A Level Playing Field Podcast By Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell cover art

A Level Playing Field

A Level Playing Field

By: Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell
Listen for free

This Season's Biggest Deal | $0.99/mo for 3 months + $20 Audible bonus

$8.99/mo thereafter—terms apply.
Summary

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.


Sponsored by Nutmeg Magazine

© 2026 A Level Playing Field
Football
Episodes
  • Jane Ross: From Scotland's history-maker to life beyond the pitch I A Level Playing Field I Episode 35
    Nov 9 2026

    This week on A Level Playing Field, we're joined by Scotland legend Jane Ross for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career in the women's game.

    From her time at Glasgow City and Rangers to spells with Manchester City and Manchester United, Jane reflects on her journey through the game, including her experiences playing abroad in Sweden and the challenges and opportunities of building a career overseas.

    We revisit one of the defining moments in Scottish football history – scoring the goal that sent Scotland to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and discuss the impact of that achievement on the national team and the women's game in Scotland.

    Jane also talks openly about retirement, her current role with the PFA and how she's continuing to support players beyond her own playing career.

    And with Scotland looking to secure another place on the world stage under Melissa Andreatta, we get Jane's thoughts on the current squad, the team's World Cup hopes and what it will take to get there.

    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.

    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • Ballon d’Or Backlash, SWPL Drama & Scotland’s Swedish Test I A Level Playing Field I Episode 34
    Oct 29 2026

    On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back on the opening months of the SWPL season, discussing the key talking points, standout performances and early-season storylines shaping the women’s game in Scotland including Rangers' title aspirations.

    The conversation also turns to the controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or awards, plus, they discuss Caroline Weir’s influence and look ahead to Scotland’s crucial upcoming World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

    From the big talking points in women’s football to the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland, Alison and Cheryl bring their insight, analysis and passion to another episode of A Level Playing Field.

    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.

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Cara Henderson: The journey back and the strength behind it I A Level Playing Field I Episode 33
    Oct 22 2026

    On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Partick Thistle’s Cara Henderson for an honest conversation about her long journey back from injury.

    Cara opens up about the physical and mental challenges of recovering from an ACL injury, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, and what it really takes to fight your way back onto the pitch.

    We discuss the impact these injuries can have on a player, the importance of support away from football, and the people who help you through the toughest moments.

    We also look ahead to Cara’s ambitions for the future, her life at Partick Thistle under Gary Holt, and her determination to make the most of every opportunity as she continues her comeback.

    An insightful conversation about resilience, recovery and the strength it takes to keep going when the road back feels a long way off.

    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.

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet