Thanks to the success of Montrose FC’s Womens team, which plays in the top league in Scotland, the club has been a member of what was the European Club Association (ECA), now renamed European Football Clubs (EFC) for the past 2 years.

The organisation represents top tier clubs all over Europe and membership now exceeds 800 clubs. The EFC provides a long list of services to members including educational visits to other member clubs, a legal advice helpline and crucially for MFC Women, lobbies UEFA in relation to the solidarity payments that are made to top tier clubs not participating in European competition.

The EFC hosts many top-class events during the season, including Club Connect, which now has a dedicated Women’s focus group, and runs a series of Academy visits to some high-profile clubs like Atletico Madrid, Brighton and Paris St Germain. MFC Academy Lead, David Burns, had the pleasure of visiting Madrid and Brighton last season and this season’s list of events looks equally impressive.

MFCW Director of Football, Barry O’Neill, represented the club at the ECA’s General Assembly in Athens last October where Gareth Southgate was the keynote speaker and Associate Director, Tracy Park was at this year’s EFC General Assembly in Rome to fly the flag for Montrose FC.

Commenting on the benefits of our membership, Barry said “The sheer scale of the organisation is astonishing. Being at a conference with over 700 fellow football administrators and Executives is so valuable in terms of sharing best practice and ideas.

“I’ve had the privilege of spending time with some of the most experienced people in their field, and that’s invaluable for a small club like Montrose. The Women’s football themed Conference in Prague in March this year was particularly enlightening, getting to spend time with great people from the likes of Hibs, Brighton and Manchester City.

“The EFC is a power for good for all European clubs and we are very fortunate to be members.”