Scottish Women's Football

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Hearts, who finished fifth last term, will face the four teams who filled the spots above them within their first six SWPL games next season.

Eva Olid's side face both sides of the Old Firm in the opening two weeks, kicking off their campaign at home to Celtic before a trip to take on Rangers.

The Jambos did beat Elena Sadiku's side in both home league games last season, including a statement 3-1 win in the first post-split game, while they dealt a decisive blow to Rangers' title charge on the final day of the pre-split campaign at Broadwood, by holding Jo Potter's side to a 2-2 draw.

Facing the pair at the start of the season, when neither have the distraction of European football, is very different, though.

The other two, who finished first and second last season - Hibernian and Glasgow City, of course - will have that one eye on the continent, however.

By the time reigning champions Hibs make the short trip across the city, they will have already faced Fortuna Hjorring and one of Apollon/Young Boys in their second round of Women's Champions League qualifying.

It's worth noting Hearts had a strong record against the eventual title-winners last season - two wins and two losses in the SWPL, plus a win in the Scottish Cup.

But they were defeated in both league games at Oriam, where the first meeting next season will take place.

The same rule can be applied for meetings with City. Hearts didn't pick up a positive result at Petershill Park last term but held Leanne Ross' side to a couple of stalemates in Edinburgh.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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Ellis Notley says it has been a "whirlwind" month since Hibernian lifted their first SWPL title in 18 years, but the midfielder says the champions will be prepared to retain their status.

Hibs welcome Aberdeen on the opening day of the 2025-26 season, and 26-year-old Notley insists the team can replicate last term's success.

"It took a good few weeks to properly settle in, what we as a group had achieved, it probably still doesn't feel 100% real going into pre-season next week," Notley told BBC Scotland.

"It's been a whirlwind last month or so with getting recognition when you're out and about. The group needed to rest, recharge, recover and come back next week ready to go again.

"The last two days for us as a club and a team have been exciting. You always look to the first game and it's nice to have a home fixture so we can be at Meadowbank for kicking off the new campaign.

"Hopefully we can get a big crowd to support the team on that day, but then looking towards the rest of the season, it'll be tough - there are lots of very good teams in the league."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Reducing the SWPL to 10 teams was a "no-brainer" and the decision will "add an edge" to the league, says Glasgow City assistant manager Leanne Crichton.

The former Scotland midfielder admits the call must have been hard for teams who were going to be impacted by it, but she says it will help develop the league.

"In the race for the title that we've seen over the last three or four seasons, it's been unlike anything else Europe," Crichton told BBC Scotland.

"So if we can keep that and maintain that, and add the competition across the board, I see it being a real positive."

Crichton also believes reducing the amount of fixtures will also "be massive" for the players.

"The fixture and the scheduling was one of the highest in Europe," she adds.

"When I see how tired and fatigued a lot of the players are, and even when the season ended you're straight into another international window, it's a gruelling schedule.

"I see it as a good thing, and I hope that we'll see that this season."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Ibrox will host more Rangers women's matches "than ever before" next season.

A club statement says the Govan ground will "become the home venue for SWPL matches, subject to scheduling clashes".

However, Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld will continue "to be a venue for the women's team when Ibrox is unavailable".

The club say "uncertainty of the men's European fixtures, especially midweek games, will also need to be taken into account".

The statement adds: "While the club is excited to host the majority of women's games at Ibrox next season, it is important to stress that not every home game will be played there.

"The goal is to use Ibrox as often as possible, but scheduling conflicts will be the main factor in determining whether a game is held at Ibrox."

Some of these clashes are known, others aren't. The first obvious crossover comes early into the new season.

Sunday, 31 August, the third round of SWPL fixtures when Rangers face Motherwell at home, their male counterparts host Celtic in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

Despite the SWPL website listing Ibrox as the venue for this match, it is more than likely that Rangers women will play this fixture at Broadwood, their home for the last three years.

