Latest news with #ErinCuthbert
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Best I've seen Scotland play in five years'
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 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 A great performance from the Scottish Women. Well deserved. We move Definitely an improvement, great second C: What a fantastic battling performance. So much 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 The best I've seen from this team in years, that took the game forward instead of sitting back and Much better game, especially second half! Great to 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 Let's give credit when it's due. Erin Cuthbert was 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 Lots more energy and promise under the new coach, hopefully a start of a good new era in Scottish 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.
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Erin Cuthbert teams up with Specsavers to launch Best Worst Pitch campaign to help grassroots clubs
The Scotland star is bidding to help with the new campaign. Irvine footballer Erin Cuthbert has teamed up with Scotland team-mate Kirsty Smith in a new partnership with Specsavers. The initiative, called Best Worst Pitch, aims to provide 50 teams who are most in need of a helping hand with things like professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner. The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men's and women's game. Erin, who is coming off a sixth successive Women's Super League title with Chelsea, said: 'I called my papa 'Net Man'. He's no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out. 'It's little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It's absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.' Scotland team-mate Kirsty, who plays club football for West Ham United, added: 'Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It's important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running. 'I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn't hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are. 'This is a campaign I'm really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.' In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs, aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches.
Scotsman
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Specsavers partner with Scotland internationals Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch Best Worst Pitch Campaign
The new initiative aims to breathe new life into underfunded grassroots football pitches across the country. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Specsavers has partnered with Scottish international stars, Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative. Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide 50 teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play. Erin Cuthbert is backing the search for Scotland's Best Worst Pitch Kirsty Smith said: 'Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It's important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running. 'I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn't hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are. 'This is a campaign I'm really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport. With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community. It's a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its' sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner. The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men's and women's game. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Erin Cuthbert added: 'I called my papa 'Net Man'. He's no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out. 'It's little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It's absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.' Specsavers have also documented the difficulties of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign, highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand's long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community. Speaking about the struggles of pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's a real slog sometimes. Every week, rain or shine, I'm out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked. 'The equipment we've got is ancient - it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. 'On dark evenings or when the wind's howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club, it means everything to the community.' In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs, aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come. Kim Bull, Specsavers' PR and Social Lead, said: 'Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we've noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running. 'People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about. 'This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley. By making faded lines more visible, we're helping players to see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club's football pitch, apply online
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Watch: Glasgow v Rangers in Women's Scottish Cup final, plus radio & text coverage
