Stirling Albion is among those paying tribute to the woman known as the ‘First Lady of Football’ following her death last week.
Ina Shaw MBE was best known as being a youth football organiser, Cubs and Scout leader and a favourite of Albion players past and present, touching the lives of hundreds of locals for decades.
But she was also known for her friendliness and happy demeanour.
This week a spokesperson said: “The club is saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs Ina Shaw MBE.
“What can you say about such a wonderful woman, who brightened up the life of everyone she met?
“Mrs Shaw, in addition to supporting the Albion, was well known for her works with the Cubs and Scouts and the local boys team Beechwood All Whites.
“In addition to receiving an MBE for her volunteer work, a book celebrating her life was published in 2019, featuring her memories of helping youngsters achieve their ambitions.
“Ina celebrated her 90th birthday at Forthbank in 2019, with messages of best wishes from far and wide, including Albion players past and present.
“She was a wonderful human being who will be sadly missed by the club, its fans and everyone who had the pleasure to meet her.”
Former club captain Ross Forsyth said: “She was always positive, had a smile on her face and took a personal interest in you and your family.”
Among the many who took to social media to pay tribute was John Smyth, who said: “I knew her through local Scout groups. She was a kind, friendly woman. I don’t think I ever heard her raise her voice in anger – a special woman for hundreds of people in the Stirling area.”
Known to all as just “Mrs Shaw”, in 2019 she compiled the booklet – ‘“Mrs” Shaw – A Journey with the First Lady of Football’, outlining her life and times, helped by friend Tricia Chillas. It featured photos and memories involving many of her Scouting and footballing acquaintances.
The book raised £800 towards the Guide Hut New Roof Refurbishment.
Marking her 90th birthday at that time, another former Albion skipper, Andy Graham, said: “When I came to Stirling I had never been part of a professional football club and Mrs Shaw was one of the first people to make me feel welcome.
“Every Saturday she would take time to have a chat with me. She would always have words of encouragement when needed.
“I also really appreciated her taking the time to write to me when I went full-time and also when I won promotion with Ayr and Alloa. It’s that kindness and thinking of others that stands Mrs Shaw apart from the rest.”
She collected the MBE from the Queen in 2007 for her work as Stirling Albion’s youth football organiser,
When she received her MBE, she said: “I wouldn’t have got one [MBE] if I hadn’t had as much help in the Cubs, at Beechwood All Whites and at Stirling Albion and I would like to thank them all.”
