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Megan Cunningham, a third year Human Health student and Sports Scholar, has already made an impact for Glasgow City Ladies Football Club by helping the title holders reach next month’s SWPL Cup Final.
In last weekend’s Cup semi final, Megan kept a clean sheet for City during their 4-0 victory over Celtic. In the final they face Hibernian on 3 June at Ainslie Park.
She said, “City has been really fantastic for me. It’s a step up from what I’m used to and it’s a good, competitive environment which is pushing me on.
“This is the first time I’m in a team which has made the Cup Final and it will be good to see what it’s like with that mentality of really going for it. Hopefully we can win the cup.”
Megan has also made an international breakthrough this season. Having moved up an age group after competing for Scotland in last summer’s U19 European Championships finals she has already earned two full caps.
“I wasn’t expecting to make the A squad but I’ve been very blessed to have the opportunity to go away with them and I’ve played for them in a friendly against Ireland in February and then in the Cyprus Cup last month,” said Megan, whose ultimate goal is a place on a professional team.
Winning students
Megan is one of 150 students to be supported by Winning Students, Scotland’s national sports scholarships for student athletes. Through the programme she receives funding support and the academic flexibility required to perform at the highest level in sport and studies.
Heriot-Watt is one of 16 universities which, alongside 15 Scottish colleges, form the Winning Students network. Students at network colleges and universities benefit from a dedicated co-ordinator to ensure they can balance their studies and sport effectively.
Megan who is also part of the Scottish FA National Performance Centre for Women's Football at Heriot-Watt, said, “I was away in Cyprus last month for two weeks, which is a lot of missed lectures so to have the support of the University is fundamental and our mentors have made it very easy.
“Although we are amateur players, it’s brilliant to be part of the Heriot-Watt set up which is the best thing Scotland’s got to help us be as professional as we can.
“It’s an honour to play sport internationally, a blessing to have the education side and all these organisations supporting us.”