Update: Date: 13:43 BST Title: Big day for Little Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) One Scotland legend has already been celebrating this weekend. Former Scotland midfielder Kim Little captained Arsenal to their Champions League final victory over Barcelona. Who will be the hero at Hampden? Update: Date: 13:40 BST Title: Rangers unbeaten in cups since 2023 Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Having won the SWPL for the first time in 2022, Rangers have missed out on the final day two seasons running, but they have become the dominant force in cup competitions. They have won the League Cup three seasons in a row and are in their third Scottish Cup final in a row and seeking to hold on to the trophy they held aloft for the first time last season after being Hearts 2-0. Indeed, they have not lost a domestic knock-out game since the Scottish Cup final defeat by Celtic in 2023 and hammered eventual league champions Hibs 5-0 in this season's SWPL Cup final. Rangers lifted the Scottish Cup for the first time almost exactly a year ago Update: Date: 13:35 BST Title: Wee Erin! Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Talking of Julie Fleeting, Erin Cuthbert and Gemma Fay, here's the current Chelsea and Scotland midfielder as a Scotland mascot flanked by her international heroes back in 2007. Update: Date: 13:30 BST Title: Watch and listen on BBC Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Live coverage of the Women's Scottish Cup final is starting on both BBC One Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland. On telly, Scotland midfielder Erin Cuthbert and former internationals Julie Fleeting and Gemma Fay join host Jane Lewis and match commentator Alasdair Lamont. On the tranny, former Glasgow City and Celtic defender Emma Black, former Motherwell centre-half Stephen Craigan join host Amy Canavan and commentator Paul Mitchell. Press the buttons at the top of the page to watch and listen. Update: Date: 13:26 BST Title: City holding own Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Considering they won it nine times between 2004 and 2019, City have been suffering a Scottish Cup drought. Since then, Celtic, Heart of Midlothian, Hibs and Rangers have all formed professional squads, but winning their 16th league title in 2023 and finishing second this term suggests self-financed City are determined not to be pushed into the shade by teams subsidised by established men's outfits. A 10th Scottish Cup triumph would underline that fact. Update: Date: 13:22 BST Title: Double swap for Rangers; City unchanged Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Rangers head coach Jo Potter makes two changes to the side that fell short of claiming the SWPL title against Hibs. Defender Kathryn Hill and winger Brogan Hay come into the starting XI, replacing the benched duo of defender Laura Rafferty and striker Rio Hardy. City head coach Leanne Ross sticks with the starting line-up for their final SWPL win over Hearts. Rangers' Brogan Hay, Mia McAulay, Jodi McLeary, and Kirsty MacLean take in the venue pre-match Update: Date: 13:18 BST Title: End of era for Scotland trio Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Today marks the end of an era for three club legends. At the age of 35, Rangers striker Jane Ross, who amassed 147 Scotland caps, is calling time on a career that has taken her from today's opponents to Vittsjo, Manchester City, West Ham United, Manchester United and now Ibrox. While Ross starts on the bench, her 51-cap international team-mate Fiona Brown unfortunately misses out on a final outing for City. At only 30, the forward who is in her second spell with Glasgow and also played for Celtic, Eskilstuna United and Rosengard, is hanging up her boots having struggled after a fourth ACL injury. It might also be a last game for 39-year-old City captain Jo Love, the midfielder who is leaving the club this summer and will consider after today's final whether to continue a playing career that amassed 191 Scotland caps during spells with Kilmarnock, Cocoa Expos, Doncaster Belles, Celtic and now Glasgow. Love also stars on the bench. Jane Ross is one of those retiring after today's game Update: Date: 13:14 BST Title: LINE-UPS from Hampden Park Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Glasgow City: Gibson, Muir, Lauder, Walsh, Lovera, Wrobel, Gambone, Smit, Kozlova, Maatta, Van Diemen. Substitutes: Easdon, Warrington, Love, Lokwood, Whelan, Evans, Motlhalo, Forrest. Rangers: Fife, Docherty, Hill, Middag, Hay, Howat, McAulay, Cornet, MacLean, McLeary, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Esson, Eddie, Rafferty, Hardy, Ross, Arnot, Lafaix. Update: Date: 13:12 BST Title: Post Content: Let's get to the all-important team news... Update: Date: 13:09 BST Title: Consolation Cup? Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) My colleague, David Currie, described it as the Consolation Cup. City and Rangers both had high hopes of being crowned league champions going into the final week of the Scottish Women's Premier League. Instead, Hibernian surprised many with their first title in 18 years after beating Rangers on the final day. City at least found some immediate solace in leapfrogging Rangers to clinch the second Champions League spot. Will they now also deny the Ibrox outfit a second Women's Scottish Cup and League Cup double in successive seasons? Update: Date: 13:04 BST Title: Will sun shine on City or Rangers? Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) Like yesterday's men's final, the four-seasons-in-one-day Scottish weather is being its unpredictable self again. We've had pouring rain, raging winds and lovely sunshine already in Glasgow. Rangers captain Nicola Docherty has already faced the elements at Hampden Update: Date: 13:00 BST Title: Welcome to Hampden, Part 2 Content: Glasgow City v Rangers (14:00) After the drama of yesterday's men's Scottish Cup final, it is the turn of Glasgow City and Rangers in the women's version. Aberdeen caused a bit of a shock by beating holders and league champions Celtic on penalties at Hampden. There are no strong favourites this time as nine-time winners City and holders Rangers renew their rivalry at the same venue today. Stay with us for the build-up, live action and post-match reaction on TV, radio and online for what should be a tense, close climax to the season.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chelsea win FA Cup to complete treble as Man United's Ella Toone decision backfires
