Issue 7 Winter/Spring 2012 the magazine of sportscotland
TAKING US TO 2014 AND BEYOND Legacy building is a vital part of Glasgow 2014 Louise Martin talks about sportscotland’s contribution
JOIN THE CLUB A roadmap for world class club sport
Toasting success Rowing champion Katherine Grainger talks about discipline, training, achievement… and the joy of two breakfasts BALANCING ACT How performance lifestyle helps athletes minimise distractions to maximise performance 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
A key part of our Commonwealth Games legacy commitment, We are working with community sport Midlothian Council to hubs are designed to Our target is to have establish Newbattle provide a home for 150 community sport High School as a club sport and make hubs up and running community sport hub it easier for people across the country in the local area. to get involved. by 2016. WELCOME
CONTENTS 2 News round up 4 4 Taking us to 2014... and beyond Louise Martin outlines sportscotland’s preparations for Glasgow 2014 8 Toasting success Katherine Grainger MBE on her preparations for 2012 10 Join the club James Steel, Lead Manager for Club Sport, introduces the club sport framework 20 24 12 Club framework in action Real life examples of club success 14 Calling the shots A new performance programme for Scottish Curling 16 Time to skill Business offers to Work Out For Sport 17 Coaching matters Professional development for professional coaches 18 Sport your trainers! Glasgow 2014 on getting the nation into sporty shoes ’m delighted biomechanics. Staying with performance to welcome sport we speak to GB Curling’s I Performance Director Dave Crosbee 20 Poetry in motion? you to the 7th Using the latest technology to edition of Sport about the future of the sport. prepare athletes for success First. Paving the And we’re also delighted that rowing way for a special legend Katherine Grainger MBE has 21 Ask the experts Olympic edition taken time out of her packed schedule HR, legal and finance support for governing bodies of Sport First to talk to us about her preparations for scheduled for later this year, there the Olympics later this year. We’re pleased to be able to profile the 22 Balancing act is a strong Glasgow 2014 theme Athletes minimise distractions in running throughout this issue. recently launched club sport framework, order to maximise performance designed to inform planning and practice Our chair Louise Martin talks about in club sport. We also take a look at how sportscotland’s contribution to 2014, 24 Alive and kicking the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Putting women’s football providing an overview of the activity that Communities programme is investing in centre forward we are driving and supporting. We give local sport. Finally we’re delighted to bring more details about a range of programmes you the lowdown from the SFA on recent 26 Giving something linked to major games and, in the first developments in women’s football and, of a series of regular updates, we hear of course, to bring our priority areas to life back from Glasgow 2014 Ltd on plans for their Local communities make good by looking at some real life case studies. on CashBack scheme exciting ‘Sport Your Trainers’ initiative. It’s a packed issue – I hope you enjoy it! With two ‘home games’ over the next 28 National training three years, the team at the institute centres are as busy as ever helping to provide Join the action at Cumbrae, sport and athletes in Scotland with high Inverclyde and Glenmore Lodge performance expertise. We take a look at the institute’s work in the disciplines Stewart Harris of performance lifestyle and Chief Executive, sportscotland
| 01 NEWS ROUND UP
Spring is definitely Sport Relief 2012 in the air with a busy Sport Relief 2012 is on its way, few months ahead! with this year’s event taking Be sure to check the place from Friday 23 to Sunday sportscotland website 25 March. for regular updates. Over a million people are expected to join the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile and, as well as two NVA’s Speed of Light major ‘flagship’ Mile events in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Speed of Light is an exciting there’s bound to be a Mile event near you. Check out new project, run by arts charity www.sportrelief.com to register and see what’s going NVA, designed to celebrate sport and culture. on in your area. A unique programme of activity will This year Sport Relief will also give you the chance to culminate in a mass-participation event on Arthur’s Seat as part of the Edinburgh represent your country as Scotland, England, Wales International Festival. Between Thursday and Ireland all compete to be the ‘First Nation Home’. 9 August and Saturday 1 September Edinburgh’s iconic mountain will be Teams of sporting internationalists and celebrities will brought to life as thousands of runners race around the country – running, rowing, cycling and illuminate the hillside wearing specially sailing more than 1,000 miles over seven days – and designed light suits. you can join them in the race to the finishing line. To get involved you will need to have a good level of fitness – by summer 2012, Visit www.firstnationhome.com for more information those signing up to the challenge will or to apply to enter. need to have the stamina to complete a 3-5K hill run and be able to stay active over a 1½-2 ½ hour period at night. To register for more news, including ticket releases, and to join this fantastic Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge event as a runner, sign up now at www.speedoflight2012.org.uk Fields in Trust (FIT) is a national charity which aims to ensure that everyone has access to New legacy free outdoor space for sport, play and recreation. portal launched In the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and of course the London Olympics, FIT have launched the Queen Elizabeth Fields Challenge – an initiative designed to protect 2,012 outdoor recreational spaces across the UK, creating a living legacy for local communities. With the support of local authorities, 1,000 sites have already been nominated. Of these, 70 are in Scotland and FIT hopes to protect a total of 214 in Scotland by the 2014 Commonwealth Games. QE Fields will be marked by a commemorative plaque and be eligible for FIT small improvement grants. As part of the programme FIT are encouraging communities to come together for fun, games and outdoor enjoyment around the theme of ‘Have a Field Day’. For more information, visit www.qe2fields.com The Scottish Government recently launched a new website designed to provide up-to-date news on Games related activity in the run up to 2014 and beyond. It includes information about what is happening both nationally and in local communities across Scotland and encourages people to get involved. For more information, visit www.gameslegacyscotland.org Follow us on twitter for the latest news updates: twitter.com/sportscotland
02 | NEWS ROUND UP
GymPlay GymPlay is a major new national gymnastics programme, developed by Scottish Gymnastics, designed to improve health through participation in physical activity from an early age. The programme helps to develop the basic movement patterns of everyday life among 3-5 year-olds and will be rolled out across Scotland over the coming months. GymPlay is based on the principles of S.P.L.I.C.E – Social, Physical, Lingual, Intellectual, Creative and Educational development. The launch took place at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, a venue which helps to deliver gymnastics coaching sessions to more than 800 pre-school aged children in Edinburgh every year.
Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week Registration is now open for schools to join in this year’s Bank of Scotland National School Sport Week (11-15 June) and stage their very own version of the Olympic Games. This year, there are lots of exciting added bonuses for schools to celebrate the Olympics, including the Get Set and Flame Followers programmes. Following on from National School Sport Week, schools can also celebrate World Sport Day (25 June), ending their term and preparing for the Games in style! Check out www.schoolsportweekscotland.org sportscotland Coaching Award winners announced! Community sport hubs At sportscotland we’re committed to recognising and rewarding coaches from across the country – our Coaching The community sport hubs Awards are designed to do just that. After a record number programme is going from strength of nominations and a tough selection process we have our to strength with another five hubs winners for 2011! launched recently. Young Person’s Coach – Mike Avis (rugby) Dalziel High School in Motherwell, Young Coach – Frazer Grant (basketball) Cumbernauld High School, St Performance Coach – Patrick Miley (swimming) Margaret’s High School in Airdrie, Development Coach – Monica Borland (swimming) Tryst Community Sports Club based Participation Coach – Alan Cardwell (triathlon) at Larbert High School and Inch Park Disability Coach – Robert Dick (bowls) Community Sport Club, Edinburgh are all up and running. With the Congratulations to all of the winners and a huge thank you Minister for Commonwealth to everyone who nominated. Special congratulations go to Games and Sport, Shona Mike Avis who went on to win UK Children’s Coach of the Year at the sports coach UK awards at the end of last year. Robison, at the Tryst launch and Kenny MacAskill MSP at the Inch Park launch, Diary sportscotland is working 12 Mar Glasgow 2014 ‘Sport Your Trainers’ hand-in-hand with the 23-25 Mar Sport Relief Scottish Government to progress this key club 11-15 Jun National School Sport Week sport programme. 25 Jun World Sport Day 27 Jul – 12 Aug London 2012 Olympic Games 29 Aug – 9 Sep London 2012 Paralympic Games
| 03 GLASGOW 2014
“For us, Glasgow 2014 is a catalyst to accelerate the development of sport, raise its profile and help motivate our nation to be more active.” Taking us to 2014... Louise Martin CBE, Chair, sportscotland, explains how the national agency is preparing for Glasgow 2014 and outlines the organisation’s work to deliver a lasting legacy from the Games.
he first thing that people say when they hear that I am In these situations we carefully consider our contribution of Chair of sportscotland is “You must be very busy with time, expertise and investment of public funding, against some Tthe Commonwealth Games coming!” – and of course very important questions: Does the programme or initiative my answer is a resounding “Yes!”. However, the focus of form part of a shared approach to developing sport? Will it our work usually requires some have an impact? Will it be sustainable additional explanation. and ongoing? We provide more details While Glasgow 2014 Ltd are on some of this work overleaf, but for actually delivering the Games now let’s take a closer look at what we event in partnership with the are actually driving. Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Sustainable community- Games Scotland, sportscotland’s based sport primary focus is on improving The lead programme under our objective sport, building and supporting a of delivering sustainable community- world class sporting system at all based sport is community sport hubs – levels, and ensuring that the 17 an exciting and innovative approach to Games sports and their athletes the development of sport in local clubs. are best prepared to succeed. Designed to increase the number of people of all ages who participate in sport across Scotland, sportscotland is fully committed to delivering our part of community sport hubs are based in local places such as club the lasting social, economic and sporting legacy that will be pavilions, sports centres, community centres, the natural generated by the Games, and two clear objectives drive our environment and schools. legacy commitment: one is to develop long-term sustainable community-based sport, and the other is to strengthen and We are already starting to see the fruits of our work in develop Scotland’s performance sport infrastructure. From what this area. The first hubs are up and running, bringing local is within our gift we believe these two areas of focus can make people together and providing a home for local clubs and the biggest difference to Scottish sport for the longer term and sports organisations. To date we have agreed plans with contribute to a world class sporting system at all levels. 24 local authorities which will see the creation of 104 new community sport hub sites. We are now working with our We also recognise that we are well positioned to support a partners to develop these hubs while engaging with the eight number of other programmes and initiatives that contribute remaining local authorities to identify potential opportunities. to the development, improvement and profile of sport.
04 | GLASGOW 2014
Above: sportscotland is working with local partners to develop a network of 150 community sport hubs across the country, while ensuring that the performance infrastructure is able to offer our best athletes the right support in the right places.
