A Level Playing Field

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.

A Level Playing Field is a sports podcast hosted by Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell, with 24 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell hosts A Level Playing Field, a sports show with 24 episodes published.

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  Episode #1

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

  Aug 14, 202631 minS2

  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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  Episode #23

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

  Jun 4, 202627 minS1

  <p>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.</p><p>Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell dive into the defining moments of the 2025/26 SWPL season. </p><p>From the twists in the title race to the standout performers who lit up the league. </p><p>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.</p><p>The duo break down the key stor...

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  Episode #22

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

  May 27, 202614 minS1

  <p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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 si...

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  Episode #21

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

  May 20, 202618 minS1

  <p>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.<br/><br/>Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group. </p><p>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.<br/><br/>Looking ahead, Andreatta outlines her ambitions for the squad...

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  Episode #20

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

  May 14, 202631 minS1

  <p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>He also opens up on the disappointment of missing out on the league title, and how the squad has responded in the aftermath.</p><p>The conversation turns to the summer ahead - covering tra...

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