Football ladies have Henson in their sights

Glasgow City stormed into the Henson Scottish Cup Final following a 3-0 win over Celtic at Ravenscraig on Wednesday 19 October.

Following  their League victory over the Hoops last Sunday, City opened the scoring through ex Celt Emma Woolley when she latched on to a shot from Emma Mitchell which Fay in the Celtic nets could only turn on to the bar.

It was 2-0 before half time after Eilish McSorley converted after Kat Lindner had cut the ball back from the goal line.

Substitute Danica Dalziel ensured City’s progression into the final when she scored in the last few minutes to make it 3-0.

Commenting on City’s progression into the final, Assistant First Team Coach Donald Jennow said, ‘The objective of tonight was to get to the final which we have done successfully. We set a target of maximising our fixtures up to the end of the season, and so far we have achieved what we set out to do. We aim to push on further from here. It was not our best performance tonight, by any means, but we can take positives from it. Once again the girls showed they can perform in pressure situations and we are delighted to be in the Cup Final.’

City will know their opponents when Hibernian take on Celtic Reserves in the other semi-final. The final will take place at Toryglen on Saturday 12th November.

 Follow Glasgow City ladies football team on: www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk or Twitter: @GlasgowCityFC or Facebook: Glasgowcity Fc

Glasgow City to be crowned Champions on Sunday

by Laura Montgomery

Glasgow City women’s football team will be crowned SWPL Champions this Sunday for the fifth successive season irrespective of their result against Celtic as they kick off at 12pm at Petershill against their Glasgow rivals.

No other team has ever dominated the women’s game in Scotland for so long winning the last 16 home games in the Champions League. In addition, they have an match against Postdam looming.

Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black understands why many would think his players’ focus would be elsewhere. He said: ‘We have had a phenomenal season so far, but as I stress to the players every day, it is not over. We want to maintain our excellent League record and of course we also have a Scottish Cup semi-final on Wednesday, all before we even think of taking on German giants Postdam in the Champions League. Games are coming fast and furious for us just now. Many players are involved in the Scotland games and in our League, Scottish Cup and Champions League commitments. Without doubt, we have suffered due to injuries to key players. But that is why we have a strong squad. The players will be focused on Sunday, irrespective that the League is already won.’
City versus Celtic takes place at Petershill Juniors park on Sunday at 12pm and Sky Sports will be among the many press expected to be in attendance to see City lift the title. 

For more information see website:www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk  or Twitter: @GlasgowCityFC  or Facebook: Glasgowcity Fc

Women footballers net world top status

Scottish Champions, Glasgow City Football Team is through to the last 32 of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. They will know on Tuesday who they will play when the draw is made at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The team qualified when they beat Klaksvik in Serbia 5-0. This ensured that City topped Group 5 with three wins out of three, scoring 17 goals and conceding none. In turn, they became the first Scottish team ever to reach the last 32, knock-out stages of Europe’s most elite club competition.
Said Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black: ‘I am delighted we have gone through and to be honest, we thoroughly deserved it. We can now look forward to a really challenging end to the season. I am proud of the players for all of their hard work and dedication. They deserve to play at the highest level in European football.’
On the day, Glasgow City defender, Rachel Corsie celebrated her 22nd birthday, captaining the team. Goals from Katharina Lindner (2) Leanne Ross, Jo Love and Eilish McSorley ensured City’s place in history.
To fund the next stage of their progression upwards, they will host a Sports Person’s Dinner on Friday 26 August at the Art Club, 185 Bath Street in Glasgow’s city centre. The trip to Serbia alone, cost £15,000. There are a few seats remaining at £40 per person and sponsor spots of £100 are on offer. The beautiful venue, three course meal and first class speakers in Kenny Clarke and Sandy Strang make for an inviting evening. Contact Laura Montgomery, Manager on: chairperson@glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk Eddie will fly out on Tuesday 23 August to Nyon for the draw. His team is now seeded 20th in Europe. The top 16 seeds do not need to qualify and City expect to be drawn against stiff competition. Said Eddie: ‘This gives our girls the chance, once more, to really test themselves against some of the best in the world. Naturally, we’d like to avoid the Germans and the French. And we’d prefer not to face the might of Arsenal who are No.2 seed. But we are under no illusions. We may even be the only completely amateur team still in the competition so no matter who we get, we will need to be at our very, very best.’

