Scottish Women’s Football has appointed two new directors to oversee long-term growth and sustainability in the women’s and girls’ game.
Linklaters Managing Associate Georgina King becomes SWF’s new Strong Quality Growth Director, while Andrew Lawrence, Strategy Director with one of the world’s largest brewing companies, will take over as SWF’s new Perform and Win Director. Both demonstrated clear leadership qualities and strategic vision in the interview process.
Having played football since a young age and currently playing for Tooting Bec FC, Georgina has first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations of women’s grassroots football. Georgina's extensive experience in football and her commitment to excellence and equality in sport embodies the values of SWF in ensuring that the women’s game is best equipped to understand and act on the unique challenges, motivations and experiences faced by female players.
Andrew’s leadership role is focused on collaborating with policy makers across the UK & Ireland to successfully implement regulations and ensuring internal readiness, governance and compliance. He also has experience, as a former President of an industry benevolent society and current President of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, of taking on board the views of multiple stakeholders and work collaboratively for the right outcomes for all, skills that will be valuable as SWF continues to grow the senior game and look for opportunities to make it more sustainable.
King said: “I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Scottish Women’s Football for entrusting me with this responsibility and to everyone who has supported me along the way. It's an honour for me to have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the growth and development of women's football in this new capacity.”
Lawrence said: “As a parent, football fan, SFA Referee and Coach with both an SWF affiliated team and an SYFA affiliated team, I am excited to join the board of Scottish Women’s Football at a time where the game is going from strength to strength, and I am keen to play my part in the continued growth of our beautiful game. I am confident my wide range of experience in paid and voluntary roles will stand me in good stead to empathise with the clubs, coaches and players and officials, whilst ensuring the continued governance, fairness and equity of all stakeholders and the integrity of the competitions. I look forward to meeting with all stakeholders of the SWF and working collaboratively and collegially to achieve the shared ambitions.”
Scottish Women’s Football chair Vivienne MacLaren said: “As Scottish Women’s Football continues to grow we are absolutely delighted to add the experience and leadership qualities of Georgina and Andrew to our board. The role of Strong Quality Growth Director has never been more important as the number of girls playing football grows year on year across the country, while the Perform and Win Director will be key in developing our long-term strategy for the senior competitions, building resilience and stability into the grassroots game. I have no doubt both Georgina and Andrew’s contributions will be invaluable.”