A Level Playing Field

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
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  • FOOTBALL

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe. 

Episodes

  1. 20H AGO

    Cara Henderson: Resilience on and off the pitch I A Level Playing Field I Episode 10

    This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Cara Henderson to hear her inspiring journey back from an ACL injury. Cara opens up about the mental toll of long-term injury, navigating two managerial changes, and her thoughts on the league’s recent cash crisis.  We also discuss her evolving pathway into media work and get her take on this weekend’s thrilling final round of fixtures before the split.  A must-listen for anyone fascinated by resilience, women’s football, and the stories behind the game. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    34 min

  2. FEB 12

    Maria McAneny: Celtic academy graduate to Scotland heroics I A Level Playing Field I Episode 9

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Celtic and Scotland midfielder Maria McAneny sits down for an in-depth conversation about her journey through the game - from academy prospect to one of the most exciting young talents in the SWPL. Maria reflects on coming through Celtic’s academy system and what it takes to make the transition from youth football into the senior environment.  She opens up about her pivotal loan spell at Hearts at just 17, the responsibility that came with stepping into first-team football so young, and how that experience accelerated her development both on and off the pitch. We revisit some of the standout moments that have defined her rise so far - scoring from the halfway line against Hibs, finding the net at Celtic Park, and the unforgettable feeling of scoring on her Scotland debut. She shares what it meant to pull on the national team shirt, to line up alongside established stars like Caroline Weir, and to test herself against world-class opposition including Lucy Bronze. Beyond the highlights, Maria also talks about the influence of family — including her dad’s lifelong Celtic devotion (and his wish to name the family dog Larsson and how that grounding has shaped her mentality. With Celtic firmly in the title conversation this season, she discusses the squad’s ambitions, belief within the dressing room, and what it will take to turn potential into silverware. Honest, thoughtful and driven, this is a conversation that explores the mindset behind the moments and the hunger still pushing her forward. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    23 min

  3. FEB 3

    Robert Watson: Are financial fears putting the SWPL at risk? I A Level Playing Field I Episode 8

    A major talking point has rocked the SWPL this week, with reports of a potential financial crisis raising serious questions about the league’s future. In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson joins us to give his honest reaction to the story broken by Stephen McGowan.  From the pressures facing clubs behind the scenes to what this could mean for players, staff, and the long-term health of the women’s game in Scotland, we dig into what happens next and why this moment matters. This is a candid, necessary conversation about sustainability, leadership, and the direction of the SWPL at a critical time. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    36 min

  4. JAN 19

    Lauren Davidson: 92nd-Minute Title Winner, Scotland World Cup Hopes & Life at SK Brann I A Level Playing Field I Episode 7

    In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Davidson for a brilliant chat covering the biggest moments of her career so far — and what’s still to come. Lauren takes us back to that unforgettable 92nd-minute goal at Ibrox on the final day, the strike that helped Glasgow City clinch the league title, and why it’s a moment that still follows her everywhere… even on holiday.  We also dive into her move to SK Brann, life in Norway, and how she’s adapting to a new league, new culture, and a fresh challenge abroad. Plus, Lauren opens up on her ambitions with Scotland, what it would mean to be part of a World Cup campaign, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to stay ready for international football. A must-listen for Scottish women’s football fans — packed with laughs, honesty, and a proper insight into one of the game’s most exciting players. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    21 min

  5. JAN 12

    Rachael Boyle: Hibs Exit Shock, Ibrox Title Party and Returning After Kids I A Level Playing Field I Episode 6

    Filmed on location at the Hibernian Training Centre, this episode of A Level Playing Field features Hibs ace Rachael Boyle as our special guest. Rachael reflects on the shock of Grant Scott leaving Hibs for Celtic during the winter break, and she looks back on last season’s memorable title celebrations at Ibrox.  She also discusses the appointment of Joelle Murray as manager and what the change has meant for the squad. The conversation goes beyond the pitch too, as Rachael opens up about balancing part-time work alongside playing, wishing her own career was only just beginning, and the pride she feels watching her daughter start her own football journey.  There’s also discussion on Scotland women's national team's World Cup hopes and Hibs’ partnership with Nuby UK, highlighting the wider impact of the women’s game on and off the field. An honest, insightful episode with one of Scottish football’s most respected figures. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    25 min

  6. 12/30/2025

    Hugh MacDonald: Allyship, History and Heroes of the Women’s Game: A Level Playing Field I Episode 5