City’s home leg will be played on either Wednesday 28 or Thursday 29 September at Petershill Park,  Springburn, Glasgow, their home ground. ‘Not too shabby for an amateur side.’ comments Laura Montgomery Club manager and reporter for all the games.

Fergie’s gone but not forgotten

Fergie Millar, a tough news editor on the Daily Record for almost 30 years in its halcyon days, will be remembered on Thursday 28 July in Glasgow at his favourite football ground – Firhill.  He died in May, aged 83. He left instructions for an ‘informal, not sombre’ gathering to be held and had even written a speech to be read out by one of his long-standing friends.

Asbestos trail continues

A recent story about the concerns of people in Summerston area of Maryhill who believe they were exposed to asbestos when houses were being ripped apart to instal new bathrooms and kitchens,  is gathering momentum. Several individuals have contacted this website and told of their fears. If you have concerns about asbestos in your home being disturbed during major renovations in any part of Glasgow, please contact us by leaving a comment below in the comment box. Or phone 0141 226 4712.

Games routes being sorted

Detailed plans to improve the river bank at Lancefield Quay and Anderston Quay have been drafted in preparation for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Consultation with elected members is underway although most community councils will not meet between now and the Friday 29 July deadline.

‘I have asked for the times to be extended to take this into account,’ said Bailie Nina Baker of Anderston Ward.

According to George Gillespie, Assistant Director of Land and Environmental Services, the aim of the plan is to improve, significantly, pedestrian and cyclist provision. ‘We also wish to incorporate permanent flood prevention measures between the Kingston Bridge and Clyde Arc bridge,’ he said.

This route will be a main spectator corridor between the city centre and venues at the SECC complex in 2014. It will also help access to Ibrox and Kelvingrove games venues and the Riverside Museum.

Following the comments of elected representatives, the plans will be revised and a one day “pre-planning” consultation event is anticipated in early August when City Council officers will explain the proposals in more detail to Councillors. This will be followed by the public at large and other interest groups having the chance to comment through the statutory planning process in September 2011 when the revised plan will be submitted. Currently a contractor is likely to be appointed in December 2011 and work should be carried out between January and June next year.

* If you have ideas to improve the Lancefield Quay or Anderston Quay embankments for pedestrians or cyclists send them to us at: franklinfeatures@gmail.com and we’ll publish them and pass them on.

Plaudits for unique youth scheme

A youth programme which helps reduce anti-social behaviour in the North and West of Glasgow has been hailed as a success by former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.
The former Scotland International captain was among special guests at the annual awards and dance shows run by A&M Training – a programme which is part funded by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA).
Run by ex-Dundee United winger Andy McLaren, the A&M Training scheme tackles youth disorder, racism and gang violence. Founded on his own hard experiences, the scheme encourages youngsters to keep fit through football and dance classes.
Around 2000 youngsters have already signed up for Operation Reclaim in the North of the city and also the West End Diversionary Project.
Birmingham City star Barry Ferguson presented trophies at the Operation Reclaim awards night at the Mitchell Theatre recently.
Barry said: “I’m delighted to support A&M Training which delivers top-quality diversionary coaching activities across Glasgow. Each week around 2000 young people benefit from these services – and they are free.
“I attended the dance and awards show and was blown away by the numbers involved, the talent on show and the quality of the coaching.”
GHA and the Scottish Government fund the West End Diversionary Project, which covers areas including Drumchapel, Yoker, Scotstoun and Anderston. Operation Reclaim is funded by GHA and North Glasgow Community Planning Partnership and runs in areas including Sighthill, Springburn, Milton and Royston.
GHA’s Executive Director of Development and Regeneration, Alex McGuire, said: “Projects such as Operation Reclaim and the West End Diversionary Project are making a real difference to young people in the North and West of the city.
Former Scotland footballers Robbie Winters, Charlie Miller and Gary McSwegan are also lending their support to programme.
Andy McLaren, founder of A&M Training, said: “We’re the only sports coaching charity in Scotland providing free coaching services delivered by professional footballers and dancers.
“The programme has had a tremendous benefit in reducing youth crime and disorder and improving the health and well-being of large numbers of young people.”

Haggis Rules OK!

Glasgow will host this year’s Haggis Cup at Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday 9 April.

The Australian Rules Football tournament will be a one day ‘express’ event.