Performance sport infrastructure to discover potential world class athletes within the general population and fast-tracked their development towards In performance sport we are working hard with Scottish success at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. governing bodies of sport (SGBs) towards the ultimate goal of making 2014 Scotland’s most successful Games. To make that happen, we have evolved the way in which the institute Making a difference of sport provides high performance expertise to sport and So as you can see, at sportscotland we really are incredibly athletes – we now have one sportscotland institute of sport busy with the Commonwealth Games! And by focusing network that makes decisions together with SGBs centrally on these two very clear objectives we will make a real and delivers service and support to athletes and programmes difference which will benefit both our athletes and our regionally – where they most need it. communities for many years to come. We have established Mission 2014, A full breakdown of sportscotland’s setting clear process work around major games is featured and performance targets with the on the following pages. 17 Games sports. Progress is constantly monitored and regular adjustments to our support are made as For more information on progress with required. We have community also ensured that sport hubs, visit the expert staff deployed across the institute network have sportscotland.org.uk/csh the right skills to support Scotland’s ambitions, and we are committed to continuous improvement – both for our people and the high performance system as a whole. The team at the institute have also driven the Gold4Glasgow talent initiative. Under this banner we have worked with SGBs
| 05 GAMES ACTIVITY ...and beyond With London 2012 just months away, and Glasgow 2014 and the Ryder Cup fast approaching, there has never been a more exciting time for sport in Scotland. We take a look at how sportscotland is supporting a range of activity right across the sporting system, designed to use the power of these major events and accelerate the development of sport.
School sport Performance sport Bank of Scotland National High performance expertise School Sport Week Through the sportscotland institute of sport, we are 11–15 June 2012 providing expert practitioners in a range of disciplines www.schoolsportweekscotland.org to all Olympic and Commonwealth Games sports. Teams of experts work together to manage and The aim of National School Sport Week is to use the deliver cutting edge programmes. power and spirit of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire more young people to Mission 2014 understand the value of sport, and take part in more Mission 2014 aims to create a sense of collective sport in the run up to 2012 and beyond. All schools in responsibility and collaboration to use Glasgow 2014 Scotland can register for the week online and receive as a catalyst for developing the high performance resources with ideas for activities during the week. system in Scotland. Through Mission 2014 we are ensuring that the 17 sports that feature at Glasgow Sport Relief 2014 have clear performance plans in place for the 23-25 March 2012 Games, enabling the institute of sport to prioritise any www.sportrelief.com additional support required. Sport Relief is a bi-annual campaign, with Sainsburys sportscotland athlete personal awards Sport Relief Mile events being organised throughout This three-year initiative offers an annual financial award the UK to help get more people active as part of the of £3,000, £5,000 or £10,000 to individual athletes who 2012 and 2014 legacy plans. sportscotland’s aim is are considered to have the potential to deliver a medal to encourage everyone to get their schools to sign winning performance at Glasgow 2014 or London up online and host a Sport Relief School Event, and 2012. Awards are from the sportscotland Lottery Fund also encourage as many people as possible to host and are intended to help the athlete cover training, a Mile event on Sunday 25 March 2012. To become competition and living costs. an event organiser in your area, or for more information, see the website. Gold4Glasgow Clubgolf The Gold4Glasgow talent programme was set up in partnership with SGBs to help increase the number of www.clubgolfscotland.com Scottish athletes performing and achieving success The clubgolf programme was launched in 2003 to fulfil on the world stage. The aim was to fast-track the Scottish Government’s promise to provide every more Scottish athletes to specialist development child in Scotland with an opportunity to experience programmes aimed at achieving success in Olympic golf. It was part of Scotland’s commitment to the game and Paralympic competition, and importantly which was included in the successful bid to host the representing Scotland and achieving medal success 2014 Ryder Cup. To date, clubgolf has delivered activity at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. to more than 220,000 children across Scotland.
06 | GAMES ACTIVITY
develop community sport hubs within Club sport each of the 32 local authority areas Community sport hubs throughout 2012. sportscotland has www.sportscotland.org.uk/csh agreed an annual budget of £1.5m of National Lottery funding which is being Community sport hubs bring local allocated on a geographical basis people together and provide a home for against robust plans. In addition, facility local clubs and sports organisations. funding will be considered to further Working with local partners, we aim to develop this area of work.