As Erin Cuthbert walked around the sides of the Wembley pitch, passing in front of the Chelsea fans in the east stand, there was finally time to breathe. Cuthbert raised her arms and the Chelsea supporters behind Phallon Tullis-Joyce's goal responded as if in perfect synergy. In some ways, they are, given how accustomed everyone at Chelsea has become to winning, and winning like this. In Sonia Bompastor's first season, they continued where Emma Hayes left off, while creating more history. Three goals without reply completed the unbeaten domestic treble, with the Women's FA Cup reclaimed to add to another Women's Super League title and the League Cup, all won without defeat. 'Everyone thinks it's easy, but so much hard work goes into it,' Cuthbert said moments after full-time on the Wembley pitch. Easy was how it looked, after Catarino Macario doubled Chelsea's lead with a thumping late header and Sandy Baltimore wrapped it up with her second in stoppage time. With 74,412 at Wembley, the biggest match of the season went the same way as the rest of the campaign. Chelsea were victorious, and inevitably so. Their dominance in the Women's Super League rendered this a largely forgettable season. That is not their fault, but this wasn't a great FA Cup final either, as that would require two teams who truly believed they could win it at kick-off. At which point, we should talk about the opposition, although that may be a generous way to describe Manchester United. Yes, Chelsea may be on another level to everyone else in England, threatening to go to another planet following the financial investment of Alexis Ohanian and with Serena Williams bringing stardust to the stands, but Marc Skinner's decision to drop Ella Toone was an act of self-sabotage that not only weakened United's chances of pulling off the upset but also set the tone for an entire afternoon. A bit like Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United did not turn up. United finished two places and 16 points behind Chelsea in the table. Before today, they had beaten them just once in 15 meetings, losing 13. Skinner attempted to rouse his squad by speaking of United as 'rebels', suggesting that while United can not match Chelsea's resources, their depth of squad, or their history of success, that they could disrupt it at Wembley. So what was Skinner's plan? The underdogs' plucky idea that would take down Chelsea's Death Star? Well, it was dropping Toone, Manchester United's players' player of the season for the second year running and the ultimate big-game performer, to the bench, and waiting until half time before bringing her on. By that point, United were 1-0 down, trailing to Baltimore's penalty late in the half after Celin Bizet tripped Cuthbert in the box. United, to be fair, had started fairly well, squeezing Chelsea with their high-press, and were close to taking the lead when Toone's replacement in midfield, Dominique Janssen, blazed a rising shot just over the bar from the edge of the box. Apart from that, it was hard to escape the idea that all United wanted to do was stop Chelsea from playing, to break up their momentum, and to hang on until Skinner could play his hand and summon Toone from the bench, in theory triggering an injection of energy and drive. With Janssen in midfield, United were physically bigger, but they sorely lacked Toone and her impact. Chelsea figured United out and then started to play around them. Bompastor's side had been the better team up to when Bizet dangled her left leg in the box and caught Cuthbert near her hip. Aggie Beever-Jones, the best player of the pitch, figured she could drift where she wanted and was dangerous on the turn. Cuthbert started to win her battles in midfield, keeping Chelsea on the front foot. Mayra Ramirez brought it together at the point of attack, with one run past Maya Le Tissier almost leading to a tap-in for Lucy Bronze, who was denied by Leah Galton. Galton seemed to spend as much time at left-back than left-wing, such was the extent of her defensive tracking. United also required the saves of the excellent Tullis-Joyce to keep them in it, until Baltimore stepped up to the penalty spot and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Chelsea the lead in the final. Having won both games against Manchester United 1-0 this season, it looked to be a good omen. Toone began her warm-up immediately on the half-time whistle. She had impacted big games before, scoring in the Euro 2022 final, but United needed their player of the year from the start, to produce a moment like her opener in last year's 4-0 win over Tottenham. When she arrived, it felt as if any belief United held had dissipated. There was one chance, but Toone shot straight at Hannah Hampton. It came down to Chelsea to finish it for themselves, as Macario brought the impact from the bench. The United States international replaced Ramirez and was then clinical as she headed in Baltimore's free-kick. Baltimore made sure of it. For Chelsea, it was job done. The odds were against United, but their 'rebels' were anything but.