Said spokesman Darren Chadwick of the Glasgow Sharks Club: ‘This will be the biggest tournament we will have held to date. We have eight teams confirmed with a possible three others interested. Teams will be coming from Ireland, England, Sweden and Italy to take part.’

The website for the tournament is http://www.sarfl.org.uk/sarfl2010/haggiscup so keep an eye on it all Australian Rules Footie fans.

Added Darren: ‘We want to expand the game in Glasgow and Scotland as a whole. Our season starts on the Saturday 26 March away to Aberdeen. We are also travelling to Hartlepool on the Saturday 12 March to play a friendly against a mixed North East England League team.’  From Melbourne, Darren says there is a pool of 29 players for the Glasgow Sharks. ‘There are Scots, Australians and even a Frenchman,’ he said.

The Scotland national team which played in the European Cup in Italy last year and was placed 9th out of 16, came mostly from the Glasgow Sharks.

The Club’s website is http://www.glasgowsharks.co.uk and they meet up at the Walkabout pub.

Jo Love signs for Glasgow City

by Laura Montgomery
Glasgow City are delighted to announce the signing of Scotland midfielder Jo Love.
Previously at Celtic, Jo is City’s second key signing of the pre-season, suggesting some exciting times ahead for the Scottish Champions.
Announcing the signing, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: “Jo put pen to paper today and took part in our match against Chelsea. Everybody knows what a fantastic player she is – 98 Scotland caps for a player not long turned 25, speaks for itself. I am thrilled to have her at the club. We have an outstanding crop of players here and I am more than confident that Jo will blossom at this club and will hopefully help us to pick up more honours along the way.”
Jo, follows ex-team mate, Christie Murray, in the close season move from Celtic to City and has no regrets about leaving her former club. She said, “Like Christie, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Celtic and I have nothing but praise for the club. However, I felt it was time to move on and while it was a very difficult decision, it is most definitely the right one. I have played against City a number of times and everyone can see what a fantastic side they are. I cannot wait to get a number of training sessions under my belt and look forward to the upcoming exciting matches against the English Super League teams.”
www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk

Laura nets a well-deserved award

BY LYNSAY KEOUGH
Women’s football stalwart, Laura Montgomery won a top honour at the McDonald’s / Sunday Mail Grassroots Awards, in partnership with the Scottish FA.
Laura was named Best Volunteer in Women’s/Girl’s Football at the awards ceremony held at Hampden Park on the Thursday 3 February. The awards celebrate the tireless efforts of volunteers who keep football flourishing in communities across Scotland.
Laura co-founded Glasgow City Ladies Football Club in 1998. It has gone on to become the most successful Scottish women’s team, winning the last four Premier League titles in a row and being the first Scottish team to qualify for the Women’s UEFA Champions League.
An unprecedented achievement, Glasgow City Ladies was the only amateur team to get to this stage of the tournament.
Scotland legend and McDonald’s Head of Scottish Football, Kenny Dalglish, praised Laura’s work and encouraged more women and girls to take up the game. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Kenny said: ‘Football in communities is built on the sheer hard work of individuals like Laura. Laura’s dedication over the past 13 years has seen Glasgow City Ladies become the most successful women’s team in the country, and to advance into the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League as an amateur team, is a remarkable achievement which is yet to be matched. As a long-term supporter of grassroots football in Scottish communities, McDonald’s is proud to honour Laura and her team’s achievements.’
Laura added: ‘Winning this award is a wonderful honour. When we founded the club, we never imagined we’d end up winning the Premier League – let alone four times in a row. Alongside playing, I’ve also been responsible for our sponsorship, accounts, marketing and the website. While I always say I’ve got two full time jobs – my day job and my work for Glasgow City – I wouldn’t change a thing.’
The eighth McDonald’s / Sunday Mail Grassroots event covered ten categories including Best Volunteer in Youth Football, Grassroots Community Club and McDonald’s Community Champion Award.
Over the last eight years, McDonald’s has helped to improve football in Scotland, significantly. The scheme has created more than 2,000 new community coaches and 1,800 new football teams. And it has worked with a network of McDonald’s restaurant franchisees to provide kit and equipment to clubs through the club twinning programme.
Last year alone, McDonald’s helped to create over 700 new boys’ and girls’ teams in the local community.
For more information on McDonald’s coaching programme, please go to www.mcdonalds.co.uk

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