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Chamber and committees

Baljaffray Football Club's Lauren Cole Wins Best Scottish FA Grassroots Referee 2025

  • Submitted by: Rona Mackay, Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Wednesday, 08 October 2025
  • Motion type: Standard Motion
  • Motion reference: S6M-19282

That the Parliament congratulates Lauren Cole on winning the Best Grassroots Referee at the 2025 Scottish FA Grassroots Football Awards; applauds 22-year-old Lauren’s commitment and dedication as the first female referee at Baljaffray Football Club in Bearsden; commends the encouragement and opportunities provided by Baljaffray Football Club for almost 30 years to nurture and develop emerging talent of this calibre, removing potential gender barriers to enable young people to thrive and reach their potential in an otherwise male-dominated field; notes that Lauren has been officiating at matches for four years, after her talent was recognised as a school pupil, leading to the undertaking of rigorous training; sends the warmest of wishes to Lauren’s family for their unwavering support in enabling Lauren to push through barriers to become a recognised role model in football and youth development; understands that Lauren’s experience spans local league matches, school tournaments and high profile cup finals, including invitations to officiate at several prestigious fixtures in 2025; delights that the annual Scottish FA Grassroots Awards recognise the valuable contributions of grassroots clubs, coaches, referees and volunteers in developing talent in local communities across Scotland through the altruistic support of emerging players and officials; thanks McDonalds for its sponsorship and the Sunday Mail for its presentation of the 2025 Awards at Hampden Park on 12 October 2025, and wishes all at Baljaffray Football Club continued enjoyment, fulfilment and success during their regular fitness and training sessions at Thorn Park in Bearsden and ongoing fixtures in the constituency of Strathkelvin and Bearsden and beyond.


Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Bob Doris, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Clare Haughey, Bill Kidd, Paul McLennan, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Evelyn Tweed, Annie Wells