Lead 2014 – Young people leading the way People www.sportscotland.org.uk/lead2014 Volunteering in sport 2011-2015 An exciting partnership has been established involving framework sportscotland, the Youth Sport Trust and Glasgow www.sportscotland.org.uk/volunteeringinsport 2014 Ltd to build upon the Youth Sport Trust TOP Link Developed with support from Volunteer Development programme. The training conferences, which are at Scotland (VDS) the framework aims to promote a the heart of the programme, help develop a pathway consistent approach to how volunteering in sport is for young people in leadership and volunteering. The planned, developed and put into practice along with our conferences aim to nurture and harness the enthusiasm national and local partners. It will be used as a guide of young people, training them as an inspirational based on four priority areas – planning strategically for workforce and supporting Glasgow 2014 Ltd to raise volunteering; engaging new and existing volunteers; the profile of the Commonwealth Games. Six regional supporting the development of volunteers and conferences will be held around Scotland. recognising the contribution volunteers make to sport. 2014 and beyond As well as looking at opportunities to help the Places 2014 team to train their volunteers, sportscotland Glasgow 2014 venues will be working with Our direct investment into facilities which will be used organisations including at the Games is in excess of £20m – this sum includes Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS), SGBs and our single biggest facility award of £15m into the local partners to enhance opportunities for people to Commonwealth Arena. And we’re supporting other stay involved in volunteering beyond the Games. venues including Glasgow Green Hockey Centre, Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre, Tollcross Aquatic sportscotland & Youth Sport Trust Centre and the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. Young Ambassadors The experts within our sport development team have www.youthsporttrust.org also provided consultancy and advice throughout the The role of sportscotland and Youth Sport Trust design and development of the Games facilities. Young Ambassadors involves increasing participation in school sport and PE, spreading the word about Olympic and Paralympic values – respect, friendship, personal excellence, courage, determination, inspiration and equality – and promoting the London Partnerships 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. and planning Coach Inspire and Aspire Commonwealth Games Scotland support In the area of coaching we currently invest over £1m in 22 www.cgcs.org.uk sports to accelerate coach education and development areas and we will continue to support this over the coming sportscotland is a significant funder, as well as a years. Two emerging programmes focused on 2014 are partner, of Commonwealth Games Scotland (CGS) – Coach Inspire and Coach Aspire, led by sportscoach UK the organisation responsible for selecting, preparing with the home country sports councils, and supported by and managing Scotland’s Commonwealth Games UK Sport. These programmes will respectively support team. We work closely with CGS, and many of the coaches of athletes who are podium zone for 2014, experts at the institute of sport will form part of the and potential podium level athletes of the future. greater CGS Games support team, both at pre-games training camps and the Games themselves.
| 07 INTERVIEW Toasting Success Scottish legend Katherine Grainger MBE is Britain’s most successful female rower. Katherine is the first and only female British athlete to win medals in three consecutive Olympic Games. She has won six world championship titles, most recently in 2011 when she and partner Anna Watkins won the women’s Double Scull. Katherine took some time out of her preparations for a record- breaking fourth Olympic medal to talk to us about what makes her tick.
What does it mean How did you get into I might be back on the water, What part of being to you to be Scottish? rowing and when did or on the rowing machine, an athlete do you find 1 3 for the second training 5 In a word being Scottish you start taking it the most rewarding? seriously? session. After lunch it could makes me proud. I love the be the weights gym in the Apart from the second country, I love the people and I fell into rowing at Edinburgh afternoon and I usually also breakfast? Well, the chance I love the fact that loads of University and spent a couple have meetings with my to spend my day trying to the people I’ve met from lots of years just having a fantastic coach or physio or massage be the best in the world at of different countries admire time – not being very good appointments scattered what I do – it means having the Scottish passion and at it but loving the challenge through the day. I’m still a constant drive for sense of self. and the people I was doing it studying so I try to get some improvement and working with. Then in my third year I work done in the evening with a highly motivated team When you were had the opportunity to row or catch up with friends, or who have a healthy sense 2 growing up were you for Scotland so that’s when occasionally lie on the sofa of humour in the face of generally good at sport? I began to think seriously doing absolutely nothing (but challenges. I was generally good at sport, about it. sadly that’s all too rare!). although I was probably a What does a typical jack of all trades rather than day look like for you? a master of anything. I loved 4 “...the chance to trying all the different sports I’m usually up about 6am and at school and could do most I sort out the day ahead and spend my day things to a decent level (apart do my emails over breakfast. trying to be the from the ‘modern dance’ Then it’s onto the water for best in the world term we had at school - I the first training session at think somewhere my old PE about 7.30am, followed by at what I do…” teachers are still laughing the joys of a second breakfast about my display!). – a fantastic luxury known to athletes!
