Women in Sport

Issue 10 Spring 2013 the magazine of sportscotland

WOMEN IN SPORT The big picture Gender inequality in sport Toni MinichIello On coaching Britain’s most iconic female athlete GO SCOTLAND! Getting the nation behind the team for Glasgow 2014 CONTENTS WELCOME 4 6

to support the view most of us will have instinctively – that despite years of positive action to address the issue, we still have a “85% of female athletes 12 way to go before there is genuine equality surveyed felt that there for women in sport. was not enough media As the Chief Executive of the national

coverage of their sport.” agency of sport, that’s a situation I’m determined to improve. And as the father of a daughter who has a With just 14 months left until the burgeoning love for sport, it has an Games, it’s only right that we’re also added personal relevance for me. heavily focusing on preparations for 16 Glasgow 2014. Investing in young people as leaders in their communities can play a key role At sportscotland we are firmly in progressing opportunities for women in delivery mode. As well as the 16 elcome to the in sport. A good example of this is the sporting spectacle of a generation, tenth edition of Young people’s sport panel. Run by Glasgow 2014 is giving us a sportscotland in partnership with Sport First. unique opportunity to accelerate W Young Scot, the panel has benefitted our plans for a world class sporting At the time of writing, the BBC has hugely from the contribution of dynamic system at all levels. just released the results of a survey of young women. British female elite athletes, asking for In addition to updates from both 18 their views on the level of parity between Eight of the 16 panel members are female, Commonwealth Games Scotland and men and women in professional sport. and having worked with these young Glasgow 2014 Ltd, we’re also looking The results make for some pretty women over the last six months, hearing at how a range of sports, including stark reading. their stories and listening to their views, target shooting, bowls and powerlifting, I know that they are incredibly positive role are preparing for Scotland’s Games. Almost 80% of female athletes surveyed models for younger girls in their schools, felt that they were underpaid in colleges and clubs. This engagement will I hope you enjoy the magazine. comparison to men. 85% thought that set a standard for the future. there wasn’t enough media coverage of their sport. Over a third felt they didn’t get Women’s involvement and participation

24 Photography, Alan Richardson Rob Eyton-Jones, Getty Images, David McIntyre, Photo credits: Glasgow 2014 Ltd, Commonwealth Games Scotland, euanb.com enough coaching support, compared to in sport is a theme that runs through this men. Close to half didn’t think they were latest edition of Sport First. As well as treated equally by the governing body examining some of the gaps in equality, of their sport. we’ll also look at a range of projects CONTENTS that are supporting women’s sport, from As you’ll read later in this magazine, recreation right along the pathway to Stewart Harris 2 News round up 12 Game changer 24 The voice of experience there is a great deal of further evidence high performance. Chief Executive, sportscotland Our role in making Glasgow 2014 Curling’s Rhona Martin on achieving 4 The big picture Scotland’s greatest ever Games as both athlete and coach The facts about gender inequality in sport 16 Go Scotland! 26 Saying thank you! 6 Coaching Jessica Commonwealth Games Scotland on The winners of the 2012 Coaching, Toni Minichiello on working getting the nation behind the team Officiating and Volunteering Awards with Jessica Ennis 18 An incredible journey 28 Five hubs 8 Putting women in control Glasgow 2014 on the epic voyage One combined focus sportscotland documents are available in a range of formats and languages. Understanding the female athlete and of the Queen’s Baton Relay Dundee embraces the community Contact us for more information: sport hub concept managing amenorrhoea 20 Focus on science Tel: 0141 534 6500 Fax: 0141 534 6501 Web: www.sportscotland.org.uk 9 Under the media spotlight A scientific approach to better 30 Investing in world Address: Doges, Templeton on the Green, 62 Templeton Street, Glasgow G40 1DA concentration levels Broadcaster Eilidh Barbour on women’s class club sport sport in the media A new suite of support for Scottish 22 Powering onto the sport clubs The sportscotland group is made up of sportscotland and the sportscotland Trust Company (national centres). 10 You won’t just like world stage Working to create stronger female 31 The power and the glory cricket... you’ll love it! footballers Fast-tracking cricket among girls in The Paralympic powerlifting programme in Scotland Perth and Kinross 23 A sense of freestyle How Snowsport Scotland is working 32 Coming on strong to grow participation among women Bowls Scotland gets in shape ahead of Glasgow 2014 www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk www.glenmorelodge.org.uk www.nationalcentreinverclyde.org.uk www.sisport.com

Commonwealth Glasgow 2014, sportscotland teams up with And the winners Sports Development it’s time to FAB to inspire women are in… Conference 2013 Around 60 women gathered at an event Seventeen year old Samantha Kinghorn One of the world’s longest running ‘Celebrate’! was recently selected as the winner conferences on international sports The four Scottish lottery distributors – BIG lottery in March to hear inspiring stories from of the sport category at the 2013 development returns to Glasgow fund, Creative Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund females in leadership positions from Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards. The and the Mitchell Library on Monday across the sporting world. Berwickshire teenager, who tragically 12 and Tuesday 13 August. The 4th and sportscotland – have launched a new small broke her back at 14, has experienced Commonwealth Sports Development grants funding programme called ‘Celebrate’. sportscotland, in partnership with Females Achieving Brilliance (FAB), hosted the amazing success in the sport of Conference programme puts youth first FAB event to be held in Scotland, which was chaired by sports broadcaster Jill wheelchair racing. The fund will allow communities across Scotland to apply for up to £10,000 to organise centre stage and will focus on the Douglas. The line-up of speakers included sportscotland Chair Louise Martin CBE, The awards recognise and celebrate events that celebrate the 2014 Commonwealth Games through arts, heritage, sports, development of a Youth Sport Charter. Louise Scott, co-founder of Tidalfire and arctic explorer, as well as Fiona Campbell, the achievements of young people in community and local celebrations. Celebrate will run until January 2015. co-founder of sport for development charity, Friend of EduSport. This is an invaluable opportunity for sport Scotland, with results announced For more information please visit www.celebrateit.org.uk practitioners, policy makers and various FAB is the network for women who administer sport. It helps women gain inspiration during a star-studded show at the types of funders to come together to from female leaders in sport and business through events. FAB aims to further Clyde Auditorium on 19 April. explore the roles and responsibilities of support Scottish women in sport to develop The sport category, which is sponsored Commonwealth sporting stakeholders Volunteering support fund their confidence and competence to by sportscotland, identifies young, and government agencies in improving The independent charitable grant making body Voluntary Action Fund (VAF) has become great leaders. up-and-coming sporting talent. Of the opportunities for participation and launched two new grant programmes to support third sector organisations, which To stay up to date with the FAB network three fantastic finalists, Samantha was pathways to personal excellence, as aim to increase the diversity of volunteers. While the volunteering support cluster follow @ FAB_Scotland on Twitter selected for her incredible achievements well as looking at how young people will fund and improve opportunities for skills and personal development through over the last year. In her first season, can have greater influence on sports volunteering. The programmes – eligible to organisations with an income under she came second in the London mini policy and decision making. £250,000 – will also help enhance services and improve capacity to deploy, support ‘Winning teams’ gather for institute marathon and has set Scottish records For more information visit and train volunteers. high performance conference over 100m and 200m. www.regonline.co.uk/ The volunteering support grant will provide up to £10,000 to support organisations Her inspiration and determination commonwealthconference2013 improve and develop their capacity to involve volunteers. While the volunteering Over 170 representatives from the institute have also seen her included in the GB or email commonwealthconference@ support cluster will fund an organisation to employ a volunteer co-ordinator or network gathered at this year’s high performance Talent Squad and the scottishathletics firstcityevents.co.uk manager. This person would work across a number of organisations and develop conference to hear informative sessions and Commonwealth Games 2014 volunteering for people experiencing disadvantage. The maximum funding is £30,000. training squad. Further information, for grant-making as well as application forms and guidance, presentations under the theme of ‘winning teams’. For the full list of winners go to is available on the VAF website www.vaf.org.uk The conference, which took place on 27 and 28 March, was an opportunity to www.youngscotawards.co.uk New faces to benefit develop and inspire staff and key partners working in high performance sport in from pro support Scotland. Promote your news, In March, Scottish Golf Support Limited Sporting legends honoured in BBC presenter Hazel Irvine was host for the event, offering an interesting insight jobs and events on (SGSL), the partnership backed by Scottish Sports Hall of Fame into the sporting world through her media background. Rowing’s golden girl the Scottish Government to help the Katherine Grainger was guest speaker, sharing her story from starting out in sport sportscotland. country’s young professionals progress Six of Scotland’s most through to medal success in London. org.uk in their respective careers, announced celebrated sporting Also providing great insight into a successful winning team was the former chair of its support to six players following the If you’re looking to spread the word UK Sport, Baroness Sue Campbell, who described factors that underpinned the success of the programme last year. heroes have become about a job, event or good news story, performance of Team GB in London 2012 and the lessons learned. we can help! Recipients of funding and support the latest inductees include European Tour rookie Scott into the Scottish The new sportscotland website, Henry, Challenge Tour trio Duncan launched late last year, is designed to Stewart, Wallace Booth and Ross Sports Hall of Fame. Talent workshops act as a portal for sport, providing high Kellett, along with Ladies European Archie Gemmill, Being the parent of an quality information from across the Tour (LET) graduate Pamela Pretswell Rhona Martin MBE, aspiring athlete can be sporting landscape. So if you have a and fellow LET card holder Kylie Walker. piece of web content that you’d like Margaret McEleny tough. Giving them the us to promote, please get in touch! Launched in 2010, SGSL was given a £1m investment by sportscotland, over MBE, Ken Scotland, support they need can Send your news, jobs or events to at least five years, to assist Scotland’s Belle Moore and Willie Anderson were recognised be even tougher! [email protected] or most promising young professionals in get in touch with our communications sportscotland institute of sport Talent Manager, Tony Stanger, and Talent Scientist, their transition from the amateur ranks. at a ceremony held at the National Museum of team on 0141 534 6500. Scotland, Edinburgh. Sarah Hood, have set up talent workshops across Scotland to provide information to Each of the six players selected will parents, guardians and coaches to help them develop their child’s sporting potential. receive around £23,000 in direct Congratulating the inductees, Louise Martin CBE, Chair of sportscotland and Tony said: “Our talent workshops are designed to help people better understand funding support this season. The cash the Hall of Fame selection panel, said: “I am delighted to welcome another talent and what you can do or shouldn’t do as a parent to help your child achieve can be used for everything from warm six sporting legends into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame. their goals.” weather training costs to competition “Throughout their careers Archie, Rhona, Margaret, Ken, Belle and Willie have To find out more about the workshops, including when and where they are taking expenses. Players also have access all shown the determination and dedication it takes to succeed in their chosen place over the coming months, visit www.sisport.com/talent to the full range of services from the sports. Each and every inductee is a credit to the country, fully meriting their sportscotland institute of sport. place in the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame.” For more information on the inductees, or to nominate a sporting great, Follow us on twitter for the latest news updates: visit www.sshf.co.uk twitter.com/sportscotland

