It was another incredible year of progress for women's football in Scotland as the national team qualified for the World Cup Finals for the first time.
Their heroics on the world stage would not be possible without a strong domestic structure and a world class sporting system enabling participation and progression at all levels.
It would not be possible, either, without inspirational efforts by the players and coaches who underpin the game, and whose achievements deserve to be acknowledged. Scottish Women’s Football did just that when recognising the rising stars of the sport at their awards night in November in Glasgow.
The event was proudly sponsored by MG Alba, the parent organisation to BBC Alba, the channel which televises women’s football in Scotland.
Iseabail Mactaggart, director of strategy and partnerships at MG ALBA, said: “It’s been a real pleasure for MG ALBA to be involved in these awards. As an organisation, we’re incredibly committed to the growth of women’s football. It’s fantastic to see so many inspirational women in one room.
"It’s a real time for change within the women’s game and it’s great to be at the forefront of that.”
The award winners
Glasgow City’s Nicola Docherty took home the coveted title of SWPL 1 Player of the Year. City’s formidable run of success this season also saw them take home the Senior Team of the Year award. Nicola, who has been a part of the team since 2012, played a significant role in helping Glasgow City win the national league title for an incredible 12th successive year.
The sportscotland Youth Footballer of the Year award went to Glasgow City’s Carly Girasoli (pictured). Like Nicola, the 16-year-old defender has been hugely influential in her team’s title-winning season.
Vivienne MacLaren, chair of Scottish Women’s Football, spoke about the importance of the awards in rewarding those influencing the growth of the game.
She said: “Putting these awards on is all about celebrating the various successes within the girls’ and women’s game.
"To see so many people here that are unbelievably committed, many of whom are volunteers, is really inspiring.”
The final award of the night was the Service to Girls’ and Women’s Football which went to Walter McGill (pictured), who retired after ten years coaching Spartan Ladies in January this year.
Full list of winners
Scottish Building Society SWPL 1 Golden Boot Award: Abi Harrison, Hibernian Ladies
Scottish Building Society SWPL 2 Golden Boot Award: Suzanne Mulvey, Motherwell Ladies
Recognition Express Volunteer of the Year: Florence Haines, Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale
sportscotland Youth Player of the Year Award: Carly Girasoli, Glasgow City
Scotmid SWFL Division Two Player of the Year: Charlotte Gammie, Montrose
Scotmid SWFL Division One Player of the Year: Ashley Mckeown, Queen’s Park
Scottish Building Society SWPL 2 Player of the Year: Suzanne Mulvey, Motherwell Ladies
Scottish Building Society SWPL 1 Player of the Year: Nicola Docherty, Glasgow City
MG ALBA International Player of the Year: Erin Cuthbert
inspiresport Youth Team of the Year: Celtic U15s
Who Cares? Scotland Youth Coach of the Year: Tommy Russo, Cove Youth FC
Scotmid Senior Team of the Year: Glasgow City FC
Rock Sport Radio Senior Coach of the Year: Grant Scott, Hibernian Ladies
Nemeton TV Save of the Season:
The Daily Record Goal of the Season:
SSE Service to Girls’ and Women’s Football: Walter McGill
Find out more
- About Scottish Women's Football
- About the Award Winners
- About People on Sport First
