Hibs star Joelle Murray: Broadcasting bumper Glasgow City clash is an important step on journey to fully professional women’s football league in Scotland
04 November 2021
Hibernian defender says fully professional league in Scotland would increase competition
SWPL1 clash between Hibernian Women FC and Glasgow City FC to be streamed live on sports video platform Recast this Sunday,November 7
Recast gives fans access to content while generating funds for clubs
This weekend’s SWPL1 clash between Hibernian Women FC and Glasgow City FC, which will be shown on revolutionary sports video platform Recast, will put the spotlight on the game when leaps are being taken towards reaching the goal of professional women's football in Scotland, according to one of the sport’s biggest names.
Hibernian Women’s captain Joelle Murray believes the match being broadcast is one of many "positive steps" in the game, and said that working towards clubs across the board going full-time is key to driving up standards and competition.
Hibernian Women and Glasgow City have both chosen to join Recast this year, giving fans unprecedented access to exclusive highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes action, in a way that makes money for both clubs.
The two clubs are flying high in this season’s SWPL1 table, with Glasgow City currently in second place and Hibernian Women just five points behind. Supporters of both teams will be able to watch their meeting at the Tony Macaroni Arena this Sunday, which kicks off at 1300, live on Recast - and it is a game Murray believes is massive for both sides.
Murray, 34, who has 48 caps for Scotland, said: “Broadcasting this weekend’s match is one of several positive steps being taken in the game at the moment.
“There are still a lot of different statuses - you've got full time, part time, and still clubs that are amateur - and, for me, the end goal is professionalising the whole league. I think that would enhance the competitiveness.
“We always look forward to and relish the games against Glasgow City. Historically, they have been extremely close, probably edged by one goal. We are going into it on the front foot, on the back of some good results, and we believe in the quality within the squad, so we, as a collective unit, think we can get something out of the game.”
Recast is committed to supporting and promoting women’s sport, and Murray’s Recast channel makes her one of the most popular athletes on the entire platform. She commented: “For Hibs, it is fantastic to have Recast as a partner of the club. The platform itself is amazing – it allows fans who can't attend on the day to still engage and watch the game, so, for me, it is one of the best signings of our season, giving fans a window into all the hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes.”
Andy Meikle, Recast’s CEO and Founder, said: "With Hibs having been one of our earliest adopters and generating fantastic value on Recast, I am delighted Glasgow City will now also reap the benefits of what Recast has to offer.
"Matches between the two are always close and entertaining, and I am certain that fans who will be watching on Recast this Sunday will be treated to another great fixture."
Callum Patterson, Head of Media and Content at Glasgow City, said: "We are delighted that such an important match for our first team will be broadcast live on Recast, bringing what is sure to be a hotly contested game to a wider audience and allowing our fans to see the very best of the action, no matter where they are.
“Partnering with Recast presents our fans with a new way to support us and be at the heart of the club with direct, affordable and flexible access to the content they want to see from the club, allowing them to engage in a fresh and innovative way. This will be the case on Sunday as, although Hibs are broadcasting the match, we will receive a significant percentage of every purchase from our fans, increasing the exposure from the game and giving our supporters another way to back us."
As a result of being on the Recast platform, Hibernian Women and Glasgow City can both easily take advantage of this revenue stream, sharing earnings immediately and flexibly, while fans are rewarded for their engagement on the non-subscription app. Fans can subsidise the cost of the content they want to watch by signing up, watching adverts, sharing content and inviting friends, with viewing turning into revenue for the clubs and sports they love.
Hibernian Women FC v Glasgow City FC kicks off at 1300 on Sunday, November 7. Supporters can tune in for 500 Cast Credits (or £5 for the full match) live on the Hibernian FC Recast Channel, which can be found here
Glasgow City fans can watch, share and support their club here