02 | | 03 WOMEN WOMEN XXXXXXXXXXXXIN SPORT XXXXXXXXXXXXIN SPORT THE BIG PICTURE (QUICK FACTS)

Women make up 52% of the global labour force and own BIG PICTURE only 1% of the world’s wealth. 52% £ It’s a huge step forward, considering that just two year olds. This decline is largely driven by the drop in girls’ $ Thanks to iconic performances ¥ generations ago women weren’t even allowed to activity levels to almost half (36%) that of boys (65%). € from exceptional athletes like compete in the Olympics. The bigger picture, however, Interestingly, when women do manage to take part in sport, is that even in 2013, women have to work harder, with Katherine Grainger, Jessica Ennis they participate for the same reasons as men: fitness, fun and fewer resources, to achieve their ambitions. We take In Scotland’s local authorities, to make friends. However, women are more likely to take part and Nicola Adams, London a look at some of the key facts surrounding gender women make up 22% of in instructional classes (26% female and 18% male) and less inequality in sport. Scotland’s 1,222 local councillors. 2012 was a landmark moment likely to take part in competitions (39% male and 27% female). for women’s sport – arguably This would suggest that, in comparison to men, women 78% Women’s place in the world generally place greater emphasis on personal development 22% the first time that the sporting It’s a fact that women around the world experience life with than performance outcomes. achievements of female athletes less power, less wealth and more work than men. Women make up 52% of the global labour force and own only Media profile received as much recognition as 1% of the world’s wealth. They spend twice as much time For women who are committed participants in sport, they their male team mates. on domestic work as men and, when added to their paid perform in a culture dominated by male role models, male employment, they work longer hours. performance coaches and male leaders. It is a very real Participation in sport has increased challenge for female athletes to attract media attention based Only 13 of the top 500 companies in the world have a woman without any narrowing of inequality. as their CEO. And when it comes to political representation on their sporting performances. Male sports are given 50 and public leadership roles (the judiciary, the civil service) times more coverage in the media than female sports. 2011 similar inequalities exist. Perhaps as a result of this lack of profile, women’s sport 2008 In the UK, 24% of MPs are women and in Scotland women receives only 0.5% of the total UK sports sponsorship market 60% make up 34% of MSPs in the 2011-2016 Scottish Parliament. In (2010/11). However, surveys show that demand for coverage 54% Scotland’s local authorities, women make up 22% of Scotland’s of women’s sport exists with 61% of sports fans saying they 43% 48% 1,222 local councillors. While gaps remain, it is heartening to see would like to see more. Fans’ perceptions of men’s and the progress that has been made in the representation of women women’s sport is also important in supporting more equal in the Scottish Parliament and cabinet. media coverage: 50% of fans perceive that Britain’s standing in women’s sports is improving whereas only 29% perceive Only one in five women (21%) are The most gender equal Games the same to be true of men. members of sport clubs, compared In sport we have progress to celebrate too. London 2012 to one in three men (32%). was hailed as the most gender equal Games in history. Every Women in sports leadership 1 in 5 1 in 3 country participating had at least one female representative. When it comes to sports leadership, sportscotland, along with the national agencies for the other parts of the UK, Given that the presence of women at the first modern Olympic monitor the proportion of women in sports leadership roles. Games was said to be “impractical, uninteresting, unaesthetic and incorrect” this is progress to be celebrated. Although Scotland can be proud of having the highest percentage of women on boards in the UK – a quarter of board However, there were still 30 more medals available to men than At 13-15 years girls’ activity members are female – there is still much work to be done. women, which shows inequality remains. Around the globe the levels drop to almost half (36%) In Scotland, our overall high percentage masks an uneven position of women in sport is a picture of relatively consistent that of boys (65%). distribution of women on boards. Fourteen Scottish governing inequality: fewer participants, a lower profile, less investment bodies of sport (SGBs) have no women on their boards. 65% and fewer leaders.

36% Looking ahead Women’s participation in sport Thankfully the situation is improving year on year and around Sports participation in Scotland has been measured since 2008 the world these gaps are slowly closing. Girls’ activity levels through the Scottish Household Survey. The most recent data in Scotland have increased at a greater level than boys’ (from 2011) shows that men’s participation in sport was 60% and and programmes and events such as Active Girls; Females women’s was 48%. In 2008 the percentage of men participating Achieving Brilliance; women only mass participation events was 54% and women was 43%, suggesting participation overall 50% of fans perceive that Britain’s such as Moon Walk and Race for Life; and the role models we has increased but without any narrowing of inequality. standing in women’s sports is have from recent major Games all point to progress in Scotland. improving whereas only 29% When it comes to club membership, the inequality is equally wide. However, for women who have the same dreams and perceive the same to be true of men. The latest data shows that only one in five women (21%) are ambitions as men to be successful in sport, evidence about members of sport clubs, compared to one in three men (32%). WOMEN women’s lives in general suggests they will have to work MEN Sadly, these inequalities are not confined to adults and appear harder and with fewer resources to achieve their ambitions. from a relatively young age. The number of children meeting That’s an inequality that all of us working in Scottish sport 5 % 29% minimum recommended levels of physical activity peaked for need to continue to address. children at 8-10 years (75%) and declined to 51% for 13-15

04 | | 05 WOMEN WOMEN XXXXXXXXXXXX IN SPORT XXXXXXXXXXXX IN SPORT

Coaching Jessica

Minichiello has been coaching athletics for almost two decades Golden girl Jessica and, after guiding Jessica to the ultimate prize in London, was named Coach of the Year at the UK Coaching Awards in “As a coach you need to try and keep the light burning.” Ennis was the face of November. The amiable coach has known Jessica since she was nine years old and has coached her since she was 12. the Olympic Games last Together with her close family, Toni has been a key part made Jess feel more mature and introduced some more giving us ideas about what foods could help with pain relief of ‘team Jennis’ since the beginning. international travel, which excited her. and inflammation. Then everyone else started adding in bits and pieces from their own disciplines and before long we year. From billboards “Back in the early days Jessica obviously wasn’t a funded “That sense of progression is one of the keys to keeping any young person, boy or girl, involved in performance sport. had turned a very negative situation into a positive one that athlete, so her team consisted of me as a coach, her parents got us back on track for London.” to TV adverts, and and her grandfather. Like many parents of talented young As a coach you need to try and keep the light burning.” athletes, Jess’s folks did an incredible amount for her – they were Having successfully steered Jess through the challenging Four years on from the Beijing disappointment, Jessica went even a 75m image her sponsors, her transport, her nutritionists and her managers. teenage years, Toni then set about moulding his charge into into the London Games not only as a favourite for a gold a world-beater. medal, but also as the face of the entire Games. Despite the painted on the flight “She also had a very savvy grandfather who, in those early enormous pressure on her shoulders, Jess had the Games days, struck a deal with her that for every PB or medal he’d Jessica went into the Beijing Olympic cycle as one of the of her life. Over two days of competition, she set a new give her a few pounds as a reward. It wasn’t long before she favourites for heptathlon gold. But while competing in Austria, British record in front of her home crowd. path to Heathrow was pushing herself to get every little advantage so she could just months before the Games, she started to feel pain in her get a few extra quid in her pocket!” right foot – her take off foot for both the high jump and long “Those two days were the easiest of my career. We went into Airport, there was no the Games one hundred per cent ready to compete, knowing Like many athletes, Jessica faced some tough decisions jump. A scan would later reveal the cause as three stress fractures in her navicular and metatarsal. that we as a team had done everything we could in terms of throughout her teenage years – when friends were out enjoying preparation.” escaping the reach of themselves and having fun, she was working with Toni at her “We had a decision to make at that point – compete in Beijing beloved Don Valley stadium. So when he saw her head start to loaded up with painkillers and risk permanent damage to the Jess is now Britain’s most successful heptathlete, having the Sheffield star. turn, Toni took a structured approach to keeping her interested foot, or treat the injury properly and not compete in China. broken Denise Lewis’ points record. She is also a hugely influential role model for women in sport. The Olympic champion’s head coach, and motivated. In the end it was a straightforward choice not to compete, but it was a real disappointment, not just for Jessica, but also Toni reflects on the ‘Jess effect’ in her home town of Sheffield: Toni Minichiello, was in town for the “When Jess got to 15 or 16, she was a bit unsure about what she wanted to do. Obviously athletics was a huge part of her for the team that had been supporting her. “Pre-Olympics we had about 250 kids in the local academies. 2013 sportscotland institute of sport high life but, like many young people, she was looking at what else “People felt a real sense of loss over the injury, so it was Those numbers have gone up to 600, so it’s absolutely chocka.” performance conference and we spent was out there. important to get the whole team together to discuss one But Jess herself has recognised that the challenge lies in keeping some time with him to get the lowdown “Around that point she was friends with a slightly older athlete very clear focus – to get Jessica ready to compete again. girls involved in sport after the glow of the Olympics has worn off – though of course we still have the Commonwealth Games on the team behind the rise of the most who was a bit of a role model. So we decided to fast track “Faced with a clear objective, we went around the room Jessica through the under 17s and put her up an age category asking each specialist what they were going to do to help in Glasgow to look forward to and Toni has confirmed that for iconic female athlete in Britain. to keep the friends together. Competing with older athletes Jessica get back to fitness. It was the nutritionist that started Jess’s schedule: “The Commonwealth Games is in.”

