Important Hearts figure grateful for 'Inspirational Leader' award after ground-breaking football career
The former Scotland coach was ‘deeply grateful’ for the award highlighting her services to football.
Hearts’ Technical Development Manager, Shelley Kerr said she was ‘deeply grateful’ for winning an Inspirational Leader award recognising her services to Scottish sport.
The 12th edition of the annual Scottish Women in Sport Awards was held in Glasgow’s Raddison Blu Hotel and the awards ceremony highlights the success of woman in sport all over the nation. Kerr arrived at Hearts in late 2024 with her key duties being to develop both players and coaches, as well as implementing a technical and tactical framework, while working alongside Angus Beith for the B team. Since joining, she has brought a wealth of experience to the club and after winning the award, Kerr highlighted the importance of female role models not just in football, but sport in general.
Shelley Kerr ‘deeply grateful’ for Inspirational Leader award
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website, Kerr said: "Scottish Women In Sport have been up and running now for over 10 years and they recognise all sports, which I really like. It was humbling when you hear everyone's stories and how challenging it's sometimes been for a variety of women in sport.
“Whether it's athletes or coaches that have come through when there wasn't a lot of resource there, or no visible role models. I'm deeply grateful for the award, and I'd like to say well done to all the winners on the night for their hard work and dedication to their sport."
After accumulating 59 caps for her country as a player, Kerr started her managerial career while still playing for Kilmarnock in 2004 after showing clear leadership qualities on the pitch. From then on, she went onto take the top job at Hibs, Spartans, Scotland U19s and Arsenal. For the latter, she helped them to back-to-back FA cups in 2013 and 2014.
A history-making career
Her exploits in North London landed her a ground-breaking appointment this side of the border as Kerr was named as the University of Stirling’s men’s team boss - the first time in UK history that a women managed a men’s side.
She was then appointed Scotland Women’s National Team coach, where she helped the side reach their only ever World Cup finals in 2019. After a brief absence from the game, she joined the Jambos in November 2024 where her wealth of knowledge and expertise has been welcomed by Sporting Director, Graeme Jones.
Regarding Kerr’s appointment, he said: “Shelley’s extensive experience and skill set is ideally suited to this new role at the club and I look forward to working with her to harness the development pathway leading to the first team.”