Two iconic women in sport have been celebrated for transforming the women’s game and championing equality in Scottish football. 

Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne-Stewart, co-founders of Glasgow City Football Club, have been awarded University of the West of Scotland’s first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate degree during a ceremony at Paisley Abbey today, as part of summer graduations. 

The duo, who were celebrated for their outstanding contribution to women’s football, gender equality and social inclusion, have played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of women’s football in Scotland. 

Their vision, leadership and determination have created opportunities for generations of women and girls, while establishing one of the most successful women's football clubs in Europe.

Founded in 1998, at a time when women's football was significantly under-funded, under-supported and under-recognised, Glasgow City FC became Scotland's first independent women's football club. With no established blueprint and limited resources, Montgomery and Stewart built the club on principles of excellence, professionalism and equality.

From those grassroots beginnings, Glasgow City FC has become the most successful club in Scottish women's football history, winning a record 16 Scottish Women's Premier League titles, securing numerous domestic honours and representing Scotland consistently in the UEFA Women's Champions League, including reaching the quarterfinals on two occasions. Last season they also became the first British side to compete and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Cup and claimed a record seventh Sky Sports Cup trophy.

Equally significant has been the club's lasting impact beyond the pitch. Through its thriving academy and community programmes, Glasgow City FC has created pathways for countless girls and young women to participate in football, pursue elite competition and develop as leaders.

Throughout their careers, Montgomery and Stewart have challenged longstanding barriers facing women in sport. Their leadership, which continues to this day at the head of an independent women's club, has helped drive the professionalisation of the women's game, advocating for improved infrastructure, increased investment, greater media visibility and equal opportunities not just for female athletes, but for women and girls off the pitch too.

Discussing being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UWS, Laura Montgomery, Co-founder and CEO of Glasgow City Football Club, said: "Receiving an Honorary Doctorate from the University of the West of Scotland is an incredible honour. To have our work recognised in this way is very humbling as it acknowledges not just what we've achieved on the pitch, but the wider impact women's football can have in creating opportunities, challenging barriers and changing lives. It also reflects the dedication, passion and hard work of every player, staff member and supporter who has been part of our club's journey over these last 28 years."

To have our work recognised in this way is very humbling as it acknowledges not just what we've achieved on the pitch, but the wider impact women's football can have in creating opportunities, challenging barriers and changing lives.

Laura Montgomery

Carol Anne-Stewart, Co-founder and Commercial Executive of Glasgow City Football Club, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from UWS. Glasgow City FC began with a very simple idea, and was built from a great deal of belief, hard work, and passion to empower women’s football. I feel privileged to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has been part of this amazing journey.”

Glasgow City FC began with a very simple idea, and was built from a great deal of belief, hard work, and passion to empower women’s football. I feel privileged to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has been part of this amazing journey.

Carol Anne-Stewart

These honours also reflect UWS's longstanding commitment to advancing women's sport, and football in particular, through education, research and collaboration. Through pioneering research, degree programmes, industry partnerships and specialist expertise in women's football, UWS continues to position itself as a natural educational partner for the women's game.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of Scotland, said: “As one of the highlights of the University calendar, graduation is a special opportunity to honour the commitment, perseverance and accomplishments of our students. It is also a time to acknowledge the vital role played by families, friends and the wider UWS community in supporting them every step of the way.

“We are delighted to present our first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate to Laura and Cas in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Scottish football and the women's game. Through their visionary, values-led leadership at Glasgow City FC, they have helped shape the club's long-term success while advancing gender equality, inclusion and opportunity. Their lasting legacy of courage, innovation and social impact reflects the values and mission of UWS.”

We are delighted to present our first-ever dual Honorary Doctorate to Laura and Cas in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Scottish football and the women's game.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS

Cas and Laura’s work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, Goal 5, Gender Equality, Goal 10, Reduced Inequalities and Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals.