Sunday marks the start of an exciting season on and off the pitch for Hibernian Women.

New Head Coach Dean Gibson will lead his side into the new SWPL campaign with a head to head against Spartans at Ainslie Park on Sunday 23 February at 1pm.

He’ll do so buoyed by the news that club captain Joelle Murray has become the first player to sign a part-time professional contract.

Hibernian Football Club and the Hibernian Community Foundation have worked together to develop women’s football at Hibernian, supported by a dedicated Board and management structure to give players an environment where they can continue to succeed as Hibernian Women.

One early outcome is the move to offer part-time professional contracts to players who have helped inspire the team to glory domestically and in the Champions League along with some new faces who will join the squad this season.

Hibernian Women’s Football Club will build on the already-strong relationship with the club – with enhanced access to medical, sports science and training facilities at the Hibernian Training Centre.

This marks an exciting new era for women’s football at Hibernian – with talks also underway to drive up attendances and participation in girls’ football across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Scotland international Joelle said: “Anyone who knows me knows that I have Hibernian in my blood – from coming along to games as a Hibs Kid to pulling on the shirt with pride.

“For me, this is another landmark moment and I am proud to be the first in the team to sign a part-time professional contract.

“I think we’re at the beginning of what will be an exciting journey for the team and the club, hoping to build on the achievements of the recent past.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this from all sides and it has given us a boost ahead of Sunday’s league opener against Spartans.”

Hibernian FC Chief Executive Leeann Dempster commented: “This is a step forward for women’s football at Hibernian and we have worked closely with the Hibernian Community Foundation to get to this point.

“We have already enjoyed a close, productive relationship – with the team having graced the famous Easter Road pitch on Champions League night and making use of the facilities and staff at HTC.

“There are still areas for development and – like every area of the club – we will refine details and structures over time because we all have the same goals.

“We Are All Hibs isn’t just a marketing line with no substance. It’s a commitment from us and I’d like to wish Joelle and the team all the best against Spartans and for the rest of the season.”

It’s a 1pm kick-off at Ainslie Park on Sunday, with admission priced at £7 for adults, £3 for concessions (Over-65s and Students), while Under-16s are free of charge.

You can see all of Hibernian Women’s fixtures for the new season here.

You can keep up to date on all the latest from the team via their dedicated social channels.

Hibs TV subscribers will also be able to watch games back in full, in addition to a goal highlights package.