‘First Lady of Football’ puts her memories down in print
She is best known for being a youth football organiser, Cubs and Scout leader and popular with Stirling Albion players past and present.
Now after recently celebrating her 90th birthday, Ina Shaw has added another string to her bow - that of author.
Known to all as just“Mrs Shaw”, she has compiled a booklet outlining her life and times, helped by friend Tricia Chillas, featuring photos and memories involving many of her Scouting and footballing acquaintances.
Back in October, friends, officials and supporters of Stirling Albion helped her celebrate her 90th birthday with the club hosting a special reception attended by a number of former players.
Mrs Shaw, who collected the MBE from the Queen in 2007 for her work as Stirling Albion’s youth football organiser, heard messages from ex-players, many of which feature in the booklet.
Former skipper Ross Forsyth wrote: “Over my 10 years at the club she was an integral part of the make-up of the club and as many have already said she helped make the club a special place.
“From writing you a letter, to giving you some encouraging comments after a difficult game. She was always positive, had a smile on her face and took a personal interest in you and your family.
“One of my best memories is after one of the first games, we were upstairs in the lounge and I hadn’t met her before then but she came right up to me, no introduction and started giving me feedback on my positional sense and that I should have done better at the goal!”
As well as her work at Albion, Mrs Shaw is well-known for her involvement with Cubs and Scouts and the former boys’ team, Beechwood All Whites. When she received her MBE, she said:“When people win awards like this they always say they are receiving it for other people. I wouldn’t have got one if I hadn’t had as much help in the Cubs, at Beechwood All Whites and at Stirling Albion and I would like to thank them all.”
“Mrs”Shaw - A Journey with the First Lady of Football is free but there is a suggested donation of £2 which will go to the Guide Hut refurbishment project. Copies are available from Kings Park Coffee Pavilion, Stirling Golf Club or directly from Mrs Shaw at forthcoming Stirling Albion‘s home games.