In this podcast celebrating 850 years of Glasgow, we dive into the future of Scottish football - both men’s and women’s games.

Host Paul Cooney chats with three seasoned professionals:

Billy Stark: Aberdeen & Celtic Hero & Former Scotland U21 Coach

Sarah Crilly Head of Academy at Glasgow City

Richard Foster: Youth coach at Motherwell FC

They explore how to develop young talent, the challenges of modern academies, and what Scotland needs to do to reclaim its footballing identity.

Key Highlights

Billy Stark on breaking into St Mirren under Sir Alex Ferguson and the “good old days” of street football.

Sarah Crilly’s journey from Milton Rovers to Champions League debut with Glasgow City - and why her dad was her biggest influence.

Richard Foster recalls his path from Elgin to Aberdeen to Rangers and the sacrifices of youth football.

Are we producing enough players today?

Billy Stark explains why pathways to first teams have narrowed.

Richard on the missing “middle band” of players and why reserve leagues matter.

Career pinnacles:

Billy’s Old Firm goal, Sarah’s Scotland debut (with borrowed boots!), and Richard’s chaotic cup replay at Celtic Park.

The nerves of big games - jelly legs, compartment syndrome, and coping under pressure.

Club-led youth models

Are academy criteria helping or hurting player development?

No Ball Games: The infamous signs and the loss of street football - how culture has shifted for kids.

The future:

What Scotland needs to do - technical improvement, better pathways, and embracing our identity.

Richard’s blueprint for change:

B-teams, less rigid structures, and promoting Scottish talent.

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Find out more about the Glasgow 850 celebrations: https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/Glasgow850

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