08 | INTERVIEW
You’ve been finish there is a small island rowing and bring about 6 successful in several where the spires of a church a belief that winning was rowing events, what is peek through the trees. If possible. And I am also very your favourite event to you were to create a fairytale proud of my first world title compete in and why? rowing location you would as behind the scenes there draw something like that. were so many challenges I don’t think I could choose to overcome and along a favourite – I’ve been lucky How do you keep the way there were a lot to compete in various events 8 discipline and focus of people who weren’t and the change from one when the going gets tough? supportive of us. It was up boat class to another means to us to prove them wrong That’s always the hard part it always feels like a fresh and show how good we of any big project – it’s simple challenge. As with a lot of things could be. And we did! I think people add so much when everything is going well meaning to an event, and I but when things go wrong have been incredibly lucky it’s tougher. And in a way “…I loved trying all the different sports to row with some fantastic that’s when discipline and at school and could do most things to people over the years. The big focus come in even more, boats mean a diverse group that’s what will get you a decent level (apart from the ‘modern with great characters and the through the tough times. It dance’ term we had at school – I think makes it better when you teamwork element somewhere my old PE teachers are still is crucial in making sure know what your goal is and everyone retains their individual why you want to achieve it, laughing about my display!) …” strengths while becoming a then when things are tough cohesive unit. On the other you have to figure out how hand, a pair or a double is to keep moving forwards to How special is a Whenever you a very tight unit, there is an that goal. Sometimes it’s just 10 home games like 11decide to stop intimacy to it and a huge feeling about breaking it down to London 2012… more competing, what will your of responsibility for, and loyalty really small steps, and getting pressure or less pressure? next challenge be? to, the other person as you are through one session one Oh it’s very, very special and I honestly don’t know yet, utterly reliant on each other. day at a time. I know how rare it is for an I sometimes like to think I’ll What is your What sporting athlete to be able to compete have an easier lifestyle but favourite competition 9 accolade are you at a home Olympic Games. I have the feeling I’ll want 7 So although there is more another big challenge! And venue and why? most proud of? pressure and more attention it’s actually really exciting We competed in Bled in Tough one – I have been very on these Games than ever thinking what that might be. Slovenia this year at the lucky to have had a great before, I also know it will be a World Championships and many brilliant moments in sensational event and I want Obviously you I have to say it is a picture my career. But if I had to to treasure every moment. 12 have an extremely perfect location – a beautiful choose there are probably strict and high pressure deep blue lake surrounded two results I am especially lifestyle, how do you blow proud of. Being in the boat by tree covered mountains, off steam? overlooked by a castle on a that won the first women’s cliff that sits above the start of rowing Olympic medal helped Laughter really is the best the course and then near the to change British women’s medicine. Q&A QUICK FIRE ROUND
1. Neighbours or 5. Red or white wine? 8. Favourite colour? Home and Away? Red in the winter, Purple Neighbours white in the summer 9. Favourite guilty 2. Chocolate or cheese? 6. Bros or New Kids musical pleasure? Chocolate on the Block? The Sound of Music NKOTB, although I 3. City or country? do remember putting 10. Best film ever? City during the week, bottle tops on my Impossible to country at weekends shoes like Bros did! choose! 4. Mac or PC? 7. Favourite word? Mac Truckle
| 09 CLUB SPORT
Launched towards the end of 2011, JOIN THE sportscotland’s club sport framework provides a roadmap for developing a culture of world class club sport in Scotland. Over the next four pages James Steel, Lead Manager for Club Sport at sportscotland, introduces the CLUB framework and picks out some real life examples of its principles in action.
As well as plan outlines a clear focus for With a combined membership of providing sportscotland – a world class over a million people, Scotland’s opportunities for sporting system at all levels. So people to play when it comes to Scotland’s 13,000 sport clubs play a vital role sport and get involved, clubs sport clubs, our aspiration is are key to the development clear – we want to create a in Scottish sport. of athletes, nurturing and culture of world class club sport. developing talent. They With that in mind, over the last also bring people together, year we began the process supporting communities right of creating a framework for the across the country. development of Scotland’s As we saw in the last edition of sport clubs; a roadmap Sport First, our new corporate for everyone involved in
To download the club sport framework, visit sportscotland.org.uk/clubs
10 | CLUB SPORT
developing sport to inform how section – we worked with identified a number of we work together deliver our those involved to try and collective challenges. These club development activities. capture any key aspects challenges are a critical part The starting point in the which could potentially be of the framework, designed process was to talk to replicated across the country. to make us all think about the experts – namely the Over the course of the improvements we could make volunteers running clubs and consultation process, six clear to develop our clubs, or a club the industry professionals in themes emerged, which have in our sport or local area. governing bodies and local been taken forward as the We want to encourage authorities – to get a truly priority areas of the framework everyone involved in club representative insight into (see the summary below). sport, from national policy the world of club sport and Based on our experience, makers to local volunteers, identify best practice. and our discussions with to work together and use During this consultation, experts in sport clubs across the framework and identify “ Our aspiration where we heard about clubs the country, we believe the aspects which they can is clear – we that were successful in a these priorities are the key influence. By focusing on want to create a particular area – for example to delivering world class these challenges, and working culture of world community relations, strong club sport in this country. with others, we can all play our partnerships with local Within each of the six priority part in developing world class class club sport.” business or a thriving youth areas the Government sport clubs in Scotland.”
PRIORITY AREA CATEGORY
WELL ORGANISED CLUBS PARTNERSHIPS Let’s spend time on how clubs are run and ensure clubs AND PLANNING understand their members’ and communities’ needs.
Search BETTER CONNECTED CLUBS Let’s understand that most clubs are volunteer led and run but ORGANISED that’s not a barrier to connecting to professional services and partnerships which can help improve quality and build capacity. CONNECTED
PROMOTED WELL PROMOTED CLUBS Let’s prioritise the club’s visibility locally to encourage a stronger SUSTAINABLE identity, ownership, standing and support in the community.
INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE CLUBS Clubs need to focus on income generation and reduce grant dependency to help them become more sustainable.
GREAT PEOPLE IN CLUBS PEOPLE The best clubs have strong leaders, clear plans and committed volunteers. As well as encouraging more participants, clubs need to support those leaders and volunteers as best as they can.
GREAT PLACES FOR CLUBS PLACES Clubs need appropriate facilities to allow them to grow and develop.
| 11 XXXXXXXXXXXXCLUB SPORT Club framework in action As we’ve seen over the last couple of pages, sportscotland’s Club Sport Framework outlines six priority areas which we believe are key to delivering world class club sport in Scotland. sportscotland’s Lead Manager for Club Sport, James Steel, picks out six examples of the framework in action.
