More girls will be given opportunities to play football under a new long-term plan to make Scotland a leading nation for the women’s game in the next decade.

John Swinney said the Government was backing Project 2035 with £250,000 in financial support this year.

The project is designed to create opportunities for women and girls across the country to take part in football, including through playing, coaching or officiating.

A Girls’ and Women’s Football Taskforce will oversee delivery of the scheme over the next decade, bringing together the Scottish Government, Scottish Women’s Football, the Scottish Football Association, the Scottish Women’s Premier League, the Professional Footballers’ Association Scotland, sportscotland and Cosla.

The First Minister said: “Football has the power to bring communities together, improve health and wellbeing, and inspire young people to achieve their potential.

“Project 2035 is about building the momentum we have seen in recent years in women’s and girls’ football and creating even more opportunities across Scotland.

“Our ambition is simple: every girl in Scotland who wants to be part of football should have the opportunity to do so, whether as a player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter or leader.

“By working together we can help Scotland become a leading nation for women’s football.”

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said Wednesday’s announcement was “fantastic news” for the future of the girls’ and women’s game in Scotland.

He said: “Project 35 will play a pivotal role in supporting the sustainable growth of our game over the next decade to ensure every girl and woman in Scotland has the opportunity to be involved in football in whatever capacity they choose.

“On the pitch and beyond, our commitment is stronger than ever to grow the game in an equitable and sustainable way.

“The newly created Scottish Girls’ and Women’s Football Taskforce will provide an important focal point as we strive to achieve our collective ambitions for the game.”

Scottish Women’s Football chief executive Aileen Campbell said: “At Scottish Women’s Football we experience firsthand the incredible growth in participation of girls playing grassroots football, but we know challenges remain and more work needs to be done.

“That’s why this Scottish Government-led taskforce will be a gamechanger – harnessing passion and momentum to pull partners together, support volunteers and give every girl who wants to the opportunity to play the game they love.”

Scottish Women’s Premier League managing director Fiona McIntyre said: “Project 2035 will transform women’s football into an integral part of Scottish society, driving record attendances, expanding professional opportunities for girls and women, and unlocking sustained investment across the game to accelerate long-term growth and success.”

Sportscotland chief executive Forbes Dunlop said: “Project 2035 presents a great opportunity for partners to come together to build on the existing support for the women’s game and enhance opportunities for participation and progression. We look forward to being part of this exciting initiative.”

Co-chairs of Cosla’s Sport and Physical Activity Special Interest Group Councillor Paul Kelly and Councillor Maureen Chalmers said: “Project 2035 represents an exciting opportunity to build on the growing popularity of girls’ and women’s football in Scotland.

“Local government plays an important role in creating opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport, from national leadership to the local provision of facilities and programmes.

“By working together across national and local government, the football sector and communities, we can help ensure every girl and woman who wants to be involved in the game has the opportunity to do so. Cosla is pleased to support this ambition and the work of the new Taskforce.”