
Secondary teams have local leagues for both boys and girls.
City education convener Stuart Hunter said: “This is something that must be dealt with at a school level, if the parents have an issue that is the place to contact.
“We will definitely see what the reasons are for this and what can be done.”
A Dundee City Council spokeman said: “Primary girls’ football has a number of festivals and school sport opportunities.
“Meanwhile there is a league structure for secondary school girls.
“Anyone who has an interest in the sport should contact the Active Schools team for more information.”