Well organised clubs Better connected clubs Clydesdale Hockey Club Moravian Orienteers
Founded in 1848, Clydesdale Hockey Club is Formed in the late 1960s, Moravian Orienteers part of Clydesdale Cricket Club who have played was one of the founder clubs in Scotland. at their current ground for over 100 years. Moravian’s fortunes have fluctuated, but since As part of an ambitious plan to celebrate their 2005 the club has grown consistently and gone 150th anniversary, the club’s management team from a handful of active members to 115 today. embarked on a strategic approach to growing This growth is the result of a concerted effort and developing their facilities by extending the to connect with the community, particularly clubhouse and building an artificial turf pitch. local schools. Focusing on the quality of what they could offer, as well as Moravian have established a strong partnership with their membership numbers, the club submitted a proposal the Moray Active Schools team over a number of years, to sportscotland for funding, and also received grants which has helped to develop the club in the local area. from both the National Lottery and the Foundation for Orienteering has since become an established sport in local Sport and the Arts. After receiving all required funding and schools, and Active Schools became part of the club’s planning permission, the clubhouse was extended and junior section with access to a £3,000 suite of electronic the pitch was completed in May 1997. event equipment which they use widely in schools. The club’s organised and planned approach to their Active Schools was also given access to orienteering future has been based on an understanding of members’ software and taught how to make their own courses and needs and the requirements of the local community. This print maps and each Active Schools coordinator was organised approach has helped to drive the development allocated their own club member to go to for advice. of the club which recently replaced the original sand based Many school staff members have been taught how to pitch with an international standard water based artificial deliver orienteering in their own schools which has helped pitch. This major achievement should take the club to the to sustain the sport. highest level of hockey. Taking a planned approach to The club also saw the benefit of engaging the media, development based on understanding needs means that orienteering’s governing bodies, local communities and the club now has 450 members and growing, and they other sports such as running. This partnership approach can provide an excellent facility to take part in sport. has been very successful and really helped to develop the club and raise its profile.
12 | XXXXXXXXXXXXCLUB SPORT
Well promoted clubs Great people in clubs Glasgow City Football Club Stirling Wanderers Hockey Club & Kilmarnock Harriers Athletics Club Established by Laura Montgomery and Carol Anne Stewart in 1998, Glasgow City Football Club is Douglas Stainton is a hockey coach with Stirling Scotland’s premier women’s football team. Wanderers Hockey Club. Stirling Wanderers has Having started as a one team club, Glasgow City now four senior teams (two male and two female) and boasts five teams – first, reserve, under 15, under 13 a junior section from age 5-14 with over 60 young and under 11 – and the club has been Scottish Women’s people registered. Football Premier League Champions five years in a row and Scottish Cup Winners in 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2011. Glasgow City credits some of their success to their promotional activity, promoting themselves within the Glasgow community and beyond, by focusing on partnerships, sponsorship deals and selling merchandise. The club also concentrated on raising their profile through events and galas, and increasing the players’ public profile through media opportunities.
Douglas started volunteering at the club when he was 15 years old as he moved from playing in the junior section to the senior section. The club were looking for members to help out with the delivery of junior training and Douglas got involved in their sessions. Now aged 21, Douglas still plays at the club in the men’s first team and has obtained funding to complete his UKCC Hockey Level 1 and 2 awards with the club’s financial support.
Kilmarnock Harriers Athletics Club was formed in 1887 and is one of the oldest clubs in Investing in sustainable clubs Scotland. Over the years the success and profile Helensburgh Sailing Club of the club has varied and ten years ago there were less than a dozen under-17s members.
Helensburgh Sailing Club Today however there are around one hundred, started in 1951 and gained its thanks to the club’s accreditation as an RYA teaching focus on empowering facility in 1998. Since then they more people to take have delivered teaching at all an active role in the levels and to all ages, and today club, offering support they have 450 members. for young people to develop their own skills After completing a new club house, and talents and, where the club successfully applied for appropriate, increasing sportscotland investment through the the number of paid Sports Facilities Fund and Awards for All, for developing workers. their facilities and providing inclusive sailing. The funds went towards a new slipway, which allows safer entry to The club also concentrated on building links with local the water and provides wheelchair access, and two youth schools throughout East Ayrshire, making particular use of training boats, designed to increase capacity. the network of Active Schools coordinators. They organised cross-country events for most of the local primary schools, The club understands the importance of building local and for several of the senior schools, and coach education relationships and worked closely with the Scottish governing was provided for those working in schools. body and the local authority, Argyll and Bute. They sourced local and national funding as well as generating funding Finally, the club also identified an issue around a lack for themselves, and through this they not only raised their of young members and sought to develop practical profile in the local area but also increased opportunity for partnerships with local sports councils. Through building disabled and youth sailors from a variety of backgrounds. partnerships and developing their people they now have Through this developmental work Helensburgh Sailing Club over 20 qualified coaches and continue to grow steadily. now have better facilities and can offer more opportunities to participate in sport.
