Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.9 2022-23

Scotland looks set to have two teams feature within
the 2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League
based on the provisional access list provided by
UEFA.
Scotland is currently ranked 13th in the
coefficient. This means the SWPL champions will
enter the Champions Path and the SWPL runners-
up will enter the League Path, both at Round One.
SWPL Managing Director, Fiona McIntyre,
said: “This is positive news for the SWPL and the
whole of the girls and women’s game. This will
provide a valuable opportunity for two SWPL teams
to compete at the highest level of European football.
Both Rangers and Glasgow City competed in
this year’s competition. Glasgow City entered the
League Path and hosted Paris FC, Servette, and AS
Roma at Petershill Park in Round 1. Despite a competitive showing, City were defeated 3-1 by
AS Roma to end their journey in the competition.
Rangers managed to successfully navigate through Round 1 of Champions Path in
Greece before meeting Benfica in Round 2. A 1-0 win in the second leg in Portugal took the
game to extra time where Benfica prevailed 5-3 on aggregate.
“Both Glasgow City and Rangers were exemplary representatives of Scotland, and the
SWPL, in this year’s UEFA Women’s Champions League competition” added Fiona. “I know
both were disappointed not to reach the Group Stage (last 16) and I’m sure both clubs,
amongst a number of other SWPL sides, will be desperate for the opportunity to compete
again next season in Europe’s premier competition.”
The final day of the 2022-23 SWPL season is 21st May and SWPL teams will start their
2023-24 UEFA Women’s Champions League journey on 6th September 2023.
Photo - Colin Poultney/collargeimages.co.uk

Scotland will field a Women’s Under-23 National Team this weekend when they take on
Panama. Scotland Women’s National Team Head Coach Pedro Martinez Losa and his
coaching staff will oversee the new youth team in their match on 12th November.
The game will be followed by the senior side who will face Venezuela on 14th November
in the second of the two matches during the squad’s winter training base in Cadiz, Spain.
The squad for this international double header features a number of young players,
including a first call up for Brogan Hay as well youngsters Amy Muir, Erin Clachers, Leah
Eddie and Rebecca McAllister. In line with UEFA rules, both sides will be allowed to field five
players over the age of 23.
Pedro Martinez Losa told www.scottishfa.co.uk: "The introduction of Scotland Under-
23 side was identified in our Girl’s and Women’s strategy last year as an important
steppingstone to bridge the gap between youth squads and the senior team.
“As we seek to continue the growth and development of our national sides, this winter
camp has given us a wonderful opportunity to implement this objective for the first time.
“There are a number of players who have been on the periphery of the first team who'll
now have the opportunity to gain experience from being immersed in the senior team
environment, as well as gaining valuable game time in a Scotland shirt.”
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