Scotland's soccer women score with lottery funding
Tuesday 27 April 2004
The sportscotland Lottery Fund is delighted to announce an award of £75,157 from the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) to the Scottish Football Association (SFA), for the Scotland Women’s National Squad Programme.
As the national squad prepares to face current world champions Germany this Sunday (2 May), at City Stadium, Livingston in their fifth qualifying match to reach the European Championship finals in 2005, sportscotland’s continued support has been welcomed by the team.
After gaining promotion last year to Europe’s top 20 teams, the squad are currently fourth in their European Championship group. With three home matches still to play, the award will help the team with the costs of travelling to and from training camps and matches as well as covering other sports related costs such as coaching and sports medicine support.
The intense training and competition programme is implemented over 100 days, supplemented by a training and fitness programme provided by the National Coach, Vera Pauw. The squad often train against U16/17 male teams to enable them to improve their knowledge of the game, pace and perception of various football situations.
Commenting on the award Vera Pauw, National Coach, said: “Again we are delighted with the support we receive through TAP funding. It enables us to further develop women’s football and create more opportunities for our top players.
“The match against world champions Germany is a great illustration of what we have been able to achieve with support from the Scottish FA and sportscotland. They are full-time professionals but even though we still have amateur status we can compete at this high level thanks to TAP funding.”
Sports Minister Frank McAveety, said: “I am delighted with today’s announcement. The Executive is committed to supporting women and girls’ football, which is one of the fastest growing sports in Scotland. Today’s award, together with the investment in youth football will help meet the targets in the ‘Action Plan for Scottish Youth Football’ and I wish the Scottish women’s football team every success in their efforts in the qualifiers for the European Championships.”
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the national women’s squad with an award of £75,157 from the Talented Athlete Programme. The team have made significant progress over the last year due to their hard work, commitment and talent and we wish them the best of luck in their qualifying matches.
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: “We are delighted to continue to support the national women’s squad with an award of £75,157 from the Talented Athlete Programme. The team have made significant progress over the last year due to their hard work, commitment and talent and we wish them the best of luck in their qualifying matches.
“ Widening opportunities for women and girls to take part and be successful in sport is a key priority for sportscotland. It is fantastic to see the Scottish women’s football team participating and achieving at the highest level and particularly acting as positive role models for young people.”
- A list of recipients is following.
- Scotland v Germany European qualifying match will take place at the City Stadium, Livingston, West Lothian on Sunday 2 May at 2pm you are welcome to attend.
- The team will also play Portugal on Sunday 23 May at City Stadium, Livingston, West Lothian at 3pm you are welcome to attend.
- The Talented Athlete Programme provides practical financial support to Scottish athletes to perform at elite level. This can include competition expenses, training and other personal sports related costs, as well as access where necessary to support services such as physiotherapy, sports medicine and nutrition.
Association Football
Marlene Pearson, Football, Women, 3,893.41, EDINBURGH, EH5
Shelley Grant, Football, Women, 2,965.91, GRANTOWN-ON-SPE, PH26
Suzanne Robertson, Football, Women, 3,713.76, DALKEITH, EH22
Suzanne Malone, Football, Women, 3,597.91, EDINBURGH, EH8
Holly Anderson, Football, Women, 2,965.91, SANDHURST, LONDON, GU47
Julie Fleeting, Football, Women, 3,893.41, KILWINNING, KA13
Pauline Hamill, Football, Women, 3,893.41, GLASGOW, G67
Amanda Burns, Football, Women, 3,585.91, HAMILTON, ML3
Debbie McWhinnie, Football, Women, 3,491.91, DALKEITH, EH22
Julia Ralph, Football, Women, 2,965.91, EDINBURGH, EH9
Suzanne Grant, Football, Women, 2,965.91, GRANTOWN-ON-SPE, PH26
Joanne Love, Football, Women, 2,965.91, KILBIRNIE, KA25
Gemma Fay, Football, Women, 3,893.41, PERTH, PH1
Claire Johnstone, Football, Women, 3,412.58, GLASGOW, G21
Ifeoma Dieke, Football, Women, 2,965.91, USA 3302
Michelle Kerr, Football, Women, 2,965.91, WEST CALDER, EH55
Michelle Barr, Football, Women, 3,573.91, KILMARNOCK, KA1
Stacey Cook, Football, Women, 2,965.91, LANARK, ML11
Kirsty McBride, Football, Women, 3,809.91, TRANENT, EH33
Julie Ferguson, Football, Women, 3,810.91, GLASGOW, G22
Julie Smith, Football, Women, 3,893.41, ROSEWELL, EH24
Megan Sneddon, Football, Women, 2,965.91, GLASGOW, G75
22 applications totalling: £75,157.00