06 | | 07 WOMEN WOMEN IN SPORT IN SPORT

“The media gives people what they want to watch and until the media believes that there’s demand to watch women’s sport, they won’t really feel that they need to show it,” she said. “But the BBC is definitely pushing women’s football at the moment, which is great. Obviously the Scottish women’s football team has had substantial coverage after getting to the play-offs for the Euros and it also helps that Kim IN CONT Little did so well for the British team in London. It is no secret that there are clear differences between male and female athletes. So, to ensure “Since the Olympics, more people now know the that all athletes are able to perform to the best of their ability, it’s important to understand how names of British female athletes, and not just the their bodies differ and what this means for female athletes in terms of training and competition. ones who won gold. Athletes like Eilish McColgan and It’s an issue close to the heart of Sue Robson, Head of Physiology at the sportscotland institute Eilidh Child are becoming more recognised and if we can of sport. Sue took some time out of her busy diary to discuss an innovative new project designed to continue to raise the profile of female athletes then that only helps to change perceptions.” understand and address the issue of amenorrhoea (absence of periods) among female athletes. Never before has the country embraced sport Competition success is one way to raise the profile of women’s specialist team at the institute of sport – “Finding the balance and having skilled, knowledgeable sport in the media, but Eilidh also highlights the potential pitfalls the UFA (Understanding Female Athletes) practitioners is essential. We have been working hard to improve quite like it did last summer of seeking publicity at all costs. A group – is focusing on understanding the the knowledge and vigilance of our institute staff, across a range – a new generation of female sporting female athlete, and building awareness, knowledge of disciplines, to help better support our female athletes. “In Jessica Ennis a superstar was created, which means and support systems across the network specifically icons was created during the Olympics. that she gets extensive coverage and also means people are “As part of the ongoing work of the UFA group, female athletes related to female athletes. Their goal is to use the But has the ever-increasing glare of the media helped interested in watching her compete,” she explained. “So it is are participating in a new profiling process. Information on information collected to improve performance. to raise the profile of women’s sport to a new level? a case of trying to create superstars within women’s sport in athletes’ menstrual cycles is being gathered through a personal We spoke to Eilidh Barbour, rising star of sports an attempt to generate attention. Explaining the reasons behind setting up the group, Sue said: meeting with trained UFA personnel, who offer support and broadcasting, about her experiences in front of the “Almost 50% of the athletes we work with at the sportscotland advice. “However, the American women’s football team are plastered camera and asked what challenges, in her opinion, institute of sport are female. It’s therefore essential that these all over billboards and magazines wearing next to nothing; they women’s sport faces in the media. athletes, and those supporting and coaching them, have an “It may be that an athlete has no concerns in this area, or promote themselves in that way, which brings them coverage awareness and understanding of their different needs.” we might identify areas where small changes can positively Eilidh grew up in Dunkeld, Perthshire, and, for as long as and, with that, more supporters. But there is a real fear of affect their sport performances,” Sue said. “It can be simple she can remember, dreamed about working in sport. Having crossing into the sphere of using the female body to promote The group’s work has already led to some exciting new things, such as managing symptoms or providing information completed a film and media studies degree at the University women’s sport, which has the potential to undermine the developments which are coming to life across the institute and support on contraception choices. Or it could be more of Stirling, the 30-year-old has since gone on to cover some credibility of the athletes.” network. By identifying the needs of female athletes, the group complex, looking at long term cyclical patterns and training of the biggest events in the sporting calendar, including the is working to educate institute practitioners, athletes, coaches diaries, and using this to plan training and support competition Six Nations and golf’s British Open. And now, as the host of The way forward and governing bodies about the key areas relating to female goals,” she continued. STV Rugby (which charts the progress of Glasgow Warriors Ultimately, it will be down to the profile of individual athletes athletes. and Edinburgh Rugby in the RaboDirect Pro12 league) Eilidh’s to help women’s sport break the media mould. And with “The basic premise is, if you don’t understand standing within the profession is clearly rising. back-to-back home Games providing a significant platform The first of these steps was to improve the identification, something you can’t plan for it or make choices around for promoting sport then there is no better time to seize the support and management of amenorrhoea – a medical term it. The more you know, the more you are able to make But working within such a male-dominated industry, has Eilidh opportunity. However, Eilidh – who herself plays football for to describe the lack of periods for three months or more. smart choices to influence positive change.” ever felt this to be a hindrance to her development? Amenorrhoea is a significant risk for female athletes. Paisley Saints and previously turned out for Glasgow City’s If left unidentified, it can jeopardise both their health and To further advance knowledge in this area, the group is “I always knew I wanted to work in sport from a young age and reserves – recognises that it will be a long process. sporting career. undertaking a survey of all female athletes and coaches within that has never changed,” said Eilidh. “The barriers that might She said: “The Olympics raised the bar for sport in general and the institute network over the coming months. The findings have existed in the past were all broken before me. I’m kind of we need to capitalise on that in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Sue said: “Training loads, travel and work pressure can be will then be used to direct the future focus of the UFA group the second generation of females working in the media – with Games. I hope one day we will see women’s sport viewed extremely challenging for any high performance athlete. to match the needs and interests of athletes and coaches. trailblazers like Gabby Logan, Hazel Irvine and Jacqui Oatley all alongside men’s sport and I think there are certain sports where going before me. It’s made it a lot easier for me and my peers,” it is more likely to happen than others. So, if we embrace our “Amenorrhoea is a normal response of a female body under Sue concluded: “Helping female athletes to better understand she added. a lot of stress. It usually occurs as a result of reduced hormone their bodies will undoubtedly have a positive impact on their talented female athletes then there is a real chance to boost the production and can have many direct and indirect causes. performance. And by embracing the differences which exist The Olympic effect profile of women’s sport in the media – it would be great to help It’s therefore vital to understand the root causes in order to make that happen.” between males and females, our experts are helping to play a The London Olympics saw a marked change in the profile of manage the condition. part in propelling supported athletes on to even greater success.” women’s sport – the first time that our female athletes got the same level of coverage as the men. The challenge now is to “If left unassessed, and if hormones remain low for too long, For more information, including a brochure on amenorrhoea, build on that momentum. there is a risk of reduced bone mineral density and greater please contact the institute of sport at [email protected] risk of stress fractures. And even if the condition is identified, Traditionally the media has focused on sports which are mismanagement can have a negative effect. watched by mass audiences – men’s football, men’s rugby and men’s golf to name a few. In simple terms, it comes down to the commercial viability of covering sports which have a relatively low fan base.

But Eilidh – who covers the English Women’s Super League for broadcasting giant ESPN – believes that attitudes are already changing and, with the 2014 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, she sees a real opportunity to push women’s sport to the forefront of the media’s attention.

08 | | 09 WOMEN WOMEN XXXXXXXXXXXXIN SPORT IN SPORT

ive Active Leisure (LAL) run You won’t just 14 venues throughout Perth Forging the player pathway and Kinross on behalf of the L Engaging Cricket Scotland, the Scottish council. And their latest initiative Lisa Leck, Head of PE at Pitlochry High governing body, has been integral to to develop and grow cricket in the School, tells us more: “Kirsteen and her the programme, enabling selected area, the girls’ cricket fast track coaching team have inspired us through girls to be fast tracked into the national like cricket… programme, targets school girls the provision of exciting and challenging under-17 girls’ team. National Women’s aged between 13 and 16. So far, workshop sessions in cricket. It is a Cricket Manager Kari Carswell says: the programme has attracted fantastic team sport for a small school “It’s an exciting programme and a good over 100 new participants since like ours as it only requires small team opportunity for girls who aspire to play launching at the start of 2013. numbers and a few pieces of equipment. for Scotland in a team sport. “I am aiming to develop cricket in the Talent spotting “We have seen significant increases in primary curriculum next session. A key At the helm is Kirsteen Ross, Cricket the numbers of younger girls and women focus of Education Scotland in 2013 is Development Officer at LAL and her playing the game and realise that the to ‘raise the bar’ in core PE – I believe coaching team, which includes the 13 to 16 year old age group is crucial Live Active cricket development can sportscotland Young Coach of the Year, to our player pathway. The number of help schools like us achieve this through James Ross. Working in partnership girls who drop out of sport at this age is partnership working and provide us with with the PE departments in eight local staggering, so we want to increase the the necessary tools to deliver a quality secondary schools, and through the levels of physical activity in this age group. learning experience to our young pupils.” Live Active Leisure makes a Active Schools Network, girls are offered We offer regular girls’ only sessions in confident promise to aspiring the chance to try a wide variety of cricket addition to identifying more players who Benefits from grassroots skills. These include catching, throwing, have the potential to play cricket at a to performance cricketers on their website; batting, fielding, bowling, communication higher level.” This coordinated approach has reaped and team work, as well as developing For those who don’t progress to the rewards for everyone involved, with one which seems to be spot-on agility, balance, coordination and speed. performance training, the support to keep over 100 girls regularly attending cricket when it comes to young women. “The PE staff and the Active Schools the girls interested and involved in cricket sessions in Perth and Kinross clubs and coordinators have been a fantastic is there from Kirsteen and her team. schools, from none only a short time ago. With more girls than ever before support and have encouraged the girls They work with schools and clubs to To date, 22 young players have been to get involved. We couldn’t do it without deliver sessions and coaching to an selected to move on to the performance interested in playing cricket in them,” says Kirsteen. ever-growing number of enthusiasts. development programme, based in Perth, to hone their skills at intense weekly It’s clear she and her team know what A brand new girls’ cricket club in the PE Perth and Kinross we wanted training sessions covering further technical they are looking for: “We identify girls that department at Kilgraston School in Bridge and tactical components of the game. to find out a bit more about have the right attributes and attitude to of Earn has recently launched, and cricket develop cricket skills in a relatively short is becoming part of the fabric of the PE With such passion and structure behind the the work that is happening period of time with a view to them playing department in some schools. game in Perth and Kinross, it doesn’t seem in this area. competitive cricket this summer.” unrealistic to think ‘the next big hit’ in female cricket might just be from this area!

