Players, coaches and teams from St Mirren, Renfrew and Bishopton have been shortlisted for the 2026 ScottishPower Scottish Women’s Football Awards.
St Mirren’s Emma Russell is shortlisted for Barclays League One Player of the Year, while manager Kate Cooper and Renfrew Ladies’ Alexander Connor are nominated for Barclays Championship and League One Coach of the Year.
Bishopton’s Lucy Marshall is up for SWFL Player of the Year and Steven King for SWFL Coach of the Year. Nicole Haggerty, now at Bishopton, is nominated for Barclays Championship Player of the Year following her season with Renfrew Ladies. Renfrew 16s are shortlisted for Youth Team of the Year.
Emma Russell told Renfrewshire News: “I’m absolutely delighted to be nominated for League One Player of the Year. It’s a real honour to be recognised, and I love being part of this league, competing week in, week out alongside some excellent players.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance of my coaches, especially Barry, my goalkeeping coach, who continues to help me develop and improve.
“I’m also proud to represent goalkeepers everywhere. We know how important that role is to a team, and it’s fantastic to see goalkeepers being recognised for the difference they make every single game. This nomination means a great deal to me.”
Kate Cooper said: “I’m absolutely delighted and honoured to be nominated for SWF Championship & League Coach of the Season. Women’s football means so much to me, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for girls and women to develop, compete and reach their full potential.
“For me, coaching has never been just about results. It’s about building a team with strong values, developing players both on and off the pitch, and creating an environment where everyone understands the importance of commitment, resilience and playing for each other and the badge.”
She added: “Women’s football continues to grow, what’s amazing is to be nominated alongside the coaches and players from Renfrew and Bishopton.
“Ultimately, football is a team effort, and I’m grateful to be recognised for something I care so deeply about.”
The winners will be announced at Barclays Hampden Park on 28th November.
Bishopton Ladies Football Club welcomed its nominations following a season in which the team won its league, cup and promotion play-off.
The club said: “We’re delighted to share that Lucy Marshall has been shortlisted for SWFL Player Of The Year and Steven King has been also for SWFL Coach Of The Year – each in recognition of our League, Cup and Promotion Play Off winning season last year.
“Nicole Haggerty has also been nominated for SWF Championship Player Of The Year having herself had a tremendous season playing for Renfrew Ladies last year.
“All three would be more than worthy winners and the club wish them every success at the event at Hampden on Sat 28th November.”
Renfrew Ladies and Girls FC congratulated Connor, former player Haggerty and its under-16 side.
The club said: “A massive well done to a trio of nominees who have been nominated for awards which will take place at the annual awards night at Hampden on November 28th.”
Russell is shortlisted alongside Dunipace’s Claire Hutton, Cambusdoon’s Sarah Tait and Elgin City’s Carly Sewell.
Cooper and Connor are nominated alongside Elgin City’s Lee Stewart and Falkirk’s Craig Tully.
Haggerty’s fellow nominees are Bonnyrigg Rose’s Khya McGurk, Falkirk’s Anna Murray and Stenhousemuir’s Kyla Thomson.
Marshall is shortlisted with Huntly’s Leah Mearns, Giffnock’s Lucy Miller and Stewarton Annick’s Keira Watson. King is nominated alongside Huntly’s Raymond Henderson and Giffnock SC’s Reece Walsh.
Renfrew 16s are shortlisted alongside Bonnyrigg Rose 16s Manson YPL, Forfar Farmington 14s and Glasgow Girls YPL 18s.
East Renfrewshire is also represented by Giffnock SC’s nomination for Women’s Walking Football Team of the Year, alongside Jeanfield Swifts, Midlothian Ladies and Oriam Ladies.
The new award recognises a club that demonstrates the welcoming and inclusive ethos of walking football on and off the pitch.
An all-women panel of judges will decide the winners. The awards recognise achievements across women’s football, from international players to grassroots volunteers.
Scottish Women’s Football CEO Aileen Campbell said: “Our awards are a fantastic way to shine a spotlight on the many stories of dedication, bravery and sporting success. As always, it’s very exciting to reveal the shortlist which again highlights that those stories are taking place all across Scotland.
“Our Principal Partner ScottishPower deserves enormous credit for backing the awards again, as do our media partner the Sunday Post for providing the coverage these women deserve. I can’t wait to celebrate all those shortlisted at Hampden next month.”
Tickets are available through Scottish Women’s Football on Fanbase.
Photo: St Mirren Women manager Kate Cooper and goalkeeper Emma Russell, who have both been shortlisted for Scottish Women’s Football Awards.
Photo Credit: St Mirren Ladies
Photo: Bishopton’s Steven King, Nicole Haggerty and Lucy Marshall, who are shortlisted for coach and player awards.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Photo: Renfrew’s Alexander Connor
Photo Credit: Renfrew FC
Photo: Renfrew Girls under-16s, who are shortlisted for Youth Team of the Year.
Photo Credit: Renfrew FC