I LOVE not having to make excuses for getting a bit sentimental as it’s expected at this time of year. It’s a time when we look back, while at the same time, experiencing that air of expectation as the new year beckons us.
For me, when I look back I go to my 20 odd years working for Scottish Women’s Football and the many interesting situations that were part of the role. It was a first for the organisation, appointing a full-time administrator and I always feel fortunate that it was me who got the job. However, if I take my rose-coloured glasses off, I can remember that there were many challenges in the role – least of all, a lack of finance. Yet for all the sacrifices that had to be made, working with the players in the national squad as always was a joy and of course a bit of fun as we travelled the world playing the universal game that brings us all together.
One of the most amazing opportunities was an invite from Brazil to play their women’s national squad in three friendly matches, with all expenses paid by the host themselves! When I say friendly I use the term loosely as someone must have forgotten tell the spectators. It was one of the most hostile environments I have ever been in, and the only time I recall when support staff and substitutes on the bench were joined by a couple of armed police as guards!
Thankfully we have moved on in so many ways and looking forward to 2019, my highlight will be to follow the women’s national squad to France when they participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.
The players of 20 years ago are no different to the current squad in terms of their passion for the sport and their hope to make their country proud. This time however, they are well prepared and a talented squad will be led by an exceptional coach – Shelley Kerr.
The pride that I feel in the fact that we have taken this huge step in the development is indescribable and my hope for 2019 is that Scotland as a nation will get behind the team and support them. And I hope your dreams come true in 2019 too!
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here