Other factors the club say they will consider in all of this are the Ibrox playing surface and the quality of fan experience.

Meanwhile, women's and girls' managing director Donald Gillies says the decision to move the majority of the club's SWPL games to Ibrox marks a "key milestone".

"This is a big day for our women's first team, and indeed, the entire women's programme at Rangers," he added.

"Ibrox is one of the most recognisable venues anywhere in football, and to know we'll be playing even more games there than ever before will be a huge thrill for the team, and I am sure our supporters too.

"This move will not only help attract top talent to the team, but also ensure we continue to retain and develop our players as we push for greater success."

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With the top flight reverting to 10 teams this season, it takes no time for tasty fixtures to come around.

Matchday four, scheduled for Sunday, 7 September, sees the derby-day special, which has become commonplace in the division.

Celtic host currently-managerless Rangers, Hearts welcome reigning champions Hibernian and Motherwell entertain last season's SWPL2 winners Hamilton Academical.

The reversed derby fest will take place on Sunday, 16 November.

The first meeting between last season's top two - Hibs and Glasgow City - was pencilled in on matchday four - 31 August - but due to their European matches, they will instead face each other on Wednesday, 1 October.

The return fixture between the pair will take place on Sunday, 23 November.

After 18 fixtures, the SWPL will split into a top six and a bottom four, with the clubs playing each other twice, once at home and once away.

If the last few seasons are anything to go by, the post-split fixtures will be highly anticipated, highly competitive and highly influential.

Adam Binnie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibernian midfielder Kirsten Reilly sees no reason why Hibernian can't cause a shock in the Champions League, just like they did in the SWPL this season.

The capital club surprised everyone by winning their first league title in 18 years - pipping Rangers and Glasgow City at the post.

Their prize for finishing top is a second round of Champions League qualifying tie against Danish title winners Fortuna Hjorring, in the champions path.

Should they win that, they will face the winners of the match between Cypriot champions Apollon Ladies and Swiss title holders Young Boys.

Reilly knows it's "a big challenge" but insists everyone at the club is excited by it and keen to surprise folks again.

"Obviously, it's going to be tough opposition no matter who we got," the 29-year-old said.

£They're a very strong team in their own league, but we're really looking forward to it and excited for the challenge.

"I mean, we've already surprised people by winning the league, so why not do it again?

"We are confident in our own ability, so we just need to take the same game we played last season into the Champions League and hopefully it'll work there as well.

"The teams we have been drawn against are all great teams. They've won many leagues domestically as well, but I think the world's our oyster in this tournament.

"We can win this little group that we're in and hopefully we can progress to the next stages."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Glasgow City assistant coach Leanne Crichton says their Champions League second qualifying draw against Austria Vienna is "super exciting".

City, who finished as runners-up in the SWPL, three points behind Hibs, take on Austria Vienna for the right to play Minsk.

The unusual second-round qualifying format involves teams being grouped together for mini-tournaments at yet-to-be-determined venues.

"It's super exciting," Crichton told BBC Scotland.

"For the club, there's been a real anticipation around the draw and waiting for the news to come through.

"I think the big thing for us last season was ensuring that we got that Champions League spot, whether it was finishing first or second.

"For the club and everything that it's been about and the foundations that it's built on now, if success isn't silverware, then for us it's certainly competing in Europe.

"I'm delighted to be back and a top opponent to look forward to playing against.

"Our team from last season will probably look different if they're looking to analyse us and try and prepare for the team that they're going to come up against.

"Similarly, I'm sure it will be the same for us but it's absolutely getting your teeth into it and trying to find out as much as you possibly can."

Scottish champions Hibernian will face Danish title winners Fortuna Hjorring in the second round of Women's Champions League qualifying, while Glasgow City take on Austria Vienna.

Hibs, who were the shock title winners after a dramatic final day, will face the winner of Apollon Ladies, champions of Cyprus, or Swiss title holders Young Boys should they overcome Fortuna.