10 | | 11 GLASGOW GLASGOW 2014 2014

performance plan in place for the Games. This enables the sportscotland institute of sport to prioritise any additional support required towards achieving the Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) target of the biggest ever team with the most ever Scottish medals. Mission Glasgow 2014 is also creating a sense of collective responsibility and collaboration to use the Games as a catalyst for further developing the high performance system in Scotland.

Team Scotland Commonwealth Games Scotland is the lead body for Commonwealth sport in Scotland and is responsible for selecting, organising and managing Scotland’s team at the Commonwealth Games. sportscotland supports CGS with annual funding of over £150,000 per year. Since Glasgow was announced as the host of the Games in 2007, sportscotland has invested almost £50m in the governing bodies of the sports that will feature in 2014, Supporting a a figure that will continue to rise over the next two years. This investment goes towards performance development successful Games programmes, coaching and staffing. Our role in making the Games happen Come Games time, a number of sportscotland staff will be seconded onto Team Scotland. Led by Lindsay Thomson, World class facilities who works for the institute in the east, our physiotherapists sportscotland has invested over £30m into facilities that will form the backbone of the physio team. The institute’s will be used during the Games. This includes our single Deputy Head of Sports Medicine, Dr Niall Elliot, will lead the biggest award of £15m into the Emirates Arena. In total, medical team during the Games. And three sportscotland we have supported eight of the 13 venues which will be staff will be team managers, including Susie Elms (women’s used during the Games. hockey), Graeme Randall (judo) and John Lunn (triathlon). The experts within our sport development team have For more information go to also provided consultancy and advice throughout the www.cgcs.org.uk/team-scotland/about-team-scotland design and development of the Games facilities. As well as providing a fitting stage for some of the sportscotland athlete personal awards greatest athletes in the world, these facilities are also The sportscotland athlete personal award (SAPA) initiative making a real difference to recreational and club sport is aimed at providing financial support of £3,000, £5,000 or in their surrounding areas. £10,000 to potential medal-winning athletes for Glasgow 2014. Since this initiative was introduced in August 2011, High performance expertise over 50 athletes have benefitted from the financial support The sportscotland institute of sport (SIS) provides high and been able to prioritise their preparations as they strive GAME performance expertise to sport and athletes in Scotland. towards the delivery of performance targets in 2014. The SIS network has been restructured and strengthened This investment is from the sportscotland Lottery Fund and over the past three years to support athletes in London is intended to help athletes cover training, competition and 2012, Sochi Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and the living costs. Glasgow 2014 Games. CHANGER For more information go to www.sisport.com With the Games now just over The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be Scotland’s All 17 sports that will compete in the Commonwealth biggest sporting event in a generation. Not only will the Games receive support through the institute network. Performance coaching a year away, the countdown Games showcase some of the best sporting talent on the Expert practitioners support the sports and their athletes sportscotland is focused on improving the quality of planet, they’ll also be a platform to celebrate Scotland across a range of disciplines, including strength and performance coaches deployed in Scotland by supporting to Glasgow 2014 has well and and raise our profile on the international stage. And with conditioning, physiotherapy, performance nutrition, sports a range of programmes, including Coaching Matters and truly begun. We take a look at anticipation building, the whole of Scotland is looking psychology, performance lifestyle, talent, sports medicine, the Inspire and Aspire programmes. forward to opening its doors to the 71 nations that will performance analysis, exercise physiology, skill acquisition In partnership with the University of Stirling, Coaching sportscotland’s work around compete during the Games. and biomechanics. Matters has provided one-to-one support to coaches of

At sportscotland we recognise that the Games are about high performance athletes with the potential to compete the Games. Mission Glasgow 2014 so much more than two weeks of competition next summer. in Glasgow. They’re a chance for all of us involved in sport to aim higher, Mission Glasgow 2014 is a performance programme achieve more and make a lasting difference to our athletes, focused on supporting the 17 Commonwealth Games Managed by sports coach UK and supported by coaches and communities for years to come. sports towards a successful Scottish performance at the sportscotland, the Inspire programme provides targeted 2014 Games. support for the coaches of athletes who have the potential That’s why we’re seizing the opportunity to use the profile to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Through Mission Glasgow 2014, we are ensuring that of the Games to accelerate our plans towards a world class in 2014. So far in Scotland seven coaches from six sports the 17 sports that feature at Glasgow 2014 have a clear sporting system at all levels. The next three pages introduce are on the Inspire programme. just some of our work focused on making the most of Glasgow 2014.

12 | | 13 GLASGOW GLASGOW 2014 XXXXXXXXXXXX2014

Young Ambassadors Motivating The Young Ambassador programme engages young people, Significant refurbishment programmes at Scotstoun, aged 14 to 17, as role models and leaders in sport. In Lasting impact Tollcross and the Royal Commonwealth Pool will ensure and Inspiring 2012 the programme expanded and the number of Young that these established facilities continue to house world beyond 2014 Using the profile of the Games Ambassadors increased from just over 60 to over 600. class sport. And, thanks to the Legacy 2014 Active Places to encourage people to get involved Our work to ensure that the Games Fund, we are also supporting local projects right across The key role of a Young Ambassador is to motivate and Scotland, from skate parks to walking routes and inspire other young people to participate in sport. The make a long-term difference Lead 2014 everything in between. programme is delivered by sportscotland in partnership This year over 800 Young Leaders took part in a series of with the Youth Sport Trust and all secondary schools Community sport hubs The £10m programme supports the Scottish Government’s seven conferences delivered for young people, by young can nominate new Young Ambassadors annually. Active Community sport hubs are being set up right across Legacy ambitions to encourage more people to be active people, supported by Active Schools. These conferences Schools coordinators and teachers then mentor the Scotland with the aim of bringing people together and and take part in sport, with grants of between £10,000 helped them to develop and enhance their leadership and Young Ambassadors, helping them to develop and raise providing a home for local clubs and sports organisations. and £100,000 available for a very wide range of community- volunteering skills and gain valuable experience while awareness of activities in their school or area. The hubs are developed according to local needs and led projects. raising the profile of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth resources – each one is different but they all have the Registration for the 2013 Young Ambassadors conferences For more information on how to apply go to Games across Scotland. common goals of increasing participation in sport, engaging will open in May. For more information go to www.sportscotland.org.uk/activeplacesguidance Lead 2014 – a partnership between Youth Sport Trust, their local communities, promoting leadership and offering a www.sportscotland.org.uk/ya range of sporting opportunities. sportscotland and Glasgow 2014 – is entering its third year of harnessing the enthusiasm of our young people With help from National Lottery funding, 105 community to help create the next generation of sports leaders. sport hubs have been set up across Scotland. That number will grow to 159 by the end of 2015. For more information about Lead 2014 go to www.sportscotland.org.uk/lead2014 The initiative is an exciting and innovative approach to developing sport in local clubs and is one of sportscotland’s contributions to the Scottish Government’s 2014 Legacy plan. For more information go to www.sportscotland.org.uk/csh

Sports facilities New venues like the Emirates Arena, Glasgow Green Hockey Centre and Kelvingrove Bowls Centre will provide Scotland with world class community and high performance sport facilities for years to come.

Active Schools The national Active Schools Network works across Scotland to provide more and higher quality opportunities for children High performance infrastructure and young people to participate in sport. The network sportscotland’s investment into the institute of sport Celebrate fund has been busy delivering a broad range of activities and network in the lead up to the Glasgow Games will ensure Together with the other three Scottish National Lottery programmes designed to motivate and inspire young people that high performance sport has better structures and distributors, sportscotland is investing £1m into this new Lottery to get involved in sport up to and beyond Glasgow 2014. support than ever before. programme designed to support communities across Scotland These range from large-scale national projects, like Lead to come together to hold arts, heritage, sports and local Heading into new Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth 2014 and campaigns such as Sport Your Trainers through community celebrations of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. cycles, our experts at the institute of sport will continue to to locally-led pieces of activity designed to build excitement work with sports and athletes to ensure we build on the Celebrate will make grants from £500 to £10,000 to and get people involved. momentum generated by home Games. celebrate the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the For more information on the work of the Active Schools Commonwealth. Network visit www.sportscotland.org.uk/activeschools For more information on the Celebrate fund, visit www.celebrateit.org.uk

