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Representatives from 149 ECA Member Clubs attended the 13th European Club Association General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.

Amongst them was ordinary members Alan Burrows (Motherwell FC), along with Peter Lawell and Eric Reilly (Celtic FC) and associate members Andrew Dickson (Rangers FC) from Scotland. Other associate members from Scotland not in attendance were Aberdeen and Hearts.

ECA MEMBER CLUBS WELCOMED UEFA PRESIDENT

ECA Member Clubs were pleased to welcome the UEFA President, Michel Platini, for a special address at the beginning of the plenary session.

In his speech, he re-iterated his intention to seek a third term as UEFA President and hailed the great relationship between UEFA and ECA, which has led to some significant achievements over the last couple of years, notably the elaboration of the Financial Fair Play regulations.

He called upon the clubs to further strengthen this partnership in the future to allow for a solid and united European football family.

QATAR 2022 WORLD CUP

ECA Members were updated on the first Qatar 2022 Task Force Meeting which took place at FIFA Headquarters in Zurich on 8 September with ECA Vice-Chairman, Umberto Gandini, and ECA General Secretary, Michele Centenaro, in attendance on behalf of ECA.

The meeting’s main focus was to understand the different stakeholders’ position vis-à-vis a possible switch to a winter competition. FIFA made clear that, in accordance with the hosting agreement, the World Cup in Qatar must be held in 2022.

As a result, the options of January/February 2022 and November/December 2022 were put forward as alternatives to a summer world cup. The Task Force will meet again in November to analyse in more depth the impact of a switch from summer to winter.

FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY

With nine clubs having been sanctioned by the UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) for non-compliance with the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations in the past season, and ultimately agreeing to sign settlement agreements, the FFP project has entered a crucial phase.

Despite aggregate losses in European club football continuously decreasing, which can be taken as a positive sign and a direct result of the FFP implementation, ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge reminded ECA Member Clubs of the importance to continue to operate responsibly.

Commenting on FFP, the ECA Chairman said: “We should definitely not think that club finances are now in perfect order. A true picture of Financial Fair Play can only be drawn once the break-even assessment is in place over several consecutive years. We are certainly not on the safe side yet and UEFA will continue to take this project very seriously. I call upon every single club to adhere to the regulations and remind you that these rules should not be seen as an attack against clubs but as a positive move for the long-term future of the game.”

Since the launch of FFP, ECA has called upon UEFA to ensure that any withheld prize money, as a result of non-compliance with the regulations, should be made available to all clubs participating in European competitions and that ECA would make proposals as to the distribution method to be used.

Whilst in some cases a certain percentage is withheld conditionally and will be returned to the respective club if it fulfils the operational and financial measures agreed with the UEFA CFCB, it was announced that the unconditional amount available for immediate distribution to clubs amounts to approximately 24 Million EURO.
Following discussions with UEFA, ECA’s recommendation foresees that the 24 Million EURO available will be distributed among all clubs that participated in UEFA’s club competitions in the 2013/14 season. 80% of this amount would be allocated to the Champions League and Europa League Group Stage participants in equal shares, whilst 20% would be distributed among all clubs participating in the qualifying rounds, which is a further sign of ECA’s commitment to enhancing solidarity.

This recommendation will be presented to the UEFA Executive Committee for final approval. With regards to the conditional amounts, discussions on the distribution method remain on-going.

INTEGRITY MATTERS

In March 2014, the UEFA Professional Football Strategy Council decided to adopt a position paper and action plan on Integrity in Football. A dedicated working group, composed of representatives from all European football stakeholders, was created in order to elaborate concrete initiatives in an attempt to combat match-fixing in European football.

Based on a joint Code of Conduct, which is expected to be officially launched next week, ECA presented to its member clubs the ECA Charter on Integrity in Football, which they were all invited to sign as a sign of commitment to enhance Integrity.

The ECA Charter on Integrity in Football is a declaration of ECA’s commitment to ensure Football is free of match-fixing or any other external interference, which could influence the normal running of the game.

By signing the Charter, ECA Member Clubs recognise the importance of safeguarding the Integrity in Football and commit to a continuous endorsement of an internal policy and practice in this respect. More precisely, signatories commit to:

• Uphold Integrity in Football and to refrain from any attempt to breach this Integrity, such as by fixing a game;
• Support the Code of Conduct, endorsed by ECA, UEFA, EPFL and FIFPro, and to share this Code of Conduct with their club’s employees and players;
• Educate their employees and players on the importance of Integrity in Football, the prohibition of engaging in match-fixing and the risks of betting on games;
• Facilitate in any way possible the communication between the club, its employees and players in relation to match-fixing;
• Report any attempt(s) to fix a game to the relevant Football and public authorities, to strongly encourage their employees and players to do the same, and to cooperate with other stakeholders in order to create a reliable reporting procedure;
• Cooperate fully and at any time with any investigation conducted either within the Football Family or by a public authority;
• Call for other clubs to safeguard the same level of Integrity and the same vision against match-fixing and betting on Football.

