Michael McArdle will leave his role as Head of Elite Women’s Football after three years to become Senior Women's Manager of Northern Ireland.
During his time with the Scottish FA, Michael led the strategic development of the elite pathway for the girls’ and women’s game, including the creation of a new Under-23s programme and establishing the Barclays NextGen Academy programme.
Michael also took interim charge of the Scotland Women’s National Team during our 2025 UEFA Nations League campaign.
Andy Gould, Chief Football Officer: “Michael has been a fantastic member of the team, leading the girls' and women's performance programme with pride and professionalism, bringing great progress and alignment across all of our player development pathway and programmes.
“He can be proud of the excellent work he has delivered in leading and developing the performance strategy for the girls' and women's game in Scotland, including significantly enhancing the youth national team programme, successfully introducing an Under-23 programme and establishing the Barclays NextGen Academy Programme in partnership with our clubs to name but a few of the highlights.
“We have no doubt that Michael's positive work has created a lasting legacy for the future talent pipeline in Scotland with his impact on players, coaches, leaders and clubs clear to see.
“Whilst the game in Scotland will miss Michael, we would like to thank him for all he has done and wish him well in what is an exciting step in his coaching career.”
Michael McArdle, Head of Elite Women’s Football: “I am immensely proud of my service towards the significant steps we have taken to enhance the talent pathway for girls and women over the past three years. By introducing National and International Talent ID, our pioneering Academy System with Barclays NextGen, our landmark Elite Under-23s programme, and connecting our regional pathways directly to our senior game, we have created a sustainable pathway for future generations.
“It has been a privilege to see this work evidenced, notably through nine SWNT debutants transitioning from our programmes, our Youth National Teams maintaining consistent League A appearances over the last eight cycles, and our Under-23s competing with Europe’s top nations, while playing with a modern, clear, and aligned identity.
“While my focus was firmly on this progress, the opportunity to become Head Coach of Northern Ireland represents a unique alignment with my coaching aspirations. It has been an honour to help elevate standards across the game. This progress has been a true collective effort, and I want to thank my colleagues at the Scottish FA, the clubs, and especially the players for their dedication to driving the game forward. I leave with deep gratitude for the support I’ve received and full confidence in the future of our Scottish game.”