SWF is joining a new working group led by the Scottish Government, Project 2035, to create new opportunities for women and girls to enjoy football.
More girls and women in Scotland will have opportunities to play, coach, referee and lead football under a new long-term plan to grow the game.
Supported by a £250,000 investment from the Scottish Government this year, Project 2035 aims to increase participation, strengthen pathways to the game and establish Scotland as a leading country in women’s football by 2035.
A new Girls and Women’s Football Task Force will oversee the delivery of Project 2035 over the next decade. It will bring together the Scottish Government, Scottish Women’s Football, Scottish Football Association, Scottish Women’s Premier League, Professional Footballers’ Association, Scotland and COSLA.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“Football has the power to bring communities together, improve health and wellbeing and inspire young people to achieve their potential.
“Project 2035 is about building on the momentum we’ve seen in recent years in women’s and girls’ football and creating even more opportunities in Scotland.
“Our ambition is simple: every girl who wants to be part of football in Scotland should have the opportunity to do so, whether as a player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter or leader.
“Working together we can help Scotland become a leading country in women’s football.”
Ian Maxwell, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football Association, said:
“Today’s announcement is fantastic news for the future of the Girls and Women’s game in Scotland. Project 35 will play a vital role in supporting the continued development of our game over the next decade to ensure every girl and woman in Scotland has the opportunity to play football to the potential of their choosing.
“Our commitment to developing the game fairly and sustainably on and off the pitch is stronger than ever. The newly formed Scottish Girls and Women’s Football Taskforce will provide an important focus as we strive to achieve our collective ambitions for the game.”
Aileen Campbell, Chief Executive of Scottish Women’s Football, said:
“At Scottish Women’s Football, we have experienced first-hand the incredible growth in girls’ participation in grassroots football, but we know challenges remain and more needs to be done. That’s why this Scottish Government-led task force will be a game changer – bringing together partners, supporting volunteers and using passion and momentum to enable every girl who loves the game to play.”
Scottish Women’s Premier League Chief Executive Fiona McIntyre said:
“Project 2035 will make women’s football an integral part of Scottish society, delivering record attendance, expanding professional opportunities for girls and women and unlocking sustained investment across the game to drive long-term growth and success.”
sportsForbes Dunlop, chief executive of Scotland, said:
“Project 2035 presents a great opportunity for partners to build on existing support for the women’s game and come together to increase opportunities for participation and progression. We look forward to being part of this exciting initiative.”
Paul Kelly and Councilor Maureen Chalmers, co-chairs of COSLA’s Sport and Physical Activity Special Interest Group, said:
“Project 2035 represents an exciting opportunity to build on the growing popularity of girls’ and women’s football in Scotland. Local government plays a vital role in creating opportunities for girls and women to participate in sport, from national leadership to providing local opportunities and programmes. By working together between national and local government, the football sector and communities, we can help every girl and woman participate in the COS game. I am delighted to support this ambition and the work of the new Task Force.”