I had brain fog, night sweats .. I’d lost zest for life and feared I’d gone bonkers .. then I got my mojo back thanks to help group

in their bodies – the common symptoms of menopause and, crucially, offered coping strategies to combat the most crippling effects.

Norma added: “I learned that I wasn’t going bonkers, my hormones were. I was in perimenopause and it was a lack of oestrogen that was causing all these changes in my body.

“I learned breathing work, exercise and drinking eight glasses of water a day would all make me feel much better.

“I also joined the foundation’s football fans in training boot camp which has been great for my mental health and my symptoms. I feel much stronger, am sleeping better and feeling less isolated.”

She added: “I’m now determined to reach out to others and give them the help they need, I know that Menopause Goals works so I am really excited to get started with this next group. If I can help even one person get through this second season in life then I’ll be delighted.”

Norma is one of several who are taking part in a training event on March 19-20. They will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to deliver the programme at football clubs across Scotland.

It comes after the St Mirren pilot – analysed by academics at the University of Glasgow – was found to have reduced the symptoms of menopause in participants by more than 10 per cent.

With such impressive outcomes, the project has since attracted the attention of national organisations as well as UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).

Corrie Campbell, football social responsibility officer for the SFA, is now at the forefront of the mission to roll Menopause Goals out to clubs across Scotland. She believes that clubs, many of which are situated at the heart of their communities, are perfectly positioned to deliver the life-changing initiative.

She said: “Looking ahead to Menopause Goals, the objective is to leverage football’s influence to educate communities on a topic often deemed taboo but affecting 50 per cent of the population.

“This innovative resource aims to educate and empower volunteers and staff within football across Scotland, providing them with tools and knowledge to support women gradually.

“By applying their learning in manageable steps, women can reduce symptoms, boost confidence to communicate with health professionals, and articulate their needs effectively.”

Inspiration to launch the pilot came from women already taking part in the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation’s community programmes. Those participating in boot camps, employability initiatives and mental health programmes had increasingly been talking about the devastating effect the menopause was having on their physical and mental health and how the often crippling symptoms were impacting on every area of their lives.

Gayle said: “We are proud to see so many other clubs in the SPFL adopting Menopause Goals – Celebrating the Second Half. We have seen first hand the difference this programme can make for women in what can be a really overwhelming time in their lives.

“To see it rolled out across the country is a real testament to the hard work of everyone involved as well as the pioneering women who were open and honest and threw themselves whole heartedly into the programme. We at St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation are also looking forward to running our second course which we hope will start in April.”