City of Glasgow College is celebrating the women making a difference in sport, fitness and sports therapy, recognising their expertise, industry experience and commitment to developing the next generation of sporting professionals.
To mark Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2026, the College is shining a spotlight on the female lecturers and leaders within its Faculty of Hospitality and Leisure who are helping shape the future of the sports industry.
Bringing together decades of experience across coaching, sports development, rehabilitation and health and fitness, these women combine academic knowledge with real-world industry expertise to prepare students for successful careers in sport and leisure.
In the Sports Coaching and Development department, Curriculum Head Elspeth McCallum has dedicated 32 years to education and the sports sector. With extensive experience in strategic leadership, curriculum development and coach education, Elspeth plays a key role in ensuring students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to progress within the industry.
Fellow Sports Coaching lecturer Donna Guthrie brings practical coaching experience and expertise in sports psychology, human physiology and athlete development into the classroom. Alongside supporting students in their studies, Donna maintains strong industry links, including with Challenger Sports, which provides opportunities for soccer coaches to gain experience at summer camps in the USA and Canada. She also volunteers with Inspire Gymnastics Club as a mentor and qualified Safeguarding Officer.
Bridget Mathieson-McLaughlin, a lecturer in Sport, Health, Fitness and Exercise, has more than 32 years of experience spanning sports development, grassroots sport, public sector leisure management and international youth sport. Her career has included representing Scotland on the International Sport and Culture Association's Youth Committee and serving as Vice Chair of the Scottish Sports Development Working Group. Passionate about mentoring and developing future leaders, Bridget was also selected for the prestigious Scottish Women in Sport Leadership Mentoring Programme.
Within Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation, lecturer Sharon Forsyth brings expertise across sports coaching, clinical sports massage, injury management and rehabilitation. Her experience spans both academic teaching and practical coaching, with a particular focus on helping students understand the importance of safe athletic development and injury prevention. Sharon has also run her own gymnastics club for 37 years and holds a Level 3 safeguarding qualification, having been among the first to undertake safeguarding training in Scotland.
Lecturer and clinical physiotherapist Julie T. brings more than 25 years of experience working with professional and semi-professional sports teams. Having worked across football, triathlon, athletics, cycling and basketball, Julie has extensive experience in sports injury assessment, rehabilitation and athlete development. She was also part of the medical team supporting the athletics events at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games at Hampden Park. At the College, she shares this clinical expertise with students studying across the BSc (Hons) Sports Rehabilitation programme, delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University, and other sports qualifications.
In Health and Fitness, lecturer Laura Hamilton helps students develop the practical skills and professional standards needed to succeed in the fitness industry. With expertise in fitness instruction, group exercise and client management, Laura brings an industry-focused approach to teaching, preparing students to deliver safe, effective and engaging fitness sessions and coaching programmes.
Together, these women demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available across the sports and fitness industries and the important role women play in shaping their future.
Through their teaching, professional experience and commitment to mentoring, they are helping students build successful careers while encouraging more women to take on leadership, coaching and specialist roles across Scotland's sporting landscape.
Their stories highlight the importance of visibility, representation and strong role models in inspiring the next generation to find their place in sport.