Since signing for Forfar Athletic in 2008, Ross Campbell has regularly found himself in amongst the goals, averaging ten a season. However during the day Ross’ goals are of a different nature as he heads up the Sports Programme at Herriot Watt University in Edinburgh.

Herriot Watt was one of the three Edinburgh educational institutions who contributed to the roll out of the countries first Regional Performance Centre for Girls and Womens footballers. The Scottish FA’s Women's Performance Centre structure provides players with the opportunity to combine football with their academic studies, and from this link the Loons hitman has been afforded a considerable exposure to the female game.

Picture: Chris Couts, Forfar Athletic FC

“The Women’ game in Scotland has continued to grow, and that can only be a positive sign” he explains. “Day to day I hear more and more people talking about the Women’s game, and whilst there are still some challenges to overcome in terms of mindsets, I think that it is a good sign that these discussions are taking place.”

As a partner in the South East Regional Performance Centre, Herriot Watt has supported the development of a number of talented female footballers – the most noteworthy being Scottish Internationalist Hayley Lauder – and for Ross such achievements are just rewards for the efforts of the players themselves.

“The commitment that the players in the programme show exceeds that required of part time players in the men’s game, which is not only a credit to the players themselves but also the coaches, parents and volunteers. Hopefully the investment being made into the competitive structure, national and regional centres / programmes at all levels of the game will allow any individual, whether male or female, elite or beginner, with the opportunity to participate at a level of football that’s enjoyable”

Looking closer to home Ross is equally enthusiastic about the fledgling partnership between Farmington and Athletic, with potential benefits for all parties involved. “Any partnership which is developed with open minds around the table can only be a positive one” he says. “Working together can bring further investment through sponsorship, increase exposure or as we see from Station Park now; improve facilities. Coaches and Volunteers could be shared also and I’m really looking forward to seeing both clubs grow together in the future.”

Ross is no stranger to playing on synthetic surfaces however, having had a spell with Spartans prior to signings for the Loons, and with a few weeks experience of the new Station Park surface, Ross is confident that both 1st teams will be playing on the best surface available. “I’ve always said the surfaces at Airdrie and Spartans were the best I’d played on, however I understand ours is a slightly newer version of those so I think we have one of the best now.”

“On behalf of the rest of the Forfar Athletic players we like to wish the Farmington players every success for Sunday's match against Hibs and for the remainder of the season”