14 | | 15 GLASGOW GLASGOW XXXXXXXXXXXX2014 XXXXXXXXXXXX2014

The 17 sports on the Games programme

Aquatics Diving Swimming Athletics Badminton Boxing Cycling GO Cross Country Mountain Bike Scotland! Road Track Gymnastics Scotland’s athletes are now under starter’s orders Hockey for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Judo Lawn Bowls With the official selection period to qualify Netball for Team Scotland now open, we hear from Rugby 7s Shooting Commonwealth Games Scotland on how the Squash entire nation can get behind the team. Triathlon Table Tennis Weightlifting he Commonwealth Games is The indoor athletics season has also Wrestling the only multi-sport event thrown up some excellent results T where athletes get to compete from new faces as well as established for Scotland as a nation in its own right. internationals. The selection period officially opened on With the clear aim for Team Scotland 15 April, with the athletes from the 17 being to have its largest and most sports on the Games programme having successful team ever in Glasgow, just over a year to produce the necessary performance planning is critical to performances to lay claim to a coveted success. We are working closely with place on the Team. It promises to be an the sportscotland institute of sport to amazing home Games! examine the detailed performance plans Some sports – including athletics, of each of the 17 governing bodies of cycling, shooting and triathlon – will sport and how best to deliver these make a number of early athlete against Games objectives and resources. nominations to Commonwealth Elinor Middlemiss, CGS Games Team Games Scotland (CGS), as the body People will be able to share the journey international reputation as a cultural, as my home country, so I am really excited Operations Manager explained: “Mission of athletes from across the length and well as sporting, centre of excellence. about that. responsible for selecting, organising Glasgow 2014 is key to the success of “Mission Glasgow 2014 and managing the team at the Games. breadth of the country as they make The group photographs show the “After the London Olympics all the each sport’s, and ultimately the Team’s, is key to the success their way to the start line in Glasgow. We This will be in September and October, overall performance. This process is strength and unity of the team, which athletes realised how much home following this summer’s key competitions. of each sport’s, and also want to celebrate Scotland’s proud we believe is a key to our success, while support means, just the way they get essential in ensuring that every aspect of history in the Commonwealth Games by Early confirmation of their selection the plans is as good as it can be and that ultimately the Team’s, the individual photos link the athlete and behind you and it really does have an will allow these athletes to fully focus sharing the experiences of former team their sport to an exhibit or architectural impact. Everyone just loves sport here no stone is left unturned in our quest for overall performance.” members and highlighting key moments on the best possible winter preparation medal success. feature of Kelvingrove. Our aim is to so it would be fantastic if the public for the Games. from past Games. draw out the parallels between the can get behind us again and keep the “With all the selection policies now To mark the occasion, a special two, either in terms of the movement buzz going, especially for the younger For others it will go right down to the wire, published, athletes should be clear To highlight the start of the build up with nominations being made by the final edition set of athlete images has involved or key attributes of the sport. kids, and hopefully keep inspiring a about what they must do to make the to the Games for Team Scotland, we been published showing prospective They are sure to be a talking point, so generation.” submission date of 15 May 2014, so the Team. It promises to be an exciting 14 launched our new public engagement Team can be announced on 12 June. Team Scotland athletes as they have look out for the full set and choose your months for Scottish sport as we, and campaign ‘Go Scotland!’. The campaign never been seen before! Taken at the favourite! Show YOUR Support! Already we have seen a number of the public, track performances against aims to raise awareness of the 17 magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery in Excited to be one of the faces of the www.goscotland.org encouraging performances. Following standards prior to final selection.” sports in the Games and give greater Glasgow, with the support of Glasgow profile to the athletes aiming for selection campaign, Olympic bronze medallist, @Team_Scotland some outstanding results at the World With many of our athletes having Life, the theme is all about sport to the team. It’s also calling for the gymnast Daniel Purvis, said: “It has www.Facebook.com/Team_Scotland Championships last December, lawn experienced first-hand the excitement meeting culture. whole of Scotland to get behind the been one of my ambitions since joining bowls has already met phase one of the of a home Olympic Games, with its Team by pledging their support online This theme recognises the extensive Scottish Gymnastics to compete at a selection standards, securing a full team packed venues full of a passionate and through social media channels cultural festival that is being organised Commonwealth Games. Glasgow 2014 of five men’s and five women’s places for home crowd, Scotland is planning to Glasgow. Individuals will now battle it out Facebook and Twitter. as part of the 2014 Commonwealth would be my first Games and there replicate the national feel good factor Games which will showcase Glasgow’s would be no better place to do it than in to earn selection to the team. that London 2012 generated.

16 | | 17 GLASGOW GLASGOW 2014 2014

Queen’s Baton Relay – An the numbers you should incredible know 71 nations journey and territories The Queen’s Baton Relay visits every single one All over Scotland, people are counting down the days until the start of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. From world class 190,000km The baton travels the sporting competition to unique volunteering equivalent of more opportunities, the Games offers many than four times round chances to get involved. But, while Scotland our planet is certainly gearing up for the Games, how will the Glasgow 2014 Organising Committee 1958 make sure the other 70 nations and The first ever territories of the Commonwealth become Queen’s Baton Relay at the VI just as enthusiastic? Commonwealth Games in Cardiff 2 billion

he Glasgow 2014 Queen’s The relay will spend between one and four people Baton Relay is a powerful days in each nation and from Asia it will 30% of the world’s Tway of reaching out across travel on to Oceania, Africa, the Americas population lives in continents to ensure that every and the Caribbean, before returning to the Commonwealth member of the Commonwealth family Europe. From Sydney Harbour Bridge knows about the Games. A unique to the forests of Rwanda, from Pacific tradition, established in 1958, the relay Island beaches to the mountains of How do I take part? The Sport Your Trainers event (which Looking ahead, the Game On Scotland announces to the Commonwealth Canada, the relay will showcase the 50% Lasting memories will be created as well takes place each year on 11 March, national learning programme has been that the Games is coming – rallying best of the Commonwealth’s people, Over half the people as excitement for the Games. So how Commonwealth Day) gave schools the developed by the Organising Committee, the athletes and giving everyone a landscapes, culture and sport. in the Commonwealth can you get involved? Perhaps you’ll in partnership with the Scottish chance to participate. chance to participate in the national are aged 25 and under In order to cross these diverse landscapes, be nominated to carry the baton in your campaign which asks people to wear Government and Education Scotland, What’s it all about? the baton will be relayed by thousands community – full details of this process their trainers in support of Glasgow 2014. to provide a comprehensive programme We’re all familiar with the relays that take of people, each chosen by their own will be announced later in the year. The campaign also acted as a catalyst which can be used by schools across place inside athletics stadia, but the nation to participate. The baton will travel Maybe you’ll turn up to cheer on local for learning about the countries of the the country. by land, sea and air, using many modes superstars or take part in a cultural event Queen’s Baton Relay covers a bit more Commonwealth – with many schools taking From increased opportunities to take part Find out more of transport. Past relays have featured when the relay passes through your town. ground than that. It will be launched on part in activities including picking a specific in sport to a whole host of events that For more information please visit a submarine in the Maldives, a vintage However you choose to participate, it’s an 9 October 2013 at Buckingham Palace Commonwealth country and learning about will be announced as part of the Culture glasgow2014.com/baton-relay sidecar in Singapore and a scuba diver opportunity to show off your community where Her Majesty the Queen will place its history, culture and place in the world. 2014 programme, the Games looks to where you’ll find the latest news to the underwater post office in Vanuatu. and celebrate what makes it great. Her message to the Commonwealth It also acted as a springboard for healthy capture the ideas and enthusiasm of and can register for Glasgow It will encounter a wide range of cultures inside a specially designed baton. activities and sporting participation. young people to help make the Glasgow 2014 and Queen’s Baton and communities while promoting Reaching out to young people Relay updates. The relay then begins a 248 day In Glasgow there is a wealth of evidence 2014 experience a success. And when diversity and unity. Over 50 per cent of the Commonwealth to show that connections between young the Queen’s Baton Relay sets off on its journey around the globe, visiting every population is aged 25 and under and we The baton will come home to Scotland people and the wider Commonwealth are epic voyage, it will send out an invitation Commonwealth nation and territory. want to make sure that the children and in June 2014 and be cheered through already being made – 95 schools have to all the people of the Commonwealth Delhi, host of the 2010 Commonwealth young people of Scotland have every the streets for 40 days before arriving established links with 18 Commonwealth to get on board and get ready for Games, will be the first international stop chance to be a part of Glasgow 2014. at the Commonwealth Games Opening countries to share educational projects Glasgow 2014. on the baton’s journey, before it goes on to The Queen’s Baton Relay is just one Ceremony at Celtic Park on 23 July 2014. and learning, and 4,000 pupils from 77 cross continents, terrains and time zones, of those opportunities, along with the It’s going to be an incredible journey educational establishments have received travelling an incredible 190,000 kilometres. wider education and youth engagement that will connect two billion people and Healthy World biodiversity talks, including programme. give us a window onto the world of our 66 visits to parks twinned with one of six Commonwealth neighbours. Commonwealth regions.

