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Winning Students footballers reach first ever World Cup

15 current and former Winning Students scholars have helped the Scotland Women’s National Team make history after qualifying for its first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Needing to better the result of Group 2 rivals, the Scots defeated Albania 2-1 in Shkoder, whilst the Swiss could only manage a goalless draw against Poland – securing Scotland’s first ever appearance at a World Cup Finals.

The achievement is a reflection of the significant impact of the Scottish FA National Performance Centre for women's football, Scotland’s first national centre of excellence for women’s football which was established through a partnership between Winning Students, the Scottish FA and partner institutions.

Having opened in 2009 at the University of Stirling, the Centre is now based at Heriot-Watt University and has supported over 50 student athletes with all going on to represent Scotland at youth and/or senior level.

The World Cup qualifying squad included 15 players that have been part of the Performance Centre and Winning Students pathway, including current scholars Lizzie Arnot and Jenna Fife (both Edinburgh Napier University).