I have been writing recently about the progress being made in the women's game in Scotland. While the work being carried out the SFA and the elite clubs may be under the radar in this country, it is recognised abroad. Recently UEFA sent a marketing team to work with the SFA and I met Michelle Cox, Director of Developing Programmes and Marketing at the Asian Football Development Project. Cox is also Director of Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein of Jordan West Asian Football federation, a consultant for both FIFA (and former women's committee member) and UEFA, and played for the NZ national team and in Germany for club football. This sort of CV suggests she know of what she speaks when it comes to women's football.
Michelle Cox (c) Ger Harley | SportPix I asked her how Scotland is perceived in the women's football world. Cox said: "Scotland is definitely catching the attention of the women's football community worldwide. With the burgeoning interest and participation in the women's game, and subsequent growing recognition by national associations that this is the key sector for growth in the football family, investment in women's football increasing considerably and the technical standard and competition is consequently getting a lot stronger. It is therefore not easy now to do what Scotland has done and move up the rankings slowly but surely. It is apparent to many that this is due to the great work of Sheila and Anna and their dedicated team who have approached the development of the women's game in Scotland in a very structured, professional and open way. Combined with the inspired support of the Scottish FA's current leaders, Campbell Ogilvie and Stewart Regan, it points to a winning team to watch for the future. I hope that the wider football community in Scotland recognises this potential as much as those on the outside do because I am really excited for Scotland and what the women's game could contribute to the pride of football in the country in the near future."Source: FOOTYMAD
