Julie Fleeting
Encyclopedia
Julie Fleeting MBE
(born 18 December 1980), whose married name is Julie Stewart, is a Scottish international
footballer who currently plays as a striker for Arsenal Ladies
in the FA WSL. She wears the number 10 shirt.
According to the Scottish Football Association
, Fleeting has a record of 116 goals and 120 caps for Scotland. She was awarded an MBE
in the June 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours
list. She has also represented Scotland in the sport of basketball
.
Director of Football Development Jim Fleeting
. She also taught Physical Education in St. Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire and Charleston Academy, Inverness. She is married to Morton
goalkeeper Colin Stewart
. In 2007 she was named as Scotland's Sports Personality of the Year. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours. She was given the MBE medal in November that year in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
hosted by Prince Charles. On 23 December 2008, Fleeting announced she was pregnant with her first child and ruled herself out for the season. In June 2009, she was inducted in to the University of Edinburgh's Sports Hall of Fame. She gave birth to a daughter, Ella, on 27 July 2009.
, and the Sunday Mail
newspaper was already describing Fleeting as: "the most gifted young footballer in Scotland."
playing for the San Diego Spirit
.
for Arsenal in their 2005 FA Cup Final win over Charlton Athletic Ladies
, just a day after suffering a shin injury while playing for Scotland
. In 2005–06 Fleeting hit a total of 17 goals in 15 appearances for Arsenal, before spending summer 2006 on loan in Iceland
with Valur
. She netted four times in three games for Valur before returning to the UK.
debut, aged 15, against Wales
at Somerset Park
in November 1996. In January 1997 Fleeting was part of a youthful Scotland squad who toured Brazil
; suffering 5–0, 6–0 and 7–1 defeats to their hosts. When Scotland played an Auld Enemy
fixture in August 1997 it was reported that the Scots had been "pinning their hopes of an upset" on the teenaged Fleeting.
Fleeting represented Scotland in the 1999 World Cup qualifiers. In May 1998 she scored twice in a 7–0 win over Estonia
at Somerset Park, then headed the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic
in Inverness
. With Scotland competing at the B level of UEFA
competition—and ineligible to qualify—they needed a final win over Lithuania
and a 16–goal swing to overhaul the Czech Republic and win the group. Fleeting hit four goals, including a decisive injury time header, as Scotland won 17–0 to top the group and secure a play–off against Spain
for promotion to the A grade. She was unable to make an impression as Spain consigned the Scots (coached by Julie's father Jim) to further participation at B level.
In September 2000 Fleeting scored 16 goals in one match; a 27–0 win over the Isle of Man in the Celt Cup, a quadrangular tournament held in Carryduff
and also featuring Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland
. She continued to score at a prolific rate during the 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
campaign, scoring one and setting–up the others as Ireland were beaten 3–0 at Broadwood
in the opening fixture. She added two more in the return match in Dublin, another 3–0 win. Fleeting also netted twice in a fractious 4–1 win over Croatia
at Forthbank Stadium
.
described Fleeting as "very strong and an extremely good header of the ball."
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
(born 18 December 1980), whose married name is Julie Stewart, is a Scottish international
Scotland women's national football team
The Scotland women's national football team represents Scotland in international women's football. They have yet to qualify for the final stages of the World Cup or European Championships and are currently ranked 23rd in the world and 14th in Europe....
footballer who currently plays as a striker for Arsenal Ladies
Arsenal L.F.C.
Arsenal Ladies Football Club are an English women's association football club affiliated with Arsenal F.C.. Founded in 1987, they are the most successful club in English women's football having won 34 major trophies to date; which are 12 FA Women's Premier League titles, 11 FA Women's Cups, ten...
in the FA WSL. She wears the number 10 shirt.
According to the Scottish Football Association
Scottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
, Fleeting has a record of 116 goals and 120 caps for Scotland. She was awarded an MBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
in the June 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours
Queen's Birthday Honours
The Queen's Birthday Honours is a part of the British honours system, being a civic occasion on the celebration of the Queen's Official Birthday in which new members of most Commonwealth Realms honours are named. The awards are presented by the reigning monarch or head of state, currently Queen...
list. She has also represented Scotland in the sport of basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
.
Personal life
Fleeting is the daughter of current Scottish Football AssociationScottish Football Association
The Scottish Football Association is the governing body of football in Scotland and has the ultimate responsibility for the control and development of football in Scotland. Members of the SFA include clubs in Scotland, affiliated national associations as well as local associations...