    Episode 5 of the A Level Playing Field Podcast features a special conversation with journalism legend Hugh McDonald, who joins Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith to reflect on a lifetime spent covering football — and the long, often difficult journey of the women’s game. Drawing on his experiences during a period when women’s football was officially banned, Hugh offers rare insight into what it meant to report on the sport at a time when it was largely ignored, dismissed, or actively discouraged. He speaks candidly about how women’s football was talked about in newsrooms, the language that was used, and the cultural barriers that shaped coverage for decades. As the conversation unfolds, Hugh charts the changes he has witnessed first-hand: from silence and marginalisation to growing visibility, respect, and legitimacy in mainstream sports reporting.  He reflects on his own role as an ally of the women’s game, the responsibility journalists carry in shaping public perception, and why fair, informed coverage has always mattered — even when the sport itself was pushed to the margins. The episode also pays tribute to the players of the past who earned Hugh’s admiration long before wider recognition followed, acknowledging their talent, resilience, and influence despite the lack of platform or support.  Bringing the discussion firmly into the present, Hugh shares a touching personal story about his granddaughter and how a new generation of fans are growing up with women footballers as genuine heroes — including her admiration for Caroline Weir. It’s a conversation that connects history, progress, and hope, highlighting just how far the game has come — and why the stories behind it still matter. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    33 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    Caroline Weir: Walking the Ballon d’Or Red Carpet: A Level Playing Field I Episode 4

    On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith discuss an interview with Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir.  Caroline takes us inside her unforgettable Ballon d’Or experience, sharing what it was really like to be nominated among the world’s best and the surreal feeling of returning home to Dunfermline, where seeing her mural made her feel like a 15-year-old kid again. She also looks ahead to Scotland’s upcoming men’s clash with Brazil in Miami, explaining why she’s making the trip and what it means to see Scottish football on the global stage. The conversation turns to the Scotland women’s World Cup qualification campaign, with Caroline discussing her hopes and belief as the journey begins in March. Elsewhere, Caroline opens up about awaiting the decision on the Scotland captaincy, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her passion beyond the pitch with her new venture, Sported, aimed at supporting young people through sport. An honest, inspiring episode with one of Scotland’s biggest footballing talents — on ambition, home, and what comes next. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    36 min

  8. 12/10/2025

    Gary Holt Pulls No Punches: The Truth About Life at Thistle: A Level Playing Field I Episode 3

    In this episode, Cheryl and Alison sit down with Partick Thistle boss Gary Holt for an honest, energetic and wide-ranging conversation.  From leadership and expectations to the realities of managing in the modern game, Holt brings sharp insight and straight-talking perspective to the table. They dive into: ⚽ His vision for Partick Thistle 🧠 Mindset to build a winning culture 📈 The pressures, challenges and opportunities facing managers today 💬 Candid reflections from his career Whether you’re a Thistle fan, a student of the game, or just love hearing from football’s most compelling voices, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    38 min

  9. 12/02/2025

    Hibs’ Double, Weir’s Class, and one wild Mary Corr tale: A Level Playing Field I Episode 2

    In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we dive into a huge week across the women’s game in Scotland. We start at the Scottish Women’s Football Awards, where Hibs’ deserved double triumph took centre stage, and an unforgettable night of stories, celebration, and emotion unfolded. We discuss why Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson looks like the perfect fit for the club, and reflect on Caroline Weir’s effortless brilliance—a true Rolls-Royce of a player whose influence continues to shape the national team conversation. There’s also plenty of laughter as Rose Reilly’s hilarious Mary Corr tale from the awards makes its way into the show. We spotlight Kelly Clark’s well-earned recognition—even on a flight to Tenerife—after helping Celtic secure the title, and we share a wholehearted recommendation for Elsie Cook’s powerful book, A Kiss from Pelly. The episode also pays tribute to Joelle Murray’s extraordinary career and trademark humility, and we wrap up with admiration for Turriff United Under-18s, whose bravery and commitment has stood out.  Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    37 min

  10. 11/24/2025

    Celtic fans stunned by shock double exit: A Level Playing Field I Episode 1

    In our debut episode, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back to another huge week across the women’s game.  We break down all the big talking points from the SWPL, including why Celtic still can’t get past Rangers, the shock Celtic exits that caught everyone off guard, and whether Glasgow City’s bump in the road is a momentary wobble or something more. We also look ahead to Scotland’s World Cup hopes — what needs to click, who needs to step up, and how the squad is shaping up for the challenge ahead. A brand new podcast, plenty to talk about, and a level playing field for all.  Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith! Chat to your hosts on X HERE: @alibali76 @JournoCherylS

    24 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.  We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 A Level Playing Field