TWO women who have transformed women’s football in Scotland have been honoured.
Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne-Stewart, co-founders of Glasgow City Football Club, have been awarded the University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the sport.
Both women were recognised not only for their impact on the pitch, but also for their work in promoting gender equality and social inclusion through football.
Montgomery, co-founder and CEO of Glasgow City FC, said: "Receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland is an incredible honour.
"To have our work recognised in this way is very humbling as it acknowledges not just what we've achieved on the pitch, but the wider impact women's football can have in creating opportunities, challenging barriers and changing lives.
"It also reflects the dedication, passion and hard work of every player, staff member and supporter who has been part of our club's journey over these last 28 years."
Stewart, co-founder and commercial executive at Glasgow City FC, said: "I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from UWS.
"Glasgow City FC began with a very simple idea, and was built from a great deal of belief, hard work, and passion to empower women’s football.
"I feel privileged to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has been part of this amazing journey."
Founded in 1998, Glasgow City FC was established at a time when women’s football in Scotland was significantly under-funded and under-recognised.
Despite limited resources and no existing blueprint, Montgomery and Stewart developed the country’s first independent women’s football club.
The club has gone on to become the most successful in Scottish women’s football history, winning 16 Scottish Women’s Premier League titles, setting a new standard of excellence in the sport.
They have also reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice and last season became the first British side to compete and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Cup.
Off the pitch, Glasgow City FC’s academy and community programmes have created pathways for young women to play football, compete at a high level, and develop leadership skills.
Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, praised the pair’s achievements and influence.
He said: "As one of the highlights of the University calendar, graduation is a special opportunity to honour the commitment, perseverance and accomplishments of our students.
"We are delighted to present our first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate to Laura and Cas in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Scottish football and the women's game.
"Through their visionary, values-led leadership at Glasgow City FC, they have helped shape the club's long-term success while advancing gender equality, inclusion and opportunity.
"Their lasting legacy of courage, innovation and social impact reflects the values and mission of UWS."
The honours also highlight UWS’s commitment to women’s sport, particularly through its research, industry partnerships, and academic programmes in football.
Their work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Montgomery and Stewart continue to lead Glasgow City FC, driving the professionalisation of the women’s game and advocating for improved infrastructure, investment, and visibility for female athletes.
The honour recognises their decades of dedication and the transformative impact they have had not just in Scotland, but across European football.
