Scotland on the European Stage
This is a dispatch from Nuala Neary,Global Ambassador for Project: Wander Bra, based in Scotland. Our ambassadors provide global perspectives on the impact of sports, in partnership with the Women’s Sports Foundation. Follow Nuala’s adventures @ncneary
Women’s international football is always exciting for sport fans, and after an incredible World Cup in 2023, we are looking forward to the Euros next summer! In Scotland we are feeling confident that our national team will be back competing in a major tournament. After an undefeated run in their qualification group and comfortable 1-0 and 4-0 wins in the first round of the qualifier play-offs against Hungary, Scotland will now face Finland with the winner securing their ticket to the group stages of the Euros.
The first leg will kick off on the 29th of November at home, and hopefully Scotland can take advantage with a home crowd behind them before the second leg on the 3rd of December. The thought of Scotland qualifying for their 3rd major tournament gives me immense pride in how far we’ve come and our place on the international stage of women’s football.
In 1921, the football authorities banned women in Scotland from playing football. But that did not stop some women playing on an unofficial basis. In 1971, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) wanted their members to be in charge of women’s football in their respective countries and lift any bans that were in place. The motion was passed with every country voting in favor. Unfortunately, Scotland was the only territory to vote against the motion, as they believed football was a working-class men's game. Thankfully, due to the motion the ban on women’s participation in football was lifted and in 1972 Scotland played their first official match against England.
The team did not have many resources during this time, not even a bus to take them to the stadium. Determined to get there, the players managed to hitch a lift in the back of a furniture lorry heading to Greenock (24 miles from Glasgow) where the game was being played. Even though it was a cold winter's day, it did not deter fans from filling up the main stand and creating a great atmosphere for the game. Although the game ended in a 3-2 defeat it was an important step for the national team, showcasing the game and starting the conversation around the team.
From 1998, the Scottish Football Association (SFA) took charge of the national team and created 10 development centers specifically for female players across the country. Since then, the Scottish national team’s standing in international football has significantly improved with their highest FIFA World Ranking being 19th in 2014 and are currently sitting at 23rd in the world. Scottish players are now representing in some of the most competitive leagues in the world! We have come a long way since that game in 1972.
Before 2017, the Scottish Women’s National team had never qualified for a major tournament, despite competing in all major tournament qualifications since the women’s football ban was lifted. Then, in 2017, Scotland were on the plane heading to The Netherlands to compete in their first European Championships (Euros). Scotland did not make it out of the group stages; however, the tournament had a massive effect on the team, as two years later we were back playing major tournament football at our first-ever Women’s World Cup in France. Qualifying for 2 international finals in succession felt like a huge turning point.
Scotland has produced some legendary football players through the years. First off, keeping the defense strong is captain for club and country, Rachel Corsie, who has 154 caps for Scotland. Corsie has proven herself to be a reliable and consistent player and is an excellent goal-scoring threat from a corner. Next up is a midfielder who, in my opinion, is one of the most key players in the Scotland squad: Caroline Weir. Weir has 102 caps for Scotland, but suffered an unfortunate ACL injury in a game against Belgium last season. During this time it became evident how important she is to the squad on and off the pitch and thankfully she's back doing what she does best: scoring screamers and dribbling with the ball glued to her feet. Finally, with a name NWSL fans will recognise, Claire Emslie of Angel City. Emslie is extremely valuable in Scotland's attacking play and will forever be in the history books of the Scottish Women’s National Team, as she scored our first-ever Women’s World Cup goal!
Scotland is hoping to qualify for the Euros next year in Switzerland. It’s a showcase of the best football nations in Europe and is a very prestigious title. The first Euros competition was back in 1984, co-hosted by Denmark, England, Italy, and Sweden. Sweden beat England on penalties to take the first-ever title and former US Women’s National Team head coach Pia Sundhage was the top goal-scorer of the competition. In 1997, the competition grew to include 8 teams, and had doubled to 16 by 2017.
Throughout the years of this championship, Germany has been a dominating force, winning the most titles with 8 under their belt—including 6 in a row. They narrowly missed out on their 9th win in 2022 due to a 110-minute goal from England’s Chloe Kelly–England’s first title on home soil. The effect after that win in 2022 is still evident today, with increased funding for grassroots and professional women’s football, increased fan attendance at games, and more accessible coverage of games. Switzerland is hoping to replicate this in 2025 with a set of aims they want to achieve while hosting the tournament. They want to leave a legacy, and they believe the Euros will be a driving force for positive change by engaging the country in conversation about women’s football. Lastly, they want to create sustainable change for football at both the elite and grassroots levels.
The Euros kick off next summer from the 2nd to the 27th of July, 2025, and it is not to be missed!