The structure of Football in Scotland

The Scottish FA is the national body for football in Scotland with responsibility for its overall governance. It exists to promote, foster and develop the game across all levels. The Scottish FA aims to support the grassroots game by providing players, coaches and volunteers with access to football regardless of ability, sex, race or gender. At the elite level it has responsibility for the operation of the Scotland national football teams and the Scottish Cup competition.

The Scottish Professional Football League is responsible for senior league football within the men’s game in Scotland. It has 42 member clubs playing in four divisions and runs two senior cup competitions - the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Challenge Cup. The senior non-league football structure in Scotland includes the Highland Football League, Lowland Football League, East of Scotland Football League, South of Scotland Football League and North Caledonian Football League.

Scottish Women’s Football has responsibility for women’s and girl’s football in Scotland and manages the following competitions; the Scottish Women’s Cup, Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 and 2, SWPL Cup, Scottish Women’s Football League, SWFL Cup, as well as numerous national and regional competitions aimed at youth level.

Junior football, which is a semi-professional grade for men, is governed by the Scottish Junior FA and the winners of the Scottish Junior Cup and principal regional leagues qualify to compete with senior clubs in the Scottish Cup competition. The Scottish Amateur FA is the governing body for men’s recreational football. Additional national organisations affiliated to the Scottish FA include the Scottish Schools FA, Scottish Youth FA and Scottish Welfare FA.