Published:
Paul Brownlie has been appointed High Performance Football Manager at the Scottish FA National Performance Centre for Women’s Football in its home at Heriot-Watt University.
The former Celtic Women’s Football and Girls’ Academy Manager will look to build on the success of the academy, which supports promising young players to combine academic study with elite coaching and sports science support. The programme is aimed at accelerating their progression through the Scotland international ranks.
We are already seeing players make the transition into National Women’s A Squad which will be one of the goals for each player.
Paul Brownlie said, “I am delighted to take up the role as the new High Performance Football Manager at Heriot-Watt University.
“My philosophy has always been about the player and the person, using a very holistic approach both on and off the pitch. I have always been a huge fan of the programme, we have real talent within the National Performance Centre. It’s my job now to support the players to ensure that each player can reach their full potential.
“We are already seeing players make the transition into National Women’s A Squad which will be one of the goals for each player and with Oriam, Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, opening at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Campus in Autumn 2016 it will be an exciting time for everyone connected to the Centre.
“I would like to thank Willie Kirk for the job he has previously done at the Centre, it’s now down to myself and fellow staff members to continue to take the programme from strength to strength.”
Building on success
Neil Gibson, Director of Performance, Sports and Health at Heriot-Watt, said, “Heriot-Watt University is very proud to be working so closely with the Scottish FA and Winning Students to develop young and talented female footballers on campus. Winning Students supports the success of Scottish athletes by allowing those on the programme to combine intensive technical and physical training schedules with academic study. Without the continued funding and support of Winning Students many of our young athletes would not be able to pursue their sporting and academic ambitions.
“We look forward to working with the Scottish FA and Winning Students to deliver the Women's National Performance Centre and are delighted to welcome Paul Brownlie as High Performance Football Manager to our team at Heriot-Watt University.
“Paul brings with him a vast array of experience across Scottish football, with a particular expertise surrounding the women's game. Paul will build on the successful work already implemented by previous post holders.”
Scotland National Coach Anna Signeul said, "Paul has fantastic pedigree in the women's game, particularly when it comes to developing young players, and we're delighted to welcome him aboard.
"This is a very exciting time for the Women's National Performance Centre. The programme is already starting to bear fruit, with a number of students having established themselves within the Scotland women's national teams. The opening of Oriam, Scotland's Sports Performance Centre, at Heriot-Watt University next year will build on the already fantastic facilities, training and support programmes available to the players and staff.
"I look forward to working with Paul, and all of the staff and partners within the programme, to continue to shape the future of the women's game in Scotland."