| 13 CURLING
CALLING THE SHOTS
hen it comes to winter sports, After disappointing results A new team has been curling is one of Britain’s most at the Vancouver Winter established to help deliver successful, with our men Olympic Games in 2010, the the programme, with a real W British world class curling emphasis on collaborative currently third in the world rankings and programme has gone through working between the key women not far behind in seventh place. a significant restructuring partners to deliver success. With Scots making up the bulk of the process, which has seen it Dave Crosbee, Performance GB teams, we take a look at some recent become leaner and more Director at British Curling, changes in the performance structure focused than ever before. gives us some insight into of the sport, all targeted towards medal A unique agreement between the fresh approach: “We are success in Sochi 2014. the Royal Caledonian focused on delivering a really Curling Club (RCCC), British structured and deliberate Curling and sportscotland training programme for our has resulted in a single athletes, which places an cohesive British and Scottish emphasis on building teams performance programme. over time. This approach,
14 | CURLING
Meet the national coaches Tony Lummack: As well as several years of coaching in his home country of Canada, Tony has been Curling Director of Glencoe Club in Calgary. In 2007 he coached the Alberta Provincial wheelchair curling team to a silver medal at the Canadian National Championships. One of those athletes went on to win Wheelchair Curling gold at the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver. Soren Gran: Soren competed at World and Olympic level (winning a world junior title, a world bronze medal and competing at two Olympics) and retired in 2001 from competitive action. The Swede’s coaching achievements have included leading his countrymen to European gold in 2009, delivering a World Junior silver in 2008 and taking the men to the semi-finals of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Rhona Martin: Rhona was a competitive curler for over 20 years at Scottish and GB level and famously skipped the team who won Olympic gold in Turin in 2002. She retired in 2007 and spent three years on the UK Sport Elite Coach Programme and working with the RCCC as Performance Development Coach before starting her current role with the programme in 2011.
together with increasing shots, should mean each women’s coach Rhona Martin. than ever. It’s an approach our on-ice training, should individual can excel in their Each brings a unique set of designed to bring long-term help us to make significant own position. skills and experience to the success and while there are headway towards achieving Dave explains: “We want the programme and, importantly, no quick fixes at this level, the our goals.” athletes on our programme to they work together to utilise early signs are very positive This way of working be technically and tactically each other’s strengths. with Scotland’s women maximises individual skill, the best players they can Backed up by seasoned winning the European Curling while focusing on gradual be as individuals, and we hands Cate Brewster and Championship in Moscow in team development and is want our teams to operate Nancy Murdoch, this December. It is the first time central to the performance together more effectively.” coaching squad offers that Scotland’s women have plan for the sport. Giving in-depth knowledge coupled lifted the trophy since 1975 A new, highly skilled coaching with vast experience. and certainly bodes well for coaches the opportunity team is driving the programme to pinpoint each athlete’s With a fresh approach and a the future of Scotland’s most to the next level – wheelchair successful winter sport. fundamental needs, and coach Tony Zummack, men’s robust new coaching team, then working to strengthen coach Soren Gran, and the future for the curling specific technical and tactical programme looks brighter
| 15 VOLUNTEERING
Time to skill
ork Out For Sport, a programme Work Out For Sport was founded and is managed by which was launched in September Winning Scotland Foundation. Deloitte is the founding corporate partner, while sportscotland supports the process 2010, matches volunteers from W of finding volunteer opportunities and the development of the business sector with sport clubs and the programme. The beauty of Work Out For Sport is that organisations across Scotland. Put simply, it offers a win-win-win scenario. The corporate organisation employees are allowed to take time out benefits as its staff develop skills and apply them in new of their working day which they can use environments; the clubs benefit from expertise and support; and the volunteers enjoy time out of their working day to give to volunteer within sport. The vision of something back to sport and the local community. the programme is to utilise the valuable resource of skilled volunteers from the Alan Cunningham is a manager in the tax department at Deloitte and was one of the first volunteers to take part in the business sector for the benefit of sport Work Out For Sport programme. He was placed at Broxburn in Scotland and so far the volunteering United Sports Club, a large community football club in West undertaken has focused on three main Lothian where he was already a coach. He put his business areas – business support to clubs; senior skills to use straight away, identifying that the club could business support to Scottish governing substantially increase its revenue by maximising Gift Aid – a tax incentive which allows charities and community sport bodies and coaching at after school clubs. clubs to reclaim tax on gifts. The result is a potential increase in revenue of approximately £15,000 per annum. But Alan’s good work didn’t stop there – he has now developed a Gift Aid toolkit which provides comprehensive guidance on the process for any community club. This easy- to-use resource is available to anyone to download from the Work Out For Sport website. Alan now realises how the business skills he’s developed over the years can really make a difference to a sport club, and this experience is just one of many examples where input from the Deloitte volunteers has helped clubs to plan for the future. Looking ahead sportscotland is working with Winning Scotland Foundation on the long term development of Work Out For Sport as the Foundation engages other corporate partners to get involved in this innovative and exciting programme. The programme has great potential to contribute to the recently launched club sport and volunteering frameworks.
