Julie Fleeting MBE

Scotland’s record goalscorer was a trailblazer and brilliant ambassador for women’s football in Scotland throughout a glittering career.

Julie began her football career with Prestwick Girls which later became Ayr United Ladies, where she would go on to win the Scottish Women’s League title. Her performances at club level earned her a senior international debut at the age of 15. She was named Scotland captain in 2001 and would captain her country for eight years. The forward’s 116 international goals is the most of any Scottish player, scored in 121 appearances.

In 2002 Julie signed for San Diego Spirit and became the first Scot to play as a full-time professional in the Women’s United Soccer Association. Another big move was to follow when she signed for Arsenal in 2004. She became a key part of a dominant Arsenal side, winning 17 major trophies in her nine years in North London, including the UEFA Women’s Cup (now known as the UEFA Women’s Champions League), seven consecutive league titles and five FA Women’s Cups.

Short spells at Valur in Iceland, Kilwinning Ladies, Celtic Ladies and Glasgow City brought down the curtain on a storied club career. Her sporting talent wasn’t limited to football, Julie also represented Scotland at basketball.