City, who finished as runners-up, three points behind Hibs, will take on Austria Vienna for the right to take on Minsk for a place in the third qualifying round.

What do you make of the draw? Let us know your thoughts here.

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League-winning defender and "key component" Lauren Doran-Barr has signed a one-year contract extension with Hibernian.

The right-back, 24, has made 68 appearances for the capital club since joining from Motherwell two years ago and had interest from other clubs.

She played a pivotal part in Grant Scott's side's SWPL success last season and she says that title win has made her "hungry for more".

"After an unforgettable season winning the league with such a special group, I'm delighted to continue my journey with the club," she told club media.

"That feeling of success just fuels the hunger for more and, as a group, we're determined to build on it.

"This is exactly the kind of ambitious and driven environment you want to be part of as a player."

Head coach Scott said it was "a real boost" to secure the services of Doran-Barr for next season.

"We're absolutely delighted to keep Lauren for the upcoming season," he added.

"She's been a consistent performer and a key component of our defensive line that's kept so many clean sheets.

"She's been vital to our success and it's a real boost to know she's chosen to stay with us, despite interest from elsewhere.

"She's an important part of what we're building here."

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Celtic have confirmed Lucy Ashworth-Clifford and Colette Cavanagh are among seven players leaving the SWPL club.

Murphy Agnew, Mathilde Carstens, Kit Loferski, Bruna Lorenco and Luana Munoz are also moving on.

"Thank you for all your major contributions," the club said on X.

Celia Barclais, Kelsey Daugherty and Abi Harrison remain in discussions about their futures.

Elena Sadiku's side finished fourth in the SWPL in season 2024-25.

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Aberdeen boss Scott Booth has made Montrose forward Holly Daniel his first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 17-year-old, who has agreed a two-year deal with the Dons, made over 50 top-flight appearances for Montrose and her eight goals were key to their survival last season.

"It feels really good to be an Aberdeen player. I've been a fan all of my life and I can't wait to get started," said Scotland Under-17 international Daniel.

Booth is delighted to add the "dangerous forward" to his squad.

"Holly has proven she can score goals at this level. She will be a welcome addition to the group," he added.

"For her age she has an impressive amount of experience in senior football, and she has expressed a real desire to kick on and continue to develop at Aberdeen."

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Scotland internationals Jenna Fife and Sarah Ewens have signed new deals with Rangers, alongside American Camille Lafaix.

Goalkeeper Fife, who joined Rangers in 2019 has signed a three-year deal with Jo Potter's domestic cup double winners.

Forward Sarah Ewens made just one appearance last season due to two serious injuries but, like midfielder Lafaix - who scored in the Sky Sports Cup final victory - has signed on for another year.

On Fife's new deal, head coach Potter said: "We are pleased to be keeping Jenna at Rangers. She established herself as first choice goalkeeper towards the end of the season.

"She knows the standards expected at this football club and her experience is invaluable to the squad."

On Ewens: Unfortunately Sarah has had a very tough time over the past season with injuries; however she has shown her qualities on the pitch during my time here and she has a big part to play next season when she makes her recovery."

On Lafaix: "Camille has gone from strength to strength in a Rangers jersey during just her second season in professional football.

"Her attitude on the training pitch is second to none and has been patient in getting her opportunities and she has taken them when she got them."

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As season's go, Kathleen McGovern has had a good one.

Thirty-one goals in Hibernian's SWPL-title-winning campaign earned her a much-deserved first Scotland call-up for the final two Nations League games.

She may have missed the initial phone call, twice, but that didn't detract head coach Melissa Andreatta from starting the 22-year-old at Hampden in her first game in charge.

Following an "exciting" first week in camp, McGovern, ended it with a "dream" debut at the national stadium.

"I was really taken back," the forward told Hibs' club media. "I didn't even expect to really play.

