A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

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A Level Playing Field

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 25

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.

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Data updated on 18/08/2026

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Score global : 68%

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SWPL Season Preview: Inside the launch, Player insights & What's Coming Next

Season 2 · Episode 1

Friday, August 14, 2026 • Duration 31:20

Season 2 kicks off with a special episode from inside the SWPL launch as we look ahead to a brand new campaign.

Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith are back for a bigger and better second season of A Level Playing Field, bringing you closer to the players and the stories shaping the women's game.

We caught up with players from Hearts, Rangers, Hibs, Celtic and Glasgow City to get the inside track on how they’re feeling ahead of the season, the ambitions for their clubs, and the key storylines to watch.

From title hopes to emerging talent and everything in between, this is your essential preview of the SWPL season - straight from the players themselves, before a ball is even kicked.

To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

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That's a wrap on the SWPL I A Level Playing Field I Episode 23

Season 1 · Episode 23

Thursday, June 4, 2026 • Duration 26:13

On the final whistle of the season, A Level Playing Field signs off with a comprehensive look back at a thrilling Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign.

Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell dive into the defining moments of the 2025/26 SWPL season.

From the twists in the title race to the standout performers who lit up the league.

With goals flying in across the campaign and records tumbling along the way, they reflect on what made this season one of the most competitive and compelling yet.

The duo break down the key storylines: the battle at the top and the fight for European places.

Plus, Cheryl and Alison assess how the league is developing off the pitch and what it all means heading into next season.

It’s a full-time reflection on a landmark SWPL season and the perfect way to close out the campaign.

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Emma Lawton eyes Old Firm cup glory I A Level Playing Field I Episode 22

Season 1 · Episode 22

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 • Duration 13:30

Celtic defender Emma Lawton joins us ahead of the biggest game in the domestic calendar as the Hoops prepare to face Rangers in the Women's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park this Sunday.

The Scotland international reflects on Celtic’s journey to the final, including a dramatic semi-final victory that booked their place on the big stage, and discusses the mindset within the squad heading into a high-stakes Old Firm showdown.

Lawton opens up on the challenge of facing a well-organised Rangers side, the importance of big-game mentality, and what it would mean to lift silverware at Hampden. She also shares insight into her own development over the past year and how the group is handling the pressure and excitement of a cup final occasion.

With rivalry, history, and a national trophy on the line, this is one of the standout fixtures in the Scottish women’s game and Emma Lawton takes us inside Celtic’s camp as they get ready for it.

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Melissa Andreatta reveals Emslie return to Scotland Squad I A Level Playing Field I Episode 21

Season 1 · Episode 21

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 • Duration 17:26

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Melissa Andreatta joins us ahead of Scotland’s crucial double header against Israel in Hungary, with both fixtures set to be played behind closed doors.

Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group.

She also discusses the welcome return of Claire Emslie, who is back in contention just five months after the birth of her son - a significant moment both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, Andreatta outlines her ambitions for the squad as they continue to evolve, and what success looks like in the coming window.

The conversation also turns to the domestic game, as she shares her thoughts on a dramatic SWPL title race reaching its conclusion this weekend.

It’s an open and insightful chat with one of the key figures shaping the future of the Scotland national team.

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Inside Celtic's Season with Grant Scott I A Level Playing Field I Episode 20

Season 1 · Episode 20

Thursday, May 14, 2026 • Duration 30:53

This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Grant Scott for an in-depth conversation at a pivotal moment in the season for Celtic Women.

With the Scottish Women's Cup Final looming against fierce rivals Rangers, Grant Scott reflects on the challenge ahead and what it would mean to end the campaign with silverware after 6 months in the role.

He also opens up on the disappointment of missing out on the league title, and how the squad has responded in the aftermath.

The conversation turns to the summer ahead - covering transfer plans, the realities of operating within budgets, and how Celtic aim to strengthen while continuing to build a clear identity on and off the pitch.

He also shares his perspective on FIFA’s new directive on increasing opportunities for female coaches, and what it could mean for the future of the women’s game.

There’s also a candid discussion around fan expectations and frustrations, and the importance of connection between the club and its supporters during periods of transition.

Plus, he pays tribute to outgoing Hearts manager Eva Olid, highlighting her impact on the league and the standard she’s helped set.

A thoughtful, honest, and timely episode as the season reaches its conclusion.