To emphasise the importance of the above, signatories shall:

• Have their employees and players demonstrate their commitment by signing a document by which they acknowledge the importance of Integrity in Football and to avoid any engagement in match-fixing;
• Appoint a reliable contact person to whom their employees or players should report any information on match-fixing.
• Include in their standard player contract a clause which explicitly refers to the prohibition to engage in match-fixing and the risks of betting on Football games in accordance with the applicable competition regulations and/or State Law, as well as the reporting of attempts of match-fixing;

Furthermore, ECA calls upon their Member Clubs to actively cooperate with all initiatives organised by European and local stakeholders with the aim to both strengthen Integrity and fight match-fixing.

Is your dream to play for Motherwell and run out at Fir Park? That can now become a reality with the third ‘Motherwell Matchday Experience’ this October.

The club and its partners have run various events in the past allowing fans and clients to play on the hallowed Fir Park turf, but none have ever been the true matchday experience.

You only have a few hours left to bid for this incredible event and for one day, you will feel and be treated like a first-team player.

-CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE DETAILS, INFORMATION & TO BID –

 Highlights from Fir Park as ‘Well battle back from a goal down to beat Dunfermline 2-1 in the SPFL Development League.

Jonatan Johansson was pleased with the spirit shown by his side to come back from a goal down to take all three points.

The Steelmen were trailing as early as the ninth minute, but second half goals from Chris Cadden and Steven Higgins gave ‘Well their second consecutive win.

The 106-times capped former Finnish striker praised his side but also said there was plenty for his young players to work on too.

Speaking to MFC TV on the clubs’ official You Tube channel, he said: “The spirit and the teamwork we showed last week was there again in abundance as was the belief we could go on and win it.

[pullquote]The spirit and the teamwork we showed last week was there again in abundance as was the belief we could go on and win it.[/pullquote]

“Our best spell was probably the last twenty minutes of the first half. I thought we played well; we were composed and kept winning the ball back.

“The second half wasn’t something you like to see as a coach, with the game going back and forth with lots of chances for both teams. It could have gone either way at that point, and when we were starting to look a little leggy, Higgy (Higgins) pops up with the winner.

“There were faults and things we can work on to improve, but the spirit was there and we had good spells too.”

Motherwell U20s made it back-to-back wins after edging out Dunfermline 2-1 at Fir Park this evening.

The Pars went ahead after just nine minutes when Ross Millen curled home a beautiful free kick from 20 yards.

‘Well passed up the chance to level when Dylan Mackin was thwarted from the penalty spot, but Cadden did eventually equalise on the hour mark, slotting home after great build-up play from Dom Thomas.

It stayed that way until Steven Higgins won it for ‘Well, the striker capitalising on a goalkeeping error to win it with just seven minutes left to play.

Jonatan Johansson kept faith in the side that dismantled Hearts six days ago with just one change, goalkeeper Max Currie coming in to replace Ross Stewart having to be content with a place on the bench.

Although Dunfermline made the better start, it was ‘Well who had the first chance but Dylan Mackin’s volley did little to trouble Jamie Wilson in the visitor’s goal.

Pars wasted no time in replying, immediately going on the attack and were unlucky not to take the lead when Allan Smith’s shot whistled just past Currie’s post.

However, it wasn’t long until John Potter’s men were in front and it was a goal of some quality.

Thomas gave away a free kick on the edge of the area, allowing Millen to step up. He curled an effort high into the top corner, leaving a full stretch Max Currie absolutely helpless.

‘Well went on the search for an equaliser and Cadden tested Wilson from distance, before Higgins had a shot deflected wide and from the resulting corner, David Ferguson’s effort was straight at the Pars stopper.

Higgins had another shot for ‘Well before Dunfermline had a great chance to double their advantage, Smith racing away one on one with Currie, but the keeper came out on top, blocking with his foot.

At the other end, Wilson looked smart to deny both Cadden and Higgins before making another great from the penalty spot. Higgins was brought down in the area by Cammy McClair, with referee Grant Irvine quick to point to the spot.

Dylan Mackin stepped forward, but again Wilson made the save, diving low to his left.

Motherwell started the second half on the front foot, Higgins firing just wide after cutting in from the flank before Morgyn Neill flashed a header just wide.
However, with their next attack, Motherwell drew level and it was all down to the creativity of Dom Thomas. The little winger beat three players before squaring it for Cadden who coolly slotted past Wilson for 1-1.

