The Scottish Women’s Premier League is closer than ever to becoming fully professional, according to managing director Fiona McIntyre.
After breaking attendance records and viewing figures last season, with a dramatic final day of action seeing Celtic win the league for the first time, McIntyre says she’s excited about what lies ahead for the game in Scotland.
Having recently announced record revenue and prize money, she says she wants the women’s game to become part of the fabric of Scottish society.
“From our perspective, the absolute dream is that we have a self-sustaining full-time professional football league here in Scotland for women, and that’s what we’re striving towards, one step at a time”, she told STV News.
“I am really confident about that. It’s not just one part of the game that’s grown, it’s part of a global change and that’s why I say, with confidence, that that’s the ambition and where we want to get to.
“It’s really exciting. I played many years ago and the thought of having even any professional players was something quite distant.
“The fact we now have an increasing number, I think just under 200 players who have professional contracts here in our leagues that, in itself, is huge progress.
“So it’s something in itself that I’m really cognisant of – the responsibility that I have – but also really fortunate and excited to be part of it.”
McIntyre also pointed to Celtic’s success on the European stage as a sign of the progress being made.
SNS GroupThe SWPL champions are the first Scottish side to take part in the group stages of the continent’s flagship tournament.
They were handed a tough draw against top sides in Chelsea and Real Madrid – but McIntyre believes this can only be a good thing.
“It’s a really important milestone”, she said.
“I think for them its a moment in history, as a league it helps put us on the map and showcase the very best of Scottish Football at national level.
“The better our clubs do and compete through the european competitions then there is some financial return for the other clubs that compete in the SWPL, So on all fronts, from the football perspective, for Celtic, for the visibility, and the for the SWPL from a financial perspective, it’s just a fantastic achievement.”
STV NewsMcIntyre said over the next year she wants to see “more of the same” including breaking records.
She added: “More of the same, absolutely. We want to deliver record financial results, we want to sitting speaking about record crowds, and more people coming to watch the SWPL, more people to watch it on television.
“Ultimately I want women’s football to become part of the fabric of Scottish society and Scottish football.
“For too long it’s been dominated just by mens football, so over time that’s where we want to get to.”
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