The World Cup 2014 qualifying groups were drawn on Saturday and according to Craig Levein "could have been a lot worse".

Group A will consist of Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, FYR Macedonia and Wales.

Chief Executive & President

The Scottish FA has launched its £500,000 Performance Awards Scheme (PAS) to encourage senior clubs to promote elite youth player development while providing substantial revenue increases.

The scheme, which began at the weekend, is an integral part of the new performance strategy, Scotland United, and will reward clubs who invest in youth development by providing unprecedented payments for the playing of Scottish under-21 players in starting line-ups in the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football Leagues.

National Teams

Mens

Michael Oliver launched his blog and offered an insight into the highs, lows and travelling involved with being the national team scout.

Womens

Anna Signeul got in on the blogging act too with her own thoughts on the Womens World Cup in Germany.

Referee Development

John Fleming met with the captains and coaches from every Scottish Premier League club at Hampden Park a fortnight ago to discuss the new guidelines issued to match officials this season.
 
Fraser Wishart from PFA Scotland joined in to discuss the guidelines but also to inform the top-flight players and coaches of progress made during the summer that will help improve respect, communications and understanding between referees and clubs, as part of the new Focus on Football campaign.

John summarised that “The feeling at the meeting was very favourable. The Scottish FA has made clear its intention to Focus on Football and there was unanimous agreement in the room that this was essential".