The Scottish FA and Scottish government have launched a new 10-year strategy, Project 2035, backed by £250,000 in government funding this year, to transform women's and girls' football in Scotland by boosting participation, strengthening pathways, and aiming for regular major tournament qualification.
The strategy aims to double the number of registered female players and quadruple attendances and audiences for matches. It also aims to establish Scotland as a leading nation for women's football and for the team to qualify regularly for major tournaments, something the Scotland women's team hasn't achieved since reaching the World Cup in 2019.
A new taskforce will oversee the plan's delivery, bringing together the Scottish government, the SFA, Scottish Women's Football, the Scottish Women's Premier League, PFA Scotland, Sportscotland, and Cosla.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said the women's game would benefit from the exposure that comes from big events. "We saw in the men's World Cup in the summer, the impact that had across the country and to be able to replicate that from a women's point of view, we can't underestimate the benefit that would bring."
First Minister John Swinney said the project will build on recent growth in the women's game. "Football has the power to bring communities together, improve health and wellbeing, and inspire young people to achieve their potential," he said. "Our ambition is simple: every girl in Scotland who wants to be part of football should have the opportunity to do so, whether as a player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter or leader."
The launch comes amid continued growth in women's football in Scotland, with participation, attendances and investment increasing across the professional and grassroots game. However, those involved in the project acknowledge challenges remain around facilities, volunteer support, coaching pathways and retaining players within the sport.
The taskforce will be responsible for monitoring progress towards the strategy's targets over the next decade.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The strategy aims to make women's football accessible to every girl in Scotland, potentially boosting grassroots participation and community health.
- Quadrupling audiences and attendances could attract more sponsorship and media investment, strengthening the professional game.
- Regular major tournament qualification would raise Scotland's profile internationally, inspiring the next generation of players.
Background
Scottish women's football has seen growth in participation, attendance and investment in recent years, but the national team has not qualified for a major tournament since the 2019 Women's World Cup. The new strategy builds on that momentum while acknowledging ongoing challenges around facilities, coaching and player retention.
Key Perspectives
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell: believes big events can transform the women's game, noting the impact of the men's World Cup on the country.
First Minister John Swinney: says the project will ensure every girl in Scotland who wants to be part of football has the opportunity, whether as a player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter or leader.
What to Watch
- Whether the taskforce meets its interim targets for participation and attendance growth.
- The outcome of Scotland's upcoming World Cup play-off with Sweden, which could build momentum for the strategy.
- Progress on addressing the acknowledged challenges around facilities, volunteer support and coaching pathways.