Hearts, Hibs, Spartans and Boroughmuir Thistle all have been mentioned throughout the list, each with their own story. This list is not a ranking but rather a celebration of what these women have achieved over their lifetimes and what they help bring to the community. Whether it is through the obstacles they have faced in life or their work outside of football, everyone on this list is an inspiration.
1. Ann Budge
The CEO of Hearts has done wonders for the club and the women’s game in Scotland. The 74-year-old helped save the club in 2014 when she spent £2.5m to bring the Jam Tarts out of administration in 2014. In August 2021 the Hearts chair signed over her shares to the Foundation of Hearts fans' group. In her period as Chair, she has also overseen the integration of the women’s team into the club and the handing out of the first professional contracts for the players. Going forward, she targets parity for Eva Olid’s side before she retires. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group) Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
2. Joelle Murray
The 36-year-old captain has been at Hibs throughout the biggest moments in their history. Since donning green and white in 2004, she is nearing two decades in the first team, winning everything there is to win for her club. Her influence also expands from her ability on the pitch becoming the Girls & Women's Academy Director under the guise of Hibernian Community Foundation in 2017. Under her leadership, many more girls may match her achievements at the club. Credit: Malcolm Mackenzie Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie
3. Debbi McCulloch
The Spartans manager is currently in her second spell at the club and reached 250 in charge of the Edinburgh club last year. During this time, she has helped the team get to five finals as well as finishing runner-up in the Scottish Women’s Premier League in 2011. Around the club she also exerts a lot of influence, holding the title of Deputy CEO of the Spartans Community Football Academy. This aims to give back to the local community by delivering positive social impact and change through the power of people and sport. Credit: Malcolm Mackenzie Photo: Malcolm Mackenzie
4. Suzy Shepherd
Head Coach at the biggest female-only football team in Scotland, Shepherd has helped to establish Boroughmuir as a formidable side in the SWPL2. The Edinburgh side was one game away from promotion to the top division last season and only last Sunday her side beat second-place Gartcairn 7-0 at the Meadowbank Stadium. Recently she has also overseen the ban on alcohol sponsorship while at the helm, to try and reduce alcohol problems in Scotland. Picture: Craig Doyle Photo: Craig Doyle