18 | | 19 PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE SPORT SPORT F CUS N SCIENCE

s a former GB competitor and The resulting project was trialled during long-term coach, Scotland’s squad training camps at Aberdeen’s “The benefit of working ARifle Coach, Sinclair Bruce, Denwood Range. The institute team with the institute is has had a lifetime’s experience of were on hand to run the testing process, observing the factors that help, or which involved each athlete recording having the resource of hinder, his athletes’ performances. everything they drank and ate into an scientists... to provide So this winter, when Bruce started to electronic food diary. Throughout the hard evidence.” observe that his athletes’ concentration day their body mass was measured, levels weren’t where he wanted them to blood samples taken, psychology “I have always had ideas and hunches be, the sportscotland institute of sport questionnaires filled in and shooting but until now never had data to back stepped up its support by starting the performances recorded. up my assumptions,” said Sinclair. Special Shooting Programme. “This gives us four levels of data to “The benefit of working with the institute “It has always been my feeling that our explore,” said Irene Riach, whose is having the resource of scientists, athletes may not be as prepared as they electronic food diary is a new system the experts in their field, to provide could be in terms of nutrition, hydration being piloted in shooting, where data hard evidence. or even sleep. They’ve been doing what can be analysed in real time. “If what they discover ties in with markers they think is good for them, but we’ve “We are looking at various parameters, of hydration, nutrition or sleep then that’s not been scientific enough about the but from a performance nutrition fantastic. We can inform the athletes importance of these factors, and the perspective the glycaemic load of each that if they want to be at their best way they can impact on performance.” meal – that is, its impact on blood then the studies show that they have In a sport where mental focus is sugar levels – and the physiological to do X, Y or Z. We can then intervene absolutely key, these fundamentals of effect of that meal on concentration and on subsequent camps so that, with physiology can have a very real effect performance is an interesting area of dehydration for instance, we can make on the athletes’ ability to perform. exploration. sure people are drinking what we deem Dehydration, for example, can have “The glycaemic load of the meal sits to be appropriate.” significant consequences on the alongside a range of other factors – With the qualification period for the performance of the brain and the heart rate, body mass, oxygen saturation, Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games eyes, as Sinclair explained: “Tears haemoglobin levels – together with having started on 15 April this year, are the polish on your vision so if you shooting performance and psychological the project, which will also throw light become dehydrated, and you lose the state at various time points during the on how a shooter can improve their consistency of the lipids in your eye day. Putting all of this together gives us all important ability to lie or stand still, fluids, you will lose the clarity of vision an holistic view of an athlete’s state of is indeed timely. which is clearly crucial to shooting.” readiness for the performance task.” “At this stage we can’t be absolutely Keen to help Sinclair in his desire sure, but I’m pretty certain this project for a more scientific approach to “To get the best athletes will make an impact on our Glasgow Scotland’s target shooters were one of the major success stories these potentially critical factors, the in the team, we have 2014 athletes,” added Bruce. “To get sportscotland institute of sport put in the best athletes in the team, we have of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games, winning a total of nine place a team of experts to develop a to ensure that our guys to ensure that our guys perform at their medals, including four golds. comprehensive testing programme. perform at their best best during qualification. Together with Exercise Physiologist Julie during qualification.” “If this helps more of them to perform Erskine, Senior Performance Nutritionist Now entering the final stages of his preparations for the 2014 Games, then we will have more competition for Irene Riach, and Sport Psychologist The institute team is pooling data, places and the standard of the team we caught up with Scotland Rifle Coach, Sinclair Bruce, to find out more Kris Dunn, Sinclair determined the tests identifying correlations between types competing for Scotland in Glasgow about an innovative new project designed to ensure our Scottish required to get a fuller picture of each of food eaten (or not eaten) and levels will obviously be higher.” shooters arrive in Glasgow ready to perform. squad member. of performance to identify any markers that indicate specific aspects having

either a positive or negative impact on performance.

20 | | 21 WOMEN WOMEN IN SPORT IN SPORT A sense of FREEstyle The UK is not short of inspirational female skiers and snowboarders: Lesley McKenna made it to three winter Olympics, Jenny Jones has POWERING seized two gold medals at the XGames (making her the first UK rider to ever make the podium) and young guns Anna Vincenti and Aimee Fuller onto the world stage are set for big things at Sochi. Football in the modern era can be a brutal and bruising experience. Players are fitter, faster, and more physical than they have ever been which, in turn, can lead to more et despite all these positive injuries. However, Scotland’s Women’s national team – who got agonisingly close to female role models, Yparticipation in women’s qualifying for the Euro 2013 Championships after a heart-breaking last minute defeat freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the play-offs against Spain – are now benefitting from a special partnership with is significantly lower than men. Speaking about her experience at one Snowsport Scotland has also teamed experts from the sportscotland institute of sport. Fewer females take part in of the first LASS days back in January, up with BASI to award the ‘LASS competitions or get involved in young skier Eve McKenzie said: Scholarship’ which will put one female the freestyle snowsports scene, as through their level one UK Coaching n the past, the support offered Tim said: “S&C for field sports is quite which would see players virtually lose a Lauren MacCallum from Snowsport “The day was incredible. It was such a Pathway freeski or snowboard coaching to the team was on an informal well established and by trying to get the year,” said Tim. Scotland explains: “We always unique experience to have a group of girls qualification. The place will be awarded basis, but with manager Anna players stronger and more powerful we I find at competitions that there are riding park together, trying new things and to the skier or boarder who shows the Signeul aiming to make Scotland are hopefully going to have a positive He added: “We try to make sure that all significantly more boys than girls progressing. It’s great because the days greatest potential throughout the season, even more competitive on the world impact on their overall ability on the the right muscles are working together in competing and boys seem to dominate don’t just focus on riding, they also include and demonstrates the right attitude to stage, a formal arrangement was put park. A few of the girls have played in the right way to protect the knees as best the park scene across the UK.” other aspects of the freestyle scene like in place in February last year. The becoming a good coach and ambassador the States and in Europe and they say as possible, which can have a really volunteering, coaching, photography, programme now sees 16 members of for freestyle coaching in Scotland. it is a fiercely physical game, so in order positive impact on performance for the park shaping and film-making. the national team regularly working To rectify this situation, Snowsport to compete with that they need to get players as well.” By using an inclusive and relaxed with physiotherapists and strength Scotland has launched a new girls’ stronger themselves.” “It was also really motivational for me to approach, LASS really hopes to and conditioning (S&C) experts from initiative called LASS. Designed Having missed out on qualification for see what the coaches could do and it has inspire and progress women and girls the institute. to encourage more females into One of the key elements of the S&C work Euro 2013, the next big focus for the definitely given me more confidence to riding within the Scottish snowsports snowsports, the programme helps them At the start of the programme each that is building up the players’ bodies to national squad is on making it to the come and practise in the park in future.” community and help develop progress their skills to establish a bigger player was profiled by a physio from the try to minimise their susceptibility to injury. World Cup in 2015, which is being held a strong female freestyle scene to rival presence in the UK freestyle scene. The initiative is backed by sportscotland, institute, which then allowed Tim Silvester, Female athletes are more pre-disposed in Canada. The qualification groups were that in Europe. to knee injuries than male athletes. With drawn in April and the continued work The British Association of Snowsports S&C coach, to create a bespoke training LASS is aimed at riders of all ages anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage from the dedicated sportscotland S&C Instructors (BASI) and various other For more information on LASS go to: programme to improve their performance. and offered a series of ‘ride together’ one of the most devastating injuries coaches and physios will help to ensure snowsports clubs around Scotland. twitter.com/LASSshred Factors such as previous injuries, days throughout the winter season at possible, plans are put in place in an that the players are better prepared than Snowsport Scotland also received facebook.com/LASSshred movement, and strength issues are Cairngorm Mountain, Nevis Range, attempt to guard against it. ever before to perform on the world stage. funding through sportsmatch, when or contact all taken into account to ensure that Glencoe, Glenshee and the Lecht. These BASI’s corporate sponsorship was [email protected] the programme suits each player’s events allowed girls to come together with “Any kind of contact sport will produce It is then down to the squad’s coaches matched, giving LASS £10,000 to spend individual needs. like-minded riders, and learn the basics of injuries, but twisted ankles and jarred to mould those faster, more powerful on progression rails and boxes for the For more information on sportsmatch visit: snowboarding and freestyle skiing. backs mean a relatively short time out athletes into a team which can fly the girls to practise on. sportscotland.org.uk/sportsmatch compared to an ACL reconstruction, flag for Scotland at the World Cup. “ ...the days don’t just For more information on BASI visit: basi.org.uk focus on riding they also include other aspects of the freestyle scene like volunteering, coaching,

photography, park shaping and film making.”

22 | | 23 WOMEN WOMEN IN PCSSPORT IN PCSSPORT

Q&A QUICK FIRE ROUND

1. Favourite word? Stramash – a real Scottish word that means a bit of a racket. The voice of 2. Whose brain would you like to pick? Jurgen Grobler, the chief men’s coach for the GB rowing experience team. His approach and success has Rhona Martin MBE was a competitive curler for over 20 years, at Scottish and GB level, and been an inspiration famously skipped the women’s rink that won Olympic gold at the 2002 Winter Olympics. to me. 3. Best film ever? After retiring from competition, Rhona took up coaching and is now head coach for The Bodyguard women’s curling at the sportscotland institute of sport. We caught up with Rhona to talk about her own experience in sport, Scotland’s current world champions and her team’s 4. Favourite food? Macaroni cheese – preparations for Sochi. perfect to warm you up before How did you get How did it feel to We have a large range of further, so it is her own people I met experiencing Sochi 2014 is this period to prepare our heading out younger women competing, determination that has got success with their athletes best athletes to perform on onto the rink. 1 into curling and 2 win a gold medal at 7 now under one when did you begin to the Winter Olympics? for example Eve Muirhead her to the stage of skipping during London 2012. year away, with the the world stage. became the youngest ever her own performance take it seriously? When I threw that last shot success at the Women’s skip this year to win the squad team. The British World Championships You were recently My brother Drew had won and we won the game, it worlds at just 22 years old. curling programme there must be a positive 8inducted into the the Scottish Junior Curling was a sense of relief. We The number of younger What made you 6 restructured after Scottish Sports Hall of 5. Person you most Championships, so he had experienced over 40 participants is likely to feeling heading towards decide to get into Vancouver 2010. How Fame, how did it feel to admire in sport? took me along to a training hours of game time and I felt increase as a result of the 5 the Winter Olympics in coaching? has this changed the receive that accolade? Sir Steve Redgrave session when I was 17. mentally exhausted! I think work of Active Schools February 2014? – his achievements, I wasn’t very fond of it at our achievement only hit me I had been involved in the focus? and the affiliated schools I was delighted with the I remember hearing of dedication and first and complained about when we were standing on sport for so long as an commitment are programme operated by The three aspects we focus performance in Latvia. The the launch of the Scottish it being freezing! But he the podium and the national athlete I wanted to be able amazing. the Royal Caledonia Curling on are technical ability, final game against Sweden Sports Hall of Fame in persuaded me to give it anthem was belting out. to give something back and 2002 just before we went Club. tactics and team dynamics was close and came down 6. Last thing purchased? another try and the rest stay involved, so coaching – if we get them all spot to the last stone, so to see to Salt Lake City, and being Petrol – I use a lot is history. seemed the best route. I How can girls and Your daughter has on we can’t go far wrong. them hold their nerve and bowled over by the quality travelling from Ayr was lucky enough to be I started to experience women get into followed you into However, this takes a lot of play a super last end to of Scottish sportspeople every day. 3 4 the only Scot and one of success on the junior circuit curling? the sport – was this work and commitment. win the title was fantastic. inducted. So when I two winter sport coaches was inducted I felt very 7. Cat or dog? and then in the ladies’ team. inspired by your own There is a great emphasis Now that our slots have Dog – I have a Women of any age or ability accepted onto the UK Sport honoured, especially as In 1998 curling became an on deliberate and repetitive been secured for Sochi, westie called Rory. can get started in curling very success? Elite Coach development I was the first curler and official Olympic sport, which practice with increased our next step is team easily. So many clubs have My daughter Jennifer’s programme, which was winter sport athlete in the was the year that my team training and self practice. selection between July open sessions for people to success in curling is down a fantastic opportunity. Hall of Fame. missed out on the play- Basically each session has and December and the try out the sport and there to her own initiative and It was so beneficial being off spot for a place at the a focus and a purpose, it final competition is the are teams for all levels. Many she has developed her own around coaches from Games. After that it really is not just going on the rink European Championships facilities now also have passion for the sport. I did other disciplines in the motivated me and I knew and playing a game. We in November. Obviously crèches, which is helpful for not want her to feel pressure programme and it was we had to make it to the need to push the athletes training will intensify over women with children. so I didn’t try to push her great to see so many of the Olympics. in every session and meet their needs. 24 | | 25 COACHING COACHING