Director of Football Development Jim Fleeting
Jim Fleeting (football)
James Taylor "Jim" Fleeting is a former Scottish footballer and manager.Fleeting began his professional career with Norwich City, making only one appearance before joining Ayr United, where he stayed for six years. He went on to have play for Clyde and Greenock Morton , before joining Clyde again...
. She also taught Physical Education in St. Matthew's Academy in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire and Charleston Academy, Inverness. She is married to Morton
Greenock Morton F.C.
Greenock Morton Football Club are a Scottish professional football club, who currently play in the Scottish Football League First Division. The club was founded as Morton Football Club in 1874, making it one of the oldest senior Scottish clubs....
goalkeeper Colin Stewart
Colin Stewart (footballer)
Colin James Stewart is an English-born Scottish professional footballer, who currently is registered with Scottish First Division side Greenock Morton....
. In 2007 she was named as Scotland's Sports Personality of the Year. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours. She was given the MBE medal in November that year in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
hosted by Prince Charles. On 23 December 2008, Fleeting announced she was pregnant with her first child and ruled herself out for the season. In June 2009, she was inducted in to the University of Edinburgh's Sports Hall of Fame. She gave birth to a daughter, Ella, on 27 July 2009.
Early career
Fleeting began her football career aged nine with Cunninghame Boys Under–10s. She joined Prestwick Girls when SFA rules barred her from mixed football at age 12. In April 1995, Fleeting scored twice as Prestwick beat Cumbernauld Cosmos 7–5 in the final of the Under–16 Scottish Cup. The following season Prestwick came under the auspices of Ayr UnitedAyr United F.C.
Ayr United Football Club are a Scottish association football team based in Ayr, South Ayrshire, that plays in the First Division of the Scottish Football League. Formed in 1910 after the merger of former clubs Ayr Parkhouse F.C. and Ayr F.C...
, and the Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail (Scotland)
The Sunday Mail is a Scottish tabloid newspaper published every Sunday. It is the sister paper of the Daily Record and is owned by Trinity Mirror and as such has a left-wing outlook which in turn tends to guide Scottish political debate in that direction.The Sunday Mail is read by over one million...
newspaper was already describing Fleeting as: "the most gifted young footballer in Scotland."
United States
Fleeting had a spell in the now defunct WUSAWomen's United Soccer Association
The Women's United Soccer Association, often abbreviated to the WUSA, was the world's first women's soccer league in which all the players were paid as professionals. Founded in February 2000, the league began its first season in April 2001 with eight teams in the United States...
playing for the San Diego Spirit
San Diego Spirit
The San Diego Spirit was a professional soccer team that played in the Women's United Soccer Association. The team played at Torero Stadium on the campus of the University of San Diego in San Diego, California. The team began play in 2001...
.
Arsenal
Fleeting scored a hat-trickHat-trick
A hat-trick or hat trick in sport is the achievement of a positive feat three times during a game, or other achievements based on threes. The term was first used in 1858 in cricket to describe HH Stephenson's feat of taking three wickets in three balls. A collection was held for Stephenson, and he...
for Arsenal in their 2005 FA Cup Final win over Charlton Athletic Ladies
Charlton Athletic L.F.C.
Charlton Athletic Women's Football Club play in the FA Women's Premier League National Division in England. Between 2000, the year it was founded from Croydon Women's F.C. and 2007, Charlton had one of the most successful women's teams in England...
, just a day after suffering a shin injury while playing for Scotland
Scotland women's national football team
The Scotland women's national football team represents Scotland in international women's football. They have yet to qualify for the final stages of the World Cup or European Championships and are currently ranked 23rd in the world and 14th in Europe....
. In 2005–06 Fleeting hit a total of 17 goals in 15 appearances for Arsenal, before spending summer 2006 on loan in Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
with Valur
Valur
Knattspyrnufélagið Valur is an Icelandic athletic club based in Reykjavík, Iceland. One of Iceland's most prolific clubs it celebrates its 100th birthday in 2011. The club is situated close to the city centre, in the traditional east side of town, at the old farmgrounds of Hlíðarendi...
. She netted four times in three games for Valur before returning to the UK.
International career
Fleeting was called up to the national under–16 team at the age of 14. She made her senior ScotlandScotland women's national football team
The Scotland women's national football team represents Scotland in international women's football. They have yet to qualify for the final stages of the World Cup or European Championships and are currently ranked 23rd in the world and 14th in Europe....
debut, aged 15, against Wales
Wales women's national football team
The Wales women's national football team team represents Wales in international women's football. They have yet to qualify for the final stages of the World Cup or European Championships and are currently ranked 47th in the world and 27th in Europe...
at Somerset Park
Somerset Park
Somerset Park is a football stadium located in Ayr, South Ayrshire, Scotland.It has been the home of Ayr United since they were founded in 1910. Prior to that, it was the home ground of Ayr F.C.. It currently has a capacity of 10,185 of which 1,597 is seated, making it one of the largest capacity...
in November 1996. In January 1997 Fleeting was part of a youthful Scotland squad who toured Brazil
Brazil women's national football team
The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States....
