Only one in ten young people can name a female CEO.
In a world where visibility shapes ambition, this statistic highlights a significant gap in representation and the need for stronger platforms that champion women in leadership.
The City Collective was established by Glasgow City FC in August 2025 to help address that challenge. More than a sponsorship initiative, it is a growing network of women-led and purpose-driven businesses united by a shared commitment to increasing the visibility, influence and impact of women across sport, business and society.
Built on the belief that visibility creates legacy, The City Collective brings together entrepreneurs, leaders and trailblazers who understand the value of collaboration and community. Through meaningful partnerships, networking opportunities and collective advocacy, members can connect with like-minded businesses, share experiences and create opportunities that extend beyond traditional sponsorship models.
The initiative was created to provide a supportive ecosystem where women can learn from one another, raise their profiles and inspire the next generation. By aligning the worlds of business and women's football, The City Collective seeks to amplify female success stories, challenge outdated perceptions and demonstrate what can be achieved when women are given the platform to be seen and heard.
To mark our first anniversary, we're shining a spotlight on some of the remarkable women who have helped shape the collective and what has been achieved this year.
Lyndsey Roberts - Strong Like a Mutha
A founding member of The City Collective, Lyndsey Roberts, is a strength and conditioning coach and a passionate advocate for making sport and fitness more accessible and supportive for women.
After her professional dance career ended in 2016, Lyndsey launched Strong Like a Mutha. Having experienced a lack of support during pregnancy and following a challenging birth, she searched for a space where women could feel supported both as athletes and mothers.
When she couldn't find one, she created a space herself.
Although Lyndsey was aware of Glasgow City before joining The City Collective, it wasn't until she was introduced to the club that she discovered the full story behind Scotland's most successful women's football club.
"I feel very aligned with Glasgow City's values from a business perspective and a personal one," she said. "I wish they had existed when I was a kid, desperate to become a footballer."
A highlight of Lyndsey's first year in the collective was being involved in the record-breaking 2025/26 kit launch shoot. While stepping in front of the camera herself, she also helped create a positive atmosphere on set, making those around her feel comfortable, confident and supported:
"This was such a brilliant day for me! I felt so welcomed, included and celebrated for who I am. I loved meeting the players and being silly with them. One of the things I love about City is how much heart and personality it has as a club, and I loved being part of that for a day."
Community sits at the heart of both Glasgow City and Lyndsey: "The collective is only just getting started, but already it's brought together some incredible women who are making waves as business owners, leaders and contributors to making sport better for women."
Lisa Lawson - Dear Green Coffee Roasters
Lisa Lawson, founder of Dear Green Coffee Roasters and Glasgow Coffee Festival, is one of the three founding members of The City Collective.
Lisa had never been involved in the world of football until she discovered Glasgow City through The Side Line Podcast and was immediately struck by what the club represents: "I was wildly impressed by everything Glasgow City stands for - the founding story, the passion, the talent and the genuine commitment to the game, the industry and the future of women's football."
Like Lyndsey, Lisa was involved in the club's 2025/26 kit launch alongside players and fellow collective members. Over the past year she has also attended matches, award dinners and supported campaigns including Glasgow City's partnership with Butternut Box. However, when reflecting on her experience, one aspect stood above all else:
"The wonderfully strong women who lift one another up every single day."
Speaking about the importance of community, Lisa said:
"Glasgow City FC exemplifies excellence in this field as much as they do on the pitch, and The City Collective serves to extend this feeling of connection, place and belonging even further."
Angelina Fairgrieve - The Travel Company Edinburgh
As General Manager of The Travel Company Edinburgh, Angelina Fairgrieve is no stranger to Glasgow City.
A founding member of The City Collective, Angelina works closely with the club through travel operations, helping to coordinate and deliver logistical support across the season.
Her longstanding relationship with the club has allowed her to witness first-hand the impact Glasgow City has within the local community:
"From everything I see, Glasgow City FC has a fully inclusive attitude to ensure the local community is involved in what they do and encouraged to come along and support the team."
Reflecting on The City Collective, she described it as: "A fantastic organisation of like-minded business women, supporting other women and having a huge amount of fun along the way."
Audrey Brown - VSN Sport & White Label Sourcing
Audrey Brown, Operations Manager at White Label Sourcing and VSN Sport, first connected with Glasgow City through a mutual friend.
After attending a midweek match as a VIP guest, she quickly discovered a shared passion for improving opportunities for girls and women in sport.
Within her own business, Audrey had been working to ensure female athletes were no longer treated as an afterthought. Rather than simply scaling down men's products, VSN Sport focused on creating performance wear specifically designed to help female athletes perform and feel their best.
That shared commitment to raising standards in women's sport led to a strong relationship with the club.
Following the donation of training bibs to the Glasgow City Academy, Audrey was invited to join The City Collective and has embraced every opportunity since.
VSN Sport and White Label Sourcing have provided flag bearers for the club's last five home matches, giving more than 100 young girls the chance to experience matchday at Petershill Park and see first-hand where their football journey could take them.
Reflecting on her experience within the collective, Audrey said:
"It can sometimes be difficult to be heard in a male-dominated sports environment, so it's nice to have a team to fall back on and lift you up. Everyone has been so open and friendly. The Collective has been great because there's such a diverse group of women involved and it's so interesting to hear their perspectives from a female business point of view."
Nonna Said Pizzeria
Nonna Said has played a key role in bringing Glasgow City FC and Watching Women Win to new audiences across Glasgow. For two months, club branding featured on takeaway pizza boxes, taking the message of women's football into homes across Glasgow and extending the reach of the campaign far beyond matchdays.
The partnership also included bespoke pizzas created for a special hospitality event and the hosting of watch parties during our UEFA Women's Champions League campaign, creating opportunities for supporters and the wider community to come together and follow the team's European journey.
A creative collaboration that combined football, food and community, helping grow the visibility of both the club and the wider women's game.
Think Alt
A special thanks to Think ALT, who have partnered with us to demonstrate how football can be done differently. From our thought leadership series, Notes From The Inside, to our Watching Women Win t-shirt and support for The City Collective, they have played an important role in helping us connect football, business and culture in meaningful ways.
One year on from its launch, The City Collective continues to grow as a powerful network of women supporting women.
From fitness and coffee to travel and sport, our members bring a diverse range of experiences, expertise and perspectives. What unites them is a shared belief in creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and helping the next generation of women and girls thrive.
If you're a woman building a business with a mission want to grow alongside one of the most ambitious clubs in women's football, we'd love to hear from you.