Our way of saying 1 2 3 THANK YOU! The success of last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London was undeniably due in part to the thousands of dedicated volunteer Games Makers. Lord Coe’s most popular thank you at the closing ceremony went to them, including a call to action to take up volunteering at home: “What is the most important thing that you can give to a sports club or society? It is that crucial asset of your time and expertise.” 4 5 6

port in Scotland simply Volunteer of Development Young coach Community coach couldn’t happen without the the year (2) coach of the year (4) of the year (6) of the year (8) dedication and commitment S Allan Bryson is Falkirk Golf Club’s (FGC) Ben Higson was nominated by the As a former junior at Kinross Cricket Lauren Millar is a 20-year-old of volunteers and coaches. That’s Junior Match Secretary. He is passionate parents on the committee of Dumfries Club, James Ross has spent the past 15 trampolining enthusiast and coach why sportscotland is committed about junior golf and has helped grow Amateur Swimming Club, where he is years playing and now coaching in the in East Lothian, working with City of to recognising and supporting the section from just eight members to head coach. Ben’s focus is on inspiring sport. Starting as a volunteer coach in Edinburgh Trampoline Club. You’ll coaches through the annual over 60. commitment to the sport from young 2007, he has gone on to become a full find her at her home club or delivering sportscotland Coaching, Officiating people and on their development on the time area development coach with Live sessions at Meadowmill Sports Centre, and Volunteering Awards. Let’s take Billy Crozier, FGC Captain, said: “We are sporting pathway. “You don’t do it for the Active Leisure. Knox Academy and Musselburgh a look at the nine inspirational very proud of Allan and all the juniors. rewards for yourself, it’s more about the Grammar School, passing on her 7 winners of the 2012 awards. This is a remarkable achievement for Andy Tennant, Head of Performance kids reaching their goals, but it’s great infectious love of the sport, in which Allan as an individual and the club as a at Cricket Scotland describes him as: to know that all your hard work is being she has competed internationally. whole. This is a very friendly club which “… a lesson in self-motivation and appreciated and making a difference.” “Seeing the kids achieve their goals takes pride in its junior section.” determination to succeed. Having and being happy means as much Technical official talented young coaches like James to me as winning myself,” she said. of the year (1) augers well for the future of the game in Young person’s Shona Malcolm from Tillicoultry has Young volunteer Scotland.” coach of the year (5) been officiating in athletics for 32 years. of the year (3) David Smith has worked for four years Disability coach Recently a chief field official at the Mark Stringer, 24, from East Kilbride, coaching football at the club he loves, of the year (9) London Olympics and Paralympics, was one of only two under-25s selected Performance Drumchapel United. His numerous Former badminton doubles world she works as Disability Athletics Officer from Scotland to officiate at London coach of the year (7) coaching qualifications, as well as a number 11, Lyndon Williams, set up at scottishathletics. Shona also 2012. Mark has spent his spare time Aussie Laurel Bailey only meant to make recent sports psychology course, allow Lothian Disability Badminton Club in 8 dedicates over 20 further hours a week over the last 12 years at Whitemoss a pit stop in the UK for 10 weeks. Eight him to help his young players achieve 2008. The 48-year-old has 28 years of to coaching and officiating at events. Amateur Athletics Club, where he is years later she’s still in Scotland, and their best and focus on keeping a experience in coaching and has seen described as ‘irreplaceable’. last year her highest profile protégé, She said: “With it being a Games positive mindset. both the sport and disability coaching Craig Benson, made it to the Olympics. year there were a lot of people in for Mark hopes to be involved in the grow and develop during that period. He said: “Drumchapel has been good to this award and for me to have won Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth With a 20-strong squad, Laurel has me, I want to give something back to my His aim is to work towards the inclusion it is amazing! I like to think I’m giving Games and the 2017 World Athletics watched her team grow and develop, community. I was gobsmacked to win of badminton at the Paralympics in 2020. something back to the sport by Championships. He said: “Many people putting Warrender Baths Club on the this award, but the biggest accolade is The modest winner said: “I’m quite allowing others to progress through it.” think volunteering is only for the older international map. Assistant coach and that the parents and kids value the time embarrassed to win something like this generation – I’m 24 and I’m having a former world champion Kris Gilchrist and effort I’m putting into my role.” because I don’t expect it. It recognises great time volunteering… it’s taken me to sings her praises: “There are people very the stuff we’ve done with the club, some really exciting competitions so far.” high up in British Swimming who tell me 9 not just me, but all the coaches.” how lucky I am to be working with her, and I agree.”

26 | | 27 CLUB SPORT CLUB SPORT

CASE STUDY

The most developed hub within the

Dundee area is Dundee East Community

Sports Club (DECSC). Twelve clubs

form the basis of the hub boasting over

1,200 members and a workforce of 150

qualified coaches and volunteers. It’s he Tayside approach to to see what had been achieved, a fantastic community asset providing FIVE HUBS sporting opportunities for five year the development of their particularly in terms of facilities. Tcommunity sport hubs olds right through to adults. Gordon (CSH) is an interesting one. Five In many cases, clubs have something Deuchars, Chair of DECSC, tells prospective hubs joined together of a nomadic existence, running their their story: and opted to allocate a proportion operations out of volunteers’ homes, of their funding to secure a businesses or even pubs and cafes. “Five years ago we dedicated CSH development Having a facility to call home is a huge sat round the table officer to provide support across boost. It’s about creating a shared as individual clubs all five hubs – Caird Park, Craigie, environment and it’s also a tangible sign and realised that by Dundee East, Dundee North West of what’s been achieved. However, you working together and the West End Sports Heritage have to be realistic and recognise that we’d have much Association (WESHA). raising funds is only part of the story – more clout. We developed a constitution it has to be sustainable. and gained charitable status which allowed ONE As Community Sport Hubs Officer us to apply for grants. Fortunately our local COMBINED FOCUS with Leisure & Culture Dundee, For example, in Dundee East Community MSP and Dundee City Council were very Daryl McKenzie is the man tasked Sports Club, it took almost three years to supportive of what we were trying to do – with providing that support. Here raise the necessary investment through Dundee City Council even granted the lease In recent months, progress on delivering on our legacy Daryl tells us about the challenges, a combination of fundraising by the of the land to the hub. commitment of community sport hubs has accelerated with successes and ongoing developments club and successful applications for 105 hubs already being developed across Scotland. in Dundee. external funding from sportscotland and “We wanted to give the local kids a safe the Scottish Government’s CashBack and healthy environment to play sport In the last issue of Sport First we shone the spotlight on With a background in sports programme. and, thanks to grants of £160,000 from Armadale Academy to find out how their community sport “volunteering, I was instantly drawn to the Scottish Government’s CashBack hub model was operating. This time we’re heading east, this new post as I saw it as a fantastic What was previously a piece of wasteland fund, in addition to £40,000 from other to the city of jute, jam and journalism, to discover how opportunity to use my experience to now has a floodlit astro pitch, able to partnerships and fundraising, we were make a difference. There had been some accommodate two youth teams at any able to develop the astro pitch. Daryl Dundee has embraced the concept. work happening under the guidance one time. It is being used by kids every McKenzie was really instrumental in of Kevin Lee from the Scottish Football night and demand is increasing from the whole process, as was Kevin Lee, Association but this dedicated role clubs within the hub and external lets. providing support and advice to make means that the clubs and hubs are now It’s a real motivator for other hubs in things happen and speed up the process.” supported on a daily basis. Dundee to see what can be achieved. With more clubs wanting to join the My top priority was to get to know the Critical to delivering this project was hub, including karate and handball, volunteers already involved in running greater collaboration with the people Gordon, Daryl and the club volunteers the clubs. It was so important to gain involved in local planning and partnerships have ambitious plans to further develop their trust and respect to work effectively to ensure that the clubs had a voice in the facilities to offer more to the local together. I visited each of the clubs to decision making. community. Gordon adds: explain that my role was to provide support and advice at a strategic level There was a need for a huge cultural “There has been a definite increase in but that their experience on the ground change from both sides. Often clubs were football participation. Where previously we was critical to the success of the project. met with a default ‘no’ as what they were were struggling to attract players and field The volunteers know the local story inside proposing was not how things had been teams, now we are running three teams out so consultation was key to prioritising done previously. But instead of taking ‘no’ of 20 players each. By providing great what would have the greatest impact on for an answer we’ve worked together to facilities and first class coaching we are sport development in their area. develop and improve our business plans able to develop more and better players, to make it much easier for people to giving them the best possible experience. Effectively my role is to accelerate the understand what we’re trying to achieve. work already being done, to help them to “In this area of Dundee there is still a lack realise their ambitions. Essentially I want of quality facilities so we have opened It’s not an overnight fix, I’ve been in post to encourage the hubs, and the individual the pitch up to local schools and colleges for more than 18 months and it’s a slow clubs within those hubs, to think bigger. during the day with the hub clubs taking process, but gains are being made. priority in the evenings and at weekends. To demonstrate what could be achieved, ” That pitch is in use from 5pm-9pm every With exciting developments nearing we took a group of volunteers to meet single night. with the people behind some of the early completion across all five hubs, success stories for CSH, including Inch Dundee is a great example of the This is just the beginning for Dundee East!” Park in Edinburgh. It was hugely beneficial impact of local delivery as part of to hear real stories of the challenges faced a national programme. 28 | | 29 PERFORMANCE CLUB SPORT SPORT

