Taylor Debut A "Testament" To Girls Academy

Academy youngster Isla Taylor made her Hibernian Women First Team debut last Sunday versus Queen’s Park.

The 15-year-old made her senior debut as an 88th-minute substitute at Ochilview, replacing fellow Girls Academy graduate Eilidh Adams. 

A versatile midfielder, and an accomplished attacker, Isla has progressed through the Academy age groups since joining from Midlothian club Arniston Rangers in June 2021. 

Isla has an astonishing 40 goal contributions - scoring 23 goals and providing 17 assists - in just 24 appearances with the Under-17s this season to date.

The young prospect has also appeared in three Under-20 squad matches, scoring once and assisting another in an age group well above her years.

These electric performances caught the eye of the First Team coaching staff, particularly Assistant Manager, and Head of Girls Performance Academy, Stewart Hall.

"It’s brilliant to have Isla Taylor make her first team debut,” Hall told hibernianfc.co.uk.

"It is a testament to coaches and staff within the Next Gen Academy, and this is what they all want to see.

"Most importantly it’s a reward for Isla and the hard work she has put in. Hopefully this small taste gives her fuel to continue to develop her potential to make this a more regular sight."

Training with the First Team since December 2024, Isla impressed her teammates further in Stenhousemuir last weekend, consistently carrying the ball with confidence, starting rapid attacks and nearly netting from range during her assured appearance off the bench. 

"She will be buzzing,” said midfielder Kirsten Reilly on Isla’s debut following Sunday’s victory.

"She doesn’t show it, but I’m sure she’ll be going home to tell all her family and friends. 

"It’s really good to see that we have got the pathway here at Hibs and she took her opportunity.

"She played really well and almost scored as well, so I’m really happy for her."