Scottish Women’s Football appoints new club and competitions coordinator

Senior player and community coach Gillian Wood has been appointed to administer SWF youth competitions as Club & Competitions Coordinator ahead of the second half of the 2023 season.

Wood started playing at Cumbernauld Colts before she was ten, and has continued to be involved in the team to this day. She started coaching at 15 before becoming a player in the club’s relaunched senior squad.

She has also coached in California and Ohio working with a large community organisation, engaging with both players and their parents.

Commenting, SWF CEO Aileen Campbell said:

“In Gillian we have added more practical experience to SWF’s club and competitions team, which I’m delighted to say is now all-female for the first time. She comes at a time when our leagues are growing and ahead of a Women’s World Cup which is sure to inspire yet more girls to play the game.

“Our focus on player wellbeing is further strengthened now that we have three women with playing experience running our leagues, and I’m pleased that our leagues will benefit from this experience.”

Gillian Wood said:

“I am delighted to join Scottish Women’s Football at a time of unprecedented growth in the girls’ game. When I was a youth player many girls were leaving football in their teens and while that challenge remains there are so many more opportunities to forge a career in football, whether that be playing, coaching or jobs off the pitch.

“I know from the coaching I have done in schools, that girls can be encouraged and inspired to see a female coach. That shows there is still lots to do, to remove boundaries and tackle the stigma that sometimes still persists in our game.

“I’m excited to get going and help our youth leagues continue to grow and ensure more girls than ever take advantage of those opportunities.”