‘Well sensed blood and went looking for a second and it was Cadden again, this time his low shot was again saved by the visiting keeper.

There then followed two penalty claims, one at either end but neither were given. ‘Well were claiming first, Higgins’ cross appeared to hit a hand, but the officials were having none of it.

Two minutes later, Smith went over in the area and was booked for simulation. It looked harsh as there did appear to be some contact, but enough for a spot kick is certainly up for debate.

Both teams traded chances, Stuart Urquhart’s long range free-kick was tipped onto the bar by Currie before Thomas pulled a shot wide when the goal was at his mercy.

However, with seven minutes left, ‘Well grabbed the winner. Cadden’s long ball was uncharacteristically missed by the outrushing Wilson, allowing Higgins in for a open goal and he tapped home into an empty net to take all three points.

Motherwell U20s: Currie: McMillan, Ferguson, Hall, Neill, McCall, Mackin, Cadden (R.Leitch – 84mins), Higgins, Thomas, McLean

Subs: Stewart, Watt, Campbell, Watters, McNulty

The Under 20s return to action tonight  when they take on Dunfermline at Fir Park.

Jonatan Johansson’s men will be going into the game in high spirits, having beat Hearts last week with a convincing 5-2 win.

The Pars, on the other hand, go into tonight’s clash having lost both their games so far this season, going down 2-1 away to Hearts and 1-0 at home to Hibernian.

‘Well had the upper hand at home last season, winning 2-1 with goals coming from Jack Leitch and Craig Moore.

Kick-off at Fir Park is 6pm.

PRICES:

Adults and Concessions:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £2
Standard: £3

Under 16s:
Season book holders or Well Society membership: £1
Standard: £2

Alise Stewart, Motherwell FC Girls Under 15 striker has been called up to the Women’s Under 15 National Training Camp at Toryglen from September 11th to 13th after some fantastic performances for the Girls Under 15’s team and the Scotland Regional Development Squad.

On hearing of her call up Alise commented, “When I first heard about the call up I was surprised and nervous at the same time.

“Now the news has sunk in I just cant wait to test myself. I just can’t wait to get started and test myself against other girls and the whole Scotland set up sounds amazing.

“I would also like to thank my coaches Adam Shaw and Maxine McCrindle for helping me in the past two years to get where I am now.”

Proud parent Jim Stewart said “I’m really delighted for her. She has worked really hard over the past few years to work on her game and I’m happy it has been recognized.”

Coaches Adam and Maxine who have steered the Under 15’s to promotion to the Performance League are also delighted with the call up and have praised Alise for her attitude, ability and hard work. Both are talented coaches and are to be praised for their fantastic work with the team over the last couple of season.

Everyone at Motherwell Football Club would like to wish Alise every success at the National Camp.

 Follow ‘Dibsy’ on Twitter 

Hi I’m Helen “Dibsy” Templeton.

I was having a chat the other day with a colleague about the importance of football to the lives of young children and the discussion was along the lines of furthering opportunity outside of football and encouraging young people to experience a wider range of activity.

The conversation turned to me as a child (many, many years ago!) and I was always giving everything a go. Any sport I could get a hand at, I was in there… Football, golf, athletics, cross-country, not to forget good old highland shinty; a game feared by even the bravest of highland lassies!

There was always something about the beautiful game that kept enticing me back. I’m not sure even now, 26 years later what that something was, but I know it’s still there and I know I can’t shake it.

It was at the age of four I made the decision to get involved and have a go. Even though it meant rainy playtimes playing on gravely Tarmac, skint knees and “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to find out who was going to climb the fence and fish the ball out of the neighbouring loch, I can happily say I’ve never looked back since.

One of only two girls in my primary school to play, meant growing up playing along side the boys and by Primary 7, I was allowed to go along and train with the local senior team. From here, I was well and truly inspired by the skill, determination and both physical and mental attributes required to be a top level player.

First year at high school came and with it, more new friends who had also caught the footy bug. I still remember to this day, first week in high school, pestering the PE teacher: “Let get a girls footy team Sir, can we!? can we!?” and, from what I’m led to believe, it’s still thrives today, 18 years later!

I don’t think a day went by in my high school years where I didn’t kick a ball. I was always told “You’ll get to an age where you will discover make up and parties; football will become a thing of the past.” I’m still waiting for that to happen!

In my latter years at school I joined Ross County LFC, where I had the privilege of playing against a childhood hero and arguably one of Scotland’s greatest female players, Julie Fleeting! This was a dream for me and one that only added fuel to the fire.

