In this week’s episode, we’re joined by SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre for an in-depth and honest conversation about the state of the women’s game in Scotland.

Fiona lifts the lid on what her role really involves behind the scenes, the biggest challenges she’s faced since taking charge, and the ongoing effort to grow the league’s visibility and get more fans through the turnstiles.

We also tackle the recent headlines around a reported financial crisis in the SWPL and hear directly from Fiona on why she strongly disputes that narrative.

There’s also a brilliant look back at the league’s dramatic title run-ins, including the extraordinary story of trophy day going down to the wire and the trophy ending up in the back of a taxi.

Plus, we preview a huge weekend for the domestic game as Glasgow City take on Rangers in the Sky Sports Cup Final, with insight on what it means for both clubs and the wider league.

It’s a candid, insightful, and at times surprising chat that gives a real sense of where the SWPL is right now and where it’s heading.

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In this episode, we’re joined by the Head of Refereeing at the Scottish FA, Willie Collum, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of female referees in Scotland.

Willie discusses the growing presence of women in officiating and the clear ambition to see female referees regularly taking charge of top-flight men’s matches.

He opens up on areas the game isn’t talking about enough, including how referees manage training during the menstrual cycle and the challenges of returning to elite fitness after pregnancy.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest barriers facing female officials: the demands of the fitness tests.

Alongside this, Willie reflects on his own journey in refereeing, sharing both the highs and the lows from his time on the pitch, offering a rare and personal perspective on the pressures of the role.

Finally, he outlines his vision for the future and the practical steps being taken to attract, support, and retain more women in refereeing at every level of the game.

A candid, forward-thinking discussion on breaking barriers and building the next generation of officials.

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In partnership with Zenith Coins.

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Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!

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@alibali76 @JournoCherylS

On this episode, we sit down with Leanne Crichton, now manager of Rangers, for an honest conversation about leadership, loyalty, and life beyond the pitch.

Leanne opens up about the emotional decision to leave Glasgow City, the club that shaped so much of her career and the whirlwind of feelings that came with crossing the city.

She reflects on that pivotal moment, what was said between her and Leanne Ross, and how it felt to step into a new chapter wearing different colours.

Now at the helm at Rangers, she shares what life is really like as Gers boss: the pressure, the pride, the expectations, and the “pinch me” moments that come with leading one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

Away from football, Leanne speaks candidly about becoming a mum, how it’s changed her perspective, strengthened her resilience, and reshaped the way she approaches both management and life.

She also discusses stepping into the media spotlight, the nerves she initially felt around punditry work, and how she’s grown to embrace and enjoy having a voice in the game.

There’s reflection too on Scotland from her own experiences in the national jersey to her thoughts on the country’s World Cup hopes. And she gives her take on the direction under Melissa Andreatta, and what the future could hold.

It’s an open, thoughtful and revealing conversation about growth, courage, and carving out your own path in the modern game.

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Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!

Chat to your hosts on X HERE:

@alibali76 @JournoCherylS