The Replay #1
Videos, headlines, interviews, or news articles worth pausing on — shared or retold with added context, insight, and intention.
The first edition of Forward Press turns its focus to Glasgow City FC and one of the most experienced figures in Scottish football: Hayley Lauder, also a centurion for the Scotland women’s national team with over 100 international caps.
Founded in 1998, Glasgow City FC are an independent, women-founded and women-led football club, and have been one of the defining forces in Scottish women’s football for more than two decades. Since joining the club in 2014, Hayley has been a central figure throughout one of the most successful periods in its history. During that time, City have won multiple domestic league and cup titles and maintained a strong presence on the European stage, including reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League on two occasions.
In a recent interview produced by the club, Hayley offers insight into her progression into a dual role as both player and assistant coach, providing a rare perspective on the demands of modern women’s professional football.
At the start of the 2025/26 Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL1) season, she embraced a new career challenge, combining her responsibilities as a senior player with a position on the coaching team. With over a decade at the club and more than 250 appearances to her name, she reflects on balancing both roles and the lessons she’s learning day to day, while looking ahead with ambition and excitement to the second half of the SWPL1 season.
Video courtesy of Glasgow City FC | YouTube
Key Takeaways for Developing People in the Women’s Game:
Mentorship matters in career shifts
Working under Head Coach Leanne Ross has been central to Hayley’s transition. Observing the preparation, consistency, and patience required at staff level reinforces the value of strong mentorship, while their open, respectful dynamic highlights how effective role models combine technical excellence with behaviours that build trust and support development.
Behind-the-scenes exposure reshapes understanding
Stepping into a dual player–coach role has been an eye-opener for Hayley. Gaining insight into the volume and detail of work that happens away from the pitch, particularly how coaching ideas are refined and communicated, has reshaped her understanding of leadership and decision-making.
Vision, consistency, and shared purpose
The interview reinforces the importance of a clear playing vision that is applied consistently through daily practice, from session design to behaviours and communication. When a group is aligned around a shared purpose and collective goal, progress becomes more coherent and movement between roles easier to manage.
If Hayley’s story stood out, you can share your thoughts with us here or by emailing our Head of Talent & Partnerships at francesca@formationgoals.com.
You’re also welcome to pass it on to someone navigating a similar moment in their career.