Investing in world The power class club sport and the glory Sport clubs are the life blood of Scottish sport. They are the place where everyone can Powerlifting is one of the fastest growing Paralympic sports in the world. develop a life-long sporting habit, and where future sporting champions are nurtured. And as one of the parasport disciplines that will be on show at Glasgow 2014, the sport looks set to gain even greater profile over the next two years. With the In late 2011, sportscotland published sportscotland is also boosting the This new funding opportunity will be institute of sport running the powerlifting programme in Scotland, we find out the club sport framework – a guide number of regional development posts rolled out during 2013, through the to support the development of world within SGBs. Added to the existing 60 regional sporting partnerships, to around the ones to watch for Glasgow 2014. class club sport. Now, in line with that posts currently in place, this will see an 50 clubs across the country in its first Nathan McQueen publication, we are developing a suite of increase of up to 28 sport-specific staff year. Any sports club will be able to apply After the sportscotland institute This means that she is officially eligible Nathan is a former rugby player with support options to help aid sport clubs who will be working directly with clubs for investment. And all parties involved of sport ran a successful search for to qualify and compete for Scotland in the Glasgow Warriors, who had a across the country. across the country. in regional sporting partnerships – local potential Paralympic powerlifting 2014, and Hanna is understandably serious motorcycle accident which left authorities, SGBs, universities, colleges athletes under its Gold4Glasgow delighted. him paralysed from the waist down. This suite offers clubs a range of options Together, these two support streams and sportscotland – will have a role in talent programme, strength and conditioning coach, Neil Crosbie, Micky Yule – some are new and some are improved give clubs the help they need to consider proposing the 50 clubs that are ready to Like Micky, Nathan was originally was offered the opportunity to run a Unbelievably, most powerlifters will versions of existing programmes – and their plans for the future, while at the make a commitment to these outcomes identified through the Gold4Glasgow powerlifting programme in Scotland. be able to press around three times there is something there for every type same time offering access to professional and best placed to receive the support. programme and has been going from their own body weight. Powerhouse of club. The one thing local sport clubs support to aid their development. Applications from clubs will be in the form strength to strength in his work with Neil recently took three rising stars of Micky Yule weighs in at 72kg and his need to have to take advantage of this of a business case to the RSP and will be Neil as he tries to realise his dream of the Scottish scene to the 5th Fazaa current personal best (PB) is 176kg. opportunity is a commitment to develop. Long and short-term support presented to a sportscotland business competing in 2014. What’s unique about this suite of support panel for final approval. Powerlifting Championships in Dubai A former amateur powerlifter, in 2010 Designed to complement the work of our from sportscotland, is its focus on as part of their development towards Micky was involved in an explosion partners, the full suite of support will be meeting the needs of different types of However, not all clubs will need this Glasgow 2014. We found out a little while posted in Afghanistan with the up and running during summer 2013. sport clubs. type of in-depth support. And for bit more about Hanna Toremar, Micky army which resulted in the loss of both those clubs who perhaps need simple Yule and Nathan McQueen. of his legs. Micky returned home from Fazaa with a bronze medal in the Self improvement and sportscotland is aware that some one-off solutions, their options may 80kg category by lifting his PB but he professional support developments will take longer and, to include existing programmes like the Hanna Toremar is always hungry for more. A new online self improvement tool will be that end, is establishing a new direct club Sport Facility fund or local authority Paralympic powerlifting is a bench press introduced as part of this offering. It takes investment stream as part of this suite grants. Added to these, a refreshed competition – the ultimate test of upper the form of an interactive questionnaire of support. It is designed to address the and improved version of sportsmatch body strength. The sport is suited to “I should have won the silver! I lost by based on the six priority areas of the club gap of resourcing those clubs that want will be re-launched this year to take its athletes with dwarfism because they 1kg but I will beat him next time! With sport framework and will be housed on a to – and are ready to – take on more place in this suite of support for clubs – have shorter arms and therefore a smaller all the coaching I’m getting and the new and refreshed Help for Clubs section significant levels of development. offering them the opportunity to match distance to push the weight. programme I’m on, it’s going really well at the moment. We changed things of the sportscotland web portal. commercial sponsorship from their local We featured around a couple of months ago and my The clubs that are identified to receive business community with an award Hanna, an athlete with this condition, Nathan McQueen in numbers started going through the roof, Once a local club works through the this investment will receive support from sportscotland. And there’s also had her first experience of international so if we keep on the way we’re going, our recent annual review questionnaire, it will receive a summary through the regional sporting partnerships Awards for All – which has increased its competition in Dubai and successfully video case studies. it’s full steam ahead for Glasgow and identifying what it does well, where (RSP) and must be focused on delivering investment pot from £1m to £1.5m per completed her goal of having her Learn more about his hopefully Rio!” its development opportunities lie and against clear outcomes – growth in club annum. So, there is now support available disability classification confirmed by the story here: information on relevant solutions. membership and/or provision of the to suit clubs of all ages and stages. International Paralympic Committee (IPC). sportscotland.org.uk/ correct environments to develop club For more information on the support powerlifting athletes to performance levels. available for local clubs, please visit www.sportscotland.org.uk/ 30 | clubinvestment | 31 PERFORMANCE SPORT COMING ON POWER Sport makes a huge contribution to Scotland’s health, identity and society. STRONG It’s powerful stuff. To find out more, visit www.sportscotland.org.uk

This cluster Through consultation, event in Fife scotland knows sport allows girls of that girls like to be all abilities to offered choice: develop skills single sex PE classes and techniques Ashlie is a player and clubs, and the in rugby. for Kirkcaldy Ladies. opportunity to take Her experience in part with their friends. playing and coaching provides both leadership and a connection to the After a disappointing result Since Delhi, 14 of our elite players have received support local club. via the sportscotland institute of sport network through a in Delhi 2010, Bowls Scotland bowls-specific strength and conditioning programme, targeted adopted a fresh approach to its elite physio, performance analysis and nutritional advice. A major test of this new approach came at the World Championships programme. And following a superb in Adelaide last December. result at the World Championships At the time it seemed the Australian city had laid every in Adelaide last December, the sport challenge in place for the visiting teams with unusually slick looks to be in good shape for the greens, unfamiliar equipment, relentless heat and wind among next major test – Glasgow 2014. the potential pitfalls.

David Gourlay, Head Coach at Bowls But our players rose to the task, winning six medals, three of them gold. We were the only country that competed with Scotland, gives us the lowdown… the Australians, which was a huge achievement. Particularly noticeable is the improvement in the Scottish women whose imes and traditions are changing in Bowls Scotland – results hadn’t been as good as in previous years. In Adelaide and they needed to. After the disappointment of Delhi, they won a gold and two bronze medals, so it was gratifying Twe took a long hard look at the elite performance set-up to see them back performing where they should be. within the sport and made a series of changes designed to give our players the best possible opportunity to succeed in Glasgow. Kilwinning’s Michelle Cooper, lead in the gold medal winning Fours in Adelaide, is a clear example of how the new One major shift was the decision we took to break with the approach is working. She said: “I can definitely link the world universal approach of our elite players practising on their own. championship success back to the one-to-one coaching. I’m By bringing our players together, we’ve really tried to work on a more steady, all-round player. The institute strength and bonding our squads so they approach competitions as a unified conditioning is helping us too. At the World Championships we and supportive team. were playing up to three games a day, which was 12 hours on your feet. So you’ve got to be conditioned enough to be able Adding to that a new focus on high quality one-to-one coaching, to cope with that in the heat.” there has been a complete cultural change at the top of the sport, but we’re delighted with the response of the elite players who are Going into the selection period for the embracing the change. This is the first time that elite players have Glasgow 2014 Games, which opened received individual coaching, combined with tailored training. And in April, we believe we’re in a good with the introduction of performance analysis, it’s also the first place. Our players have a unique time we’ll be able to benchmark against our major competitors opportunity to compete in front of a and assist our players in continuous improvement. home crowd at the Kelvingrove venue – competition for places will be closer than ever. 32 | WORLD CLASS sportscotland has one clear focus: developing and supporting a world class sporting system at all levels. To find out more, visit www.sportscotland.org.uk

Exercise physiologist Dr Laura Forest is part of a team of experts at the institute that delivers specialist support to Scottish Swimming’s performance programme.

Olympian and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Hannah Miley is competing for her country at the highest level.

The institute is working with all 17 Commonwealth Games sports, including swimming, to help ensure they have the support they need in the run-up to Glasgow 2014.