; suffering 5–0, 6–0 and 7–1 defeats to their hosts. When Scotland played an Auld Enemy
England and Scotland football rivalry
The England–Scotland football rivalry is a highly competitive sports rivalry that exists between their respective national football teams. It is the oldest international fixture in the world, first played in 1872 at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow...
fixture in August 1997 it was reported that the Scots had been "pinning their hopes of an upset" on the teenaged Fleeting.
Fleeting represented Scotland in the 1999 World Cup qualifiers. In May 1998 she scored twice in a 7–0 win over Estonia
Estonia women's national football team
The Estonia women's national team is controlled by the Estonian Football Association. The team is composed of players from the domestic league.-World Cup record:-European Championship record:*1984 to 1991 – Did not enter, was part of Soviet Union...
at Somerset Park, then headed the equalising goal in a 1–1 draw with the Czech Republic
Czech Republic women's national football team
The Czech Republic women's national football team are the official football women's team for the Czech Republic, they are currently ranked 26th in the world . At the moment, the captain of the team is Eva Šmeralová, who plays for Sparta Prague....
in Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
. With Scotland competing at the B level of UEFA
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
competition—and ineligible to qualify—they needed a final win over Lithuania
Lithuania women's national football team
Lithuania women's national football team represent Lithuania in international football.-World Cup record:- Team:*Indrė Venskevičiūtė*Marija Stasiulytė*Simona Labunskaitė*Viktorija Budrytė*Oksana Imanalijeva*Rasa Imanalijeva*Rita Mažukėlytė...
and a 16–goal swing to overhaul the Czech Republic and win the group. Fleeting hit four goals, including a decisive injury time header, as Scotland won 17–0 to top the group and secure a play–off against Spain
Spain women's national football team
The Spain women's national football team represents Spain in international women's football.-World Cup record:- Olympic Games record :- European Championship record :- U-20 :- U-19 :- U-18 :- U-17 :- Current squad :...
for promotion to the A grade. She was unable to make an impression as Spain consigned the Scots (coached by Julie's father Jim) to further participation at B level.
In September 2000 Fleeting scored 16 goals in one match; a 27–0 win over the Isle of Man in the Celt Cup, a quadrangular tournament held in Carryduff
Carryduff
Carryduff is a small town and townland in County Down, Northern Ireland, about south of Belfast city centre. It had a population of 6,595 people in the 2001 Census....
and also featuring Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland women's national football team
The Northern Ireland women's national football team represents Northern Ireland in international women's football.-World Cup record:-Current squad:Northern Ireland squad for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers versus France on 27 and 31 March 2010...
and the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland women's national football team
The Republic of Ireland women's national football team, selects players from both the 350 Women's Football Association of Ireland teams, in 21 affiliate leagues throughout the nation, and the international women's football community. The WFAI was founded in 1973...
. She continued to score at a prolific rate during the 2001 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
2001 UEFA Women's Championship qualification
The qualification for the UEFA Women's Euro 2001 was held between August 21, 1999 & November 28, 2000. The first-placed of the group stage qualified directly...
campaign, scoring one and setting–up the others as Ireland were beaten 3–0 at Broadwood
Broadwood Stadium
Broadwood Stadium, also referred to as simply Broadwood, is a football stadium and multi-use community sports complex situated in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The stadium was opened in 1994 and since then has been the home venue of Scottish Third Division side, Clyde F.C....
in the opening fixture. She added two more in the return match in Dublin, another 3–0 win. Fleeting also netted twice in a fractious 4–1 win over Croatia
Croatia women's national football team
The Croatia women's national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country.-World Cup record:...
at Forthbank Stadium
Forthbank Stadium
Forthbank Stadium is a football stadium in Stirling, Scotland. It is the home ground of Stirling Albion. The stadium has a capacity of 3,808. The pitch size is 110 x 74 yards....
.
Playing style
Former Scotland coach Vera PauwVera Pauw
Vera Pauw is a Dutch football coach and former player.-Playing career:Pauw played 89 international matches for the Netherlands, but never qualified for the final tournament of a World Cup or European Championship...
described Fleeting as "very strong and an extremely good header of the ball."