Sutherland footballer speaks of her pride being nominated for Highlands and Islands League player of the season
RACHAEL Sutherland has been involved with Sutherland Football Club since day one and has experienced all the highs and lows since it was established six years ago.
The centre midfielder from Golspie has been nominated by the club as their nomination for the SWF Highlands and Islands Player of the Year award.
She played a huge part in the club reaching the Highlands and Islands League Cup final where they finished as runners-up to Shetland last month.
She was also a present figure in the 2025 Highlands and Islands League season where the club finished in fifth place.
While being modest about her nomination, Sutherland (32) is proud to be recognised by her fellow players who she says all make a huge contribution to the team.
She said: “Being nominated for this award by the club has come as a bit of a surprise.
“I feel everyone does their bit to make the club run the way it does, but it also makes me proud.”
Sutherland has played football since a child, playing when she was at school and also played at Ross County and in the Aberdeen area.
However, when she left school, she found there was little opportunities to play football in the area until Sutherland Football Club was formed. She says the club and her fellow players have become a major part of her life.
She said: “The past six years has been amazing for me and the club has become my family.
“When I left school there was no opportunity in the Highlands unless I went further south, and that didn't fit in with my apprenticeship.
“I hated not playing, so when Siobhan Macbeth contacted me about arranging a Thursday night kick about I was delighted. So much so, I even changed my late night opening at my work so I could go.
“The highs have been the people I have met through the club, of all ages and how well we have done over the years as a team.
“And the lows would have to be when people have to move on from the team or the game, whether that be for family, work commitments or simply hanging up the boots. They are very much missed after seeing them regularly for so long. It was a joy being back playing the sport I love.”
Sutherland is one of the original squad members of the club that was formed in 2020 and made their debut season in 2021.
She says her proudest achievement was winning the Highland and Islands League Cup final in 2021 when they defeated Clachnacuddin 3-2 in the final at Station Park in Nairn.
As well as playing football, Sutherland runs a hair and beauty salon in Dornoch and is also a mother of three daughters, Sunny (11) Lacey (8) and Peyton (2).
She says they, as well as her husband Paul, have all encouraged her during her football career and are proud of what she has achieved.
She also says her daughters are all keen to follow in her footsteps.
She said: “My eldest plays football with Ross County, training twice a week, in Invergordon and Alness. My middle girl plays on Thursdays with our club juniors but also likes dancing.
“All three of my girls come to every single game. No matter where it is they are there, cheering the team on with the other players’ kids.
“My family makes this possible, mainly my mum, and I love them for it. My husband has always encouraged me to play and this helps. Life is crazy busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.”
This season, Sutherland was appointed as club chairwoman and is also playing a part in finding future stars by helping out coaching their junior section.
She says it is important youngsters feel they have a chance to get involved in football and know there is an opportunity to progress their careers in the future.
She said: “I feel this is really important to have for the future of the club, especially being in a rural area. The growth of women's football in this area has improved a lot since I was a teen.
“The fact girls can play in a league as a teen in this area now is amazing and it's important we continue to help improve its growth further.”