In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Andreatta, the head coach of the Scotland Women’s national team, to explore her fascinating journey in football.

From growing up in Australia and chasing her dream as a player to experiencing the heartbreak of the Matildas and navigating the highs and lows of a coaching career, Melissa shares the moments that have shaped her both on and off the pitch.

She talks candidly about what inspired her to take on the Scotland job, how she has embraced life in a new country, and the challenges and rewards of leading a national team with ambition and heart.

Melissa also opens up about her vision for the team, her hopes of guiding Scotland to the Women’s World Cup, and what it takes to inspire a squad to dream bigger than ever before.

Packed with insight, honesty, and plenty of football passion, this episode offers a rare look behind the whistle at the journey, determination, and mindset of one of the game’s most exciting coaches.

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In partnership with Zenith Coins.

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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.

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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

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.

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Support the show

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