Our Story
THE GLASGOW CITY STORY
WOMEN'S FOOTBALL IS BANNED IN SCOTLAND
1921-74
Despite the success of women's football in the early part of the 20th century, it is deemed 'not fit for females' and the game is banned in the UK.
In Scotland, that ban would last for more than fifty years, before finally being lifted by the football governing body, the Scottish FA, in 1974.
Notably this decision came three years after the organisation was the only one across Europe's football governing bodies to oppose a UEFA proposal to fully incorporate the women's game.
the founders are born
1966 & 1975
Despite the ban, demand from girls and women to play the game continues to grow.
During this time, Carol-Anne Stewart (Cas) and Laura Montgomery are born.
They didn't know it yet, but their impact would revolutionise the game for females of all ages.
GLASGOW CITY ARE FORMED
1998
With no opportunity to play the game they loved as kids, Laura and Cas first get to experience playing organised football as adults. Although delighted to be able to play, the lack of equality and opportunities for women and girls weighs heavy on them and they want things to be better, much better. To make this difference, they decide to form Glasgow City FC.
Their dream is ambitious - to create Scotland’s most successful women's football team.
overcoming challenges
1998-2002
The early years were challenging for the club with very little interest in the women's game. Matches would be shifted last minute to protect pitch surfaces for men's football, players needed to pay to help the club meet its expenses and kit was made only for men, meaning it was always too long and too big.
Despite this, the power of Laura and Cas's vision and hard work to change how things had always been, meant the club started to find success.
FOUNDER MEMBERS
2002
The Scottish Women's Premier League is formed with Glasgow City one of the twelve founding members.
The new competition's aim; to increase the professionalism of the women's game in Scotland.
the talent factory
2007
As the club's success continued, an increasing number of players joined the revolution. Globally recognised stars of today such as Erin Cuthbert, Denise O'Sullivan, Rachel Corsie and Katie McCabe all cut their teeth in orange and black.
AN ERA OF DOMINATION BEGINS
2007
Between the start of the 2007 season and the end of the 2015 campaign, Glasgow City would claim nine league titles, five Scottish Cups and five SWPL Cups in the process.
UWCL QUARTER-FINALISTS
2015
After victories over Medyk Konin and FC Zurich, Glasgow City became the first Scottish side to reach the UWCL quarter-finals eventually losing to French giants PSG. A feat that would be repeated in season 2019/2020 when a dramatic penalty shoot out win over Danish Champions Brøndby would take City to the UWCL quarter-finals once more.
GENERATIONAL ROOTS
2015
Whilst first team success has helped push new boundaries, in 2015 the club charity, Glasgow City Foundation was formed. It sets out to champion women and girls by leveraging the power of football to promote physical and mental well-being, active citizenship and inclusion. It also provides a home to the Glasgow City Academy, the next generation and those playing for the love of the game.
TEN-IN-A-ROW
2016
Glasgow City claim a tenth consecutive SWPL title with Scott Booth following in the footsteps of Peter Caulfield and Eddie Wolecki Black as a SWPL championship winning coach. A landmark unmatched in Scotland.
THE SEARCH FOR A HOME
2017
Despite the club's success, the search for a permanent place to call home has been a long and frustrating one.
Having began at Glasgow Green, spells in Springburn, Airdrie and Cumbernauld followed, before a return to Petershill Park in 2017, where the club have remained ever since.
The ultimate aim remains a home to call our own.
TRIUMPH AND HEARTBREAK
2019
2019 began in sadness with the death of club legend and one of its all-time greats, Kat Lindner. City's season was delayed to allow for a period of collective mourning.
In her honour, the club completed a domestic double including a first Scottish Cup triumph in four years thanks to Clare Shine's injury time winner. They also defeat Brondby on penalties to once again reach the quarter finals of the UWCL.
THE PROFESSIONAL ERA AND NEW CHALLENGERS EMERGE
2022
As the growth of the women's game across the globe gathered pace, new challenges would emerge as sides with male affiliates started to further increase their investment into the game.
Rangers and Celtic would share the honours leaving City without a trophy for the first time in 15 years.
91:28 - the champions return
2023
After a trophyless season, a 16th SWPL title was secured in the most dramatic of fashion as Lauren Davidson's injury time winner at Ibrox secured the title in the final breath of the season.
The time 91:28 etched into Scottish football history forever.
THE ORIGINAL TRAILBLAZERS
PRESENT DAY
Today, Glasgow City continue to be the original trailblazers.
The first Scottish women's side in EAFC.
Leanne Ross, the first female head coach to win the SWPL title.
The club is home to 150+ Academy players now able to dream of becoming professional footballers.
A city for everyone, the club now blends Scottish talent with international stars still striving for a more equal world for everyone.