I then was accepted into Moray House in Edinburgh to do PE teaching. This led me to join Guilianos ladies, who were in the Scottish Premier League at that time. The caliber of player in this league was something I could only aspire to be.

Playing alongside the likes of Shelley Kerr and being coached by ex Scotland Internationalist Maggie Wilson made Sundays by far my most favoured day of the week! To play along side and against characters I had grown up watching on the tele and in admiration of, was a dream come true.

I then crossed the River Forth and spent the next few seasons playing for Dunfermline Athletic LFC and Raith Rovers LFC, before moving west to join Hamilton Accies.

I was also privileged in representing my country at Scottish University level for three years. I have made so many friends through football over the years and have had the privilege of traveling the length and breath of the country to represent my team.

Hamilton Accies was where I settled for eight years, the longest spell at any club since I first kicked a ball. Accies will always hold special memories for me. I was made to feel part of the family from the day I signed. Which made my decision to leave one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made.

26 years of playing the beautiful game and I still have the passion just as much as I did when I first kicked a ball at the age of four. Which leads me to where I am now, a new challenge.

I have just this week signed with Motherwell Ladies FC and have taken on the role of Media Liaison officer. A fantastic opportunity for me to be part of such a forward thinking club, both on and off the pitch. It has been great to get to know the staff and players this first week and everyone has been so lovely and welcoming.

I am really looking forward to the challenges ahead and am very excited to be part of what’s to come. And what is that I hear you ask? Well as they say, stay tuned for regular articles sharing all that is girls and women’s football at Motherwell FC!

I am ecstatic to say that with my first article I bring some fantastic news from the Motherwell camp. Alise Stewart from the Under 15s squad has been selected for international duty – Brilliant news Alise, well done! We are all very proud of you and wish you the best of luck.

Three consecutive Motherwell matches have been moved to Friday night over October & November for live television coverage.

Motherwell’s game with Aberdeen at Pittodrie, originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 25th October, will now go ahead on Friday 24th (7.45pm KO).

The away trip to St Johnstone, originally penciled in for Saturday 1st November, will now be played on Friday 31st October (7.45pm KO).

And finally, the home match against Dundee United, which was due to take place on Saturday 8th November, will now happen on Friday 7th November (7.45pm KO).

All games will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

>> Updated Fixture List

The MFC Community Trust have launched a Girls Performance Centre designed to increase participation in football for girls and women between the ages of 7 and 17 and develop the elite players of the future.

The Girls Performance Centre will provide a professional framework to develop female players by employing a long-term player development model which will transition the player through key stages in their career.

The Centre will also deliver a wide range of other functions including player welfare, physiotherapy, injury clinics, sports science, sports psychology, performance analysis, diet and nutrition, player recruitment, player profiling and progression.

The Centre will be based in Fir Park Stadium providing access to state of the art 3G pitches, sports barn, cardio room, fitness room and classrooms.

Uniquely the Under-9 and Under-11 squads will travel to Fir Park after school to use the Learning Centre where a tutor will provide support for homework assignments before training sessions. Under 13 and Under 17 squads will also be in place by the new season starting in March 2015 as they complete the player pathway.

Charlie Bennett, General Manager of the Community Trust commented: “At Motherwell FC we feel everyone should have the same opportunities to take part in football regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl. In the last year we have established a ladies team and attracted some fantastic players to Fir Park including Ami Bulloch, Pamela Liddell, Toni Mason, and Ainsley Douglas who have all represented Scotland at various levels.

“We’re using these players as role models to inspire young girls to play football and attract them to our setup.

“In addition our Under-15’s team has been promoted to the Performance League and five players are training with the Scottish FA’s regional development squad and indeed Alise Stewart has just been called up to a National Camp.

“We have tried to incorporate best practice from across Europe into the Centre and are very confident we will provide a supportive but challenging environment for female footballers. So for any young girl with ambitions we feel Motherwell Football Club is a very attractive proposition for them.”

Anna Signeul, the Scottish Women’s National National Coach visited Fir Park on Wednesday and added: “This is a great initiative from Motherwell, and one that I am delighted to support.

“The fact the Centre will cater for both grassroots and elite players is a very interesting concept, which should benefit girls across the community, whether they are starting out at participation level, or progressing to the top end of the game.

“Engaging current and former players to act as role models to inspire young players is key, and I am very keen to see how the Performance Centre develops in coming years.”

Linda Gibson has been appointed Performance Centre Manager whilst Ainsley Douglas will be responsible for the Technical Development of players within the Centre. Other senior players from the Ladies team will also be involved in a variety of coaching and support roles.

If you would like more information on our innovative Girls Performance Centre please call us the Community Trust 01698 239926 or email them at community@motherwellfc.co.uk.