An exploration of the Scottish Women’s Premier League 2016 league restructure: forming recommendations for future development
The purpose of this study was to explore how the Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) restructure has been viewed and experienced by key stakeholders, specifically SWPL1 Club Managers / Head Coaches and Captain / Vice-Captains. Eight Club Managers / Head Coaches (7 Male 1 Female) and six Club Captains / Vice-Captains (6 Female) participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants and these were thematically analysed. The results of this research identified four themes: ‘Aims of the Scottish Women’s Premier League’; ‘SWPL Fixtures and Criteria’; ‘Long-term League Targets’; ‘Growing Interest in Scottish Women’s Football’. The findings of this study suggest the SWPL1 restructure was viewed positively by all stakeholders. However, there were a number of areas for further improvement, specifically the designated direction of Scottish women’s football and the move towards professionalism with a strategic plan supporting further change required. This research offers recommendations to those adopting structural change in the future. From the findings identified within this research it is suggested further research is conducted to explore Scottish Women’s Football.
Scottish women’s football, League restructure, Football development, Interviews, Bourdieu
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