SWPL: Scottish game must capitalize on British Euro success, says Fiona McIntyre | Football news
SWPL CEO Fiona McIntyre believes the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 win could also be a “first moment” for the game in Scotland.
The new Scottish Women’s Championship kicks off this weekend with the success of the European Championship fueling interest and passion for the game.
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SWPL CEO Fiona McIntyre believes England’s Euro 2022 win can help develop the women’s game in Scotland
McIntyre hopes they can capitalize on the tournament’s success and England’s win.
“I was so lucky to be there on a Sunday and what an occasion it was,” she said Sky Sports News.
“It has the potential to make a big impact here, possibly a watershed moment.
“I say potential because it requires everyone to play their part – we need our trading partners to invest at a level that will make a difference, we need broadcasters to light the game. and we need better facilities for our clubs to access.”
Elite women’s football in Scotland is now under the responsibility of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) after it was previously run by Scottish Women’s Football (SWF).
The SPFL will also host a new League Cup and the Scottish FA have announced a national cup at the dawn of a new era for the women’s game in Scotland.
McIntyre added: “The more visible and accessible the game is, the faster we can develop the fundamentals of the game and have more girls playing the ball and the better the quality will be at the performance level. “.
“There is a real sense of excitement, everyone is looking forward to the new season ahead and there is a feeling that women’s football is on a real upward trajectory and everyone is willing to work together to make it happen. reality.”
Thomson: We have to keep developing the game
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Rangers Women’s manager Malky Thomson insists it’s important the game is helped to thrive in Scotland as they prepare to begin defending their SWPL title
Rangers begin their title defense on Sunday against newly promoted Glasgow Women at their new home at Broadwood Stadium.
All national competitions and cups will be played at North Lanarkshire along with UEFA European matches, should they qualify.
Rangers ended City’s 14-year stint in the Scottish Women’s Premier League last season, winning their first SWPL 1 title with a game to spare and manager Malky Thomson believes they are ready. to impress again.
“An experience the girls didn’t have last season was to win something that big and now this season they’ve got a different dynamic where they have to try and keep it. ,” I said.
Celtic Women won the Scottish Cup last season
“We’ve added to the squad, we’ve been well prepared in Spain and we’re good to go on Sunday.
“We have to develop the game and allow the talent to flourish.
“There are so many talented young players out there and at Rangers we have a number of experienced players who have come in and their impact on our young players will only benefit Scottish football. .”
Doncaster: The future is bright for female gaming
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SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster looks ahead to new season, discusses birth of VAR, evolution of Scottish Women’s Premier League and more
SPFL CEO Neil Doncaster said: “There is a huge amount to look forward to and part of that is really the women’s game.
“Next season, the top two divisions of the women’s league will be under the SPFL’s management and we are very excited about that.
“I think it’s a hugely exciting development in the Scottish game. We’ve seen the growth of women’s football globally and we want to be a part of that.
“It has been led by a lot of clubs and we certainly hope that we will be able to support whatever we can to maximize the potential that certainly exists in women’s football in Scotland. .”