"I didn't believe it when people were telling me that it looked like I was going to start. The team came out and I felt my jaw hit the floor a bit. I was like, this is reality, I'm starting at Hampden.

"I just had to try and control my emotions. I was excited and I couldn't even get to sleep. I just couldn't wait for the game to come, knowing that my family were there at the game, and to start at the national stadium. It's been a dream of mine since I was young.

"To make my debut at Hampden was special, because it was in front of the fans, and I was trying to give a good account of myself to show why I deserved to be there. It was just amazing."

If that wasn't good enough, the striker started again four days later in Tilburg and netted her first Scotland goal on just her second appearance.

"I actually still don't think I had processed my debut," she added.

"I knew the second game was going to be a lot harder as the chances would come few and far between. I just tried to get myself in the right areas.

"I just remember peeling off the defender, just trying to get in front of her and obviously Emma [Lawton] played in a great pass. I just knew that I had to get contact on it.

"It felt silent in the stadium because it was all Netherlands fans. There was no noise at all. Then I looked at the lineswoman and obviously saw that her flag was down. I thought, 'Wow, I've just scored.'

"That was really nice, just to celebrate with the girls on the pitch. To walk away with the draw, when we actually could have won the game, was just excellent. It showed how far we had come in the camp.

"To score my first goal. It really topped off a great season at club and national team level, as well. I was just grateful for the opportunity. I learned a lot and hopefully it was the first of many."

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Rangers have announced that Victoria Esson, Tessel Middag, and Chelsea Cornet will all depart the club upon the expiry of their contract this summer.

Goalkeeper Esson and midfield duo Middag and Cornet have spent a combined 12 seasons at Rangers, who have said they "wish them all the very best for the future".

Striker Jane Ross' departure was already confirmed, with the veteran forward having announced her retirement from football. Loanee Charlie Devlin is also returning to her parent club, Birmingham City.

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Hearts have confirmed the departures of Lisa Robertson, Naomi Powell, Beth Rennie and Ashleigh Williams.

Powell scored twice in 15 appearances after joining the club last summer from Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

Fellow midfielder Robertson, 33, departs despite having a year left on her contract after making 32 appearances following her move from Celtic.

Forward Williams joined in February from Texas Tech Raiders and scored on her debut against Queen's Park, but then suffered an injury that ruled out her out for the remainder of the season.

Goalkeeper Rennie, a 19-year-old Hearts academy graduate, signed her first professional contract last summer then spent the season on loan at Dundee United.

We asked for your views on Scotland's 1-1 draw away to Netherlands in their final Nations League outing and Melissa Andreatta's second match in charge.

Here's what some of you said:

Iain: It's the first time in recent years that I've seen a Scottish women's team have a go. Great to watch the second half especially.

Colin: A great performance from the Scottish Women. Well deserved. We move on.

Gordon: Definitely an improvement, great second half.

Scott C: What a fantastic battling performance. So much improvement.

Miller: Well off the pace defensively for the first 20 minutes but grew into the game. Intensity was much better in the second half. Great to see Mia McAulay, Kathleen McGovern, Emma Lawton and Kirsty Maclean doing well, four promising young players.

Dave: The best I've seen from this team in years, that took the game forward instead of sitting back and waiting.

Liz: Much better game, especially second half! Great to see.

Douglas: Much-improved performance from the sometimes dire stuff over the last few years. Making things happen instead of hoping they would happen. Restoring my faith in watching some exciting football again from them.

Pat: Let's give credit when it's due. Erin Cuthbert was immense.

Jim: Four halves of football, and you could see the improvement in each half. That second half was the best I've seen Scotland play in at least five years. Good to see a system where Caroline Weir and Cuthbert looked like the world-class players they are.

Ellie: Lots more energy and promise under the new coach, hopefully a start of a good new era in Scottish football.

Franny: That was a good positive performance by the ladies. The new coach seems to be instilling a belief in the players, that can only stand us in good stead going forward.