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Laura Montgomery’s Lasting Impact on the Growth of Women’s Football I A Level Playing Field I Episode 19

Season 1 · Episode 19

Monday, May 4, 2026 • Duration 43:37

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Laura Montgomery, one of the most influential figures in Scottish women's football and one half of the driving force behind Glasgow City’s rise to the top of the women’s game.

Laura reflects on the journey from founding a club with limited resources to building a dominant force in domestic football, all while navigating the challenges of sustainability, visibility, and growth in the women’s game.

We explore the realities behind running a successful club, the progress made in recent years, and where the game still needs to go.

From grassroots development to the business side of football, this is an honest and insightful conversation about leadership, resilience, and shaping the future of the sport.

If you care about where women’s football is headed and how it got here - this is one you won’t want to miss!

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PFA Scotland SWPL Awards Special: Meet the Nominees I A Level Playing Field I Episode 18

Season 1 · Episode 18

Monday, April 27, 2026 • Duration 46:12

A Level Playing Field returns with a special episode spotlighting the standout performers of the SWPL season.

We’re joined by a host of nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards to reflect on their campaigns, key moments, and what this recognition means to them.

Hear from Player of the Year nominees Katie Wilkinson (Rangers), Georgie Timms (Hearts), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City) and Nicole Kozlova, as well as Young Player of the Year nominees Lisa Forrest (Glasgow City) and Laura Berry (Rangers).

From title races to personal milestones, it’s an insight into the players who have defined the season and a look ahead to who might take home the honours. 🎙️⚽

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World Cup Belief, Title Race Heat & PFA Team of the Year | A Level Playing Field I Episode 17

Season 1 · Episode 17

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 • Duration 33:23

Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell are back with a fresh episode of A Level Playing Field, diving into all the big talking points in Scottish women’s football.

The duo kick things off with the international break, reflecting on a positive window for Scotland and what it means for growing belief around their World Cup qualification hopes.

There’s also a look at the newly announced PFA SWPL Team of the Year, with discussion around the standout performers and any notable inclusions or omissions.

Attention then turns to domestic matters, including Rangers’ decision to move a fixture from Ibrox to Broadwood, and the questions it raises around scheduling and supporter accessibility with an inconvenient kick-off time.

Finally, it’s all about the title race, with Cheryl and Alison assessing where things stand, who has the momentum, and what could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.
Insightful, honest, and full of passion for the game.

This is one you won’t want to miss!

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Rose Reilly: A Pioneer’s Story of Breaking Barriers I A Level Playing Field I Episode 16

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 45:24

This week on A Level Playing Field we’re joined by a true trailblazer of the women’s game - Rose Reilly.

A World Cup champion, and one of Scotland’s most iconic footballing exports, Rose reflects on a remarkable career that broke boundaries across generations and continents.

From her early days in Scotland to conquering the world stage with Italy, she shares the stories behind the headlines, the challenges, the triumphs, and the moments that defined her journey.

We dive into how the women’s game has evolved, what still needs to change, and why the current generation should never take their platform for granted.

Plus, Rose gives her take on today’s Scottish game and the players catching her eye.

It’s a fascinating, honest, and inspiring conversation with a true pioneer of the sport.

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Sarah Rhind: Addiction, loss & the game I love I A Level Playing Field I Episode 15

Season 1 · Episode 15

Monday, March 30, 2026 • Duration 56:32

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sarah Rhind to explore the powerful story behind her book Scars Under the Jersey: Addiction, Loss and the Game I Love.

Sarah speaks openly about her journey through recovery, the grip of addiction, and the lasting impact of grief after personal loss. It’s an honest and emotional conversation about rebuilding your life when everything has been stripped back and the strength it takes to keep going.

We also dive into her connection with Street Soccer, representing Scotland at the Homeless World Cup, and how the game became a lifeline during some of her darkest moments.

From there, Sarah reflects on her return to the professional game with Hamilton Accies Women in the Scottish Women's Premier League and what football means to her now.

We also talk about the process of writing the book, why she felt ready to share her story, and the hope it can give to others facing similar battles.

This is a raw, inspiring and ultimately uplifting episode about recovery, resilience, and finding purpose through football.

Get your copy HERE 👉 amzn.eu/d/06yCMlPK

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A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

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A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Buzzsprout3

Other1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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Other1