To mark Scottish Women in Sport Week, each of our regions have selected an inspirational female leader in the game.
Jo Murphy – Girls' and Women's Club Development Officer, North Region
"Within my Scottish FA role not only am I able to motivate and inspire other Girls and Women within the football community but I am also extremely lucky to be supported and inspired by my fellow colleagues both regionally and nationally. The 5 other Girls' and Women's Club Development Officers are and have been vital to my development, especially when I began the role as a 21 year old. They are always on the other end of the phone willing to share ideas and help. Their passion for the game is infectious and being part of the team pushes me to be the best I can be.
I am also supported in my development as a coach by fellow colleagues Emma and Claire. Being around them both is inspiring, both in how much effort they put into developing players, but also being able to learn from shadowing their coaching styles and tap into some of their knowledge has also helped develop me as a coach."
Dawn Middleton – General Manager, Motherwell FC Community Trust
"As the General Manager of Motherwell FC Community Trust, I lead and manage a range of community-facing sport, recreation, social and community development activities on behalf of the club. I am supported by a whole team of people including coaches, administrators, coordinators and volunteers. We work together to support each other in both a work environment and life in general. Our programmes and opportunities would not exist without the hard work and commitment of our volunteers. Being in a team environment allows us to push each other to be the best we can be.
We are proud to have and encourage strong female role models here at Motherwell FC Community Trust."
Tammy McLean – Sport Student, part-time coach
"I am in my second year of an HND course at Ayrshire College. Through Scottish FA and Active Schools initiatives I have become involved in Football Coaching and I now have a lead role in the East Ayrshire Jo Love Soccer Centre, both coaching and as a mentor helping the NC/HNC. The Soccer Centre gives P1-P7 girls in East Ayrshire the opportunity to come along and try football and make friends, the experiences and opportunities the centre has given me have been amazing.
I have received immense support from the staff at the Scottish FA (Garry & Shirley), East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities (Lynsey & Cherryl) and everyone at Ayrshire College. Having this support and being able to tap into their expertise, knowledge and experiences has been crucial to my development as a coach, this has given me both the opportunity and confidence to complete my Children's Award.
Working as a team of coaches at the Soccer Centre means we are able to help and support each other to prepare, plan and deliver. This has also really helped me develop as a coach."
Georgia Carter – Girls' and Women's Development Officer, Dundee United Community Trust
"I'm currently at Abertay University studying Sports Science. I chose to start coaching as I wanted to share my love for football to inspire the next generation and those around me within the local community. I have been given the opportunity and support to continue my development through the Scottish FA and Dundee United community trust, which have allowed me to progress into leadership roles."