Find out more “ The vision is to utilise the valuable To download the Gift Aid toolkit please visit: resource of skilled volunteers from www.workoutforsport.com the business sector for the benefit And for more information of sport.” on the club sport and volunteering frameworks visit: www.sportscotland.org.uk
16 | COACHING
Coaching Matters
or the last two years sportscotland and the Coaches’ pathways University of Stirling have been partners in Another development within the the Coaching Matters programme, supporting Coaching Matters programme has seen F the introduction of 1:1 programmes the professional development of performance coaches for coaches not already on a UK in Scotland through a series of tailored workshops. development pathway. These coaches can tap into support on an individual, The combination of sportscotland’s really useful. He wanted the rest of his face-to-face basis to help reflect on and expertise in sport development and high team to experience the same thing and, develop their skills. With the Glasgow performance sport, and the unrivalled working with sportscotland and the 2014 Games just around the corner, the knowledge of Scotland’s University University of Stirling, developed judo’s programme can be used to effectively of Sporting Excellence in Stirling, Coaching Matters programme. develop coaches’ capacity and expertise. has resulted in a diverse and high quality programme. To date, 150 high performance coaches have attended “Coaching Matters has given our coaches a workshops covering topics from major much needed connection to each other .” games preparation to coaching practice.
Specific requirements Increased awareness Working together, sportscotland and Two years on, Coaching Matters is David explained: “I think our coaches the University of Stirling will continue to evolving to incorporate sport-specific had become isolated and the Coaching develop all strands of the programme programmes, in which individual Matters programme has given them and assess the impact it is having on sports can create a series of targeted a much needed connection to each coaches and sports to ensure they workshops built around the specific other. The relationships formed in are getting the very best support for requirements of their performance this process have been so valuable. professional development. coaches. Eleven sports are engaged Hopefully all the coaches have gained with individual programmes so far, an increased awareness, knowledge including judo, where the programme and understanding of their trade but To find out more about the is starting to have a real impact. some have also gained more aspiration Coaching Matters programme David Somerville (pictured above) is Judo to achieve, and the programme certainly please visit: Scotland’s National High Performance creates an incentive to keep developing.” www.sportscotland.org.uk/ Coach. When he got involved in Judo Scotland will continue to work coachingmatters Coaching Matters he found that mixing with sportscotland and the University to with coaches from other sports and adapt the programme year on year, as getting to ask questions about all the will the ten other sports that have been issues that he was struggling with was benefitting from the workshops.
| 17 GLASGOW 2014
SPORT YOUR TRAINERS! The second annual Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games ‘Sport Your Trainers’ campaign is now in full swing – and there is still time to get involved!
aunched in January, from Arran to Aberdeen Stepping up to Sport Your Trainers on the Glasgow 2014 and Dumfries to Dundee, 12 March is still at the initiative is calling on 820,000 people put their the challenge heart of this campaign, L but this year people can everyone, whether at home, best foot forward. This year, the campaign has work or play, to ditch their been extended to ask people also Step Up and take The number of trainers worn, part in their own personal normal footwear and wear to Step Up to a particular if you put them end to end, fitness challenge in the run fitness challenge as well trainers on Commonwealth was the equivalent of 1,740 up to Commonwealth Day. as wearing their trainers. Day – 12 March. laps of the new Sir Chris Head of Marketing and It’s an enjoyable opportunity The campaign was Hoy Velodrome in the East Advertising at the Glasgow with a serious message, developed to generate End of Glasgow; 1,088 laps 2014 Organising Committee, as one of the key reasons enthusiasm, interest and of the new Hampden Park Martin Reynolds, said: behind bringing the Games excitement among the athletics track; 8,700 lengths to Scotland is to encourage Scottish public for Glasgow at Tollcross International “There was a fantastic far more people to get 2014, and to raise the profile Swimming Centre; eight reaction to the campaign active and take part in of the Games across the and a half triathlons; ten last year and we were regular exercise. whole of Scotland. marathons; 162 trips up really delighted by the It is a great time of year amount of people who This is the second year and down Ben Nevis; three to start to get fit or become participated in the event. of Sport Your Trainers which, lengths of the West Highland more active, whatever your Over 800,000 people were current level of fitness, and in 2011, involved people from Way or 42 times around the subway in Glasgow. registered on our website celebrate your achievement across the entire country and loads of pictures of on Commonwealth Day.” getting into the spirit of trainer-sporting fans the Games by sporting appeared on our social their trainers for the day – media channels.
18 | GLASGOW 2014
The number of trainers worn, if you put them end to end, was the equivalent of…
laps of the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome 1,740 in the East End of Glasgow
laps of the new Hampden Park 1,088 athletics track
lengths at Tollcross International 8,700 Swimming Centre
trips up and down 162 Ben Nevis 8.5 triathlons 10 marathons
lengths of the Fort William 3 West Highland Way [96 miles]
times around the 42 subway in Glasgow
Last year’s high profile A key element of the campaign attracted sports campaign for 2011 and again stars, senior politicians and in 2012 is to encourage celebrities and this year is no people to engage using different with everyone from digital media. A micro- footballing legend Kenny site has been set up to Dalgleish to Commonwealth provide: an overview of the luminary Liz McColgan giving campaign; a profile of Team their backing to the event. Scotland athletes involved; a downloadable starter pack; For the record and a place for people to The aim of Sport Your register their support. Trainers is to become a Twitter and Facebook regular event, held every are again being used For more information please visit the website at year on Commonwealth as platforms to update www.glasgow2014.com where you can register support Day (the second Monday followers and friends about by clicking on the Sport Your Trainers link. in March) for the next three all aspects of the campaign, years. And the intention is and encourage them to get You can also get involved online in Sport Your Trainers to build its profile, year on involved. activity via the Glasgow 2014 Twitter page, twitter.com/ year, culminating in 2014 – glasgow2014 or on our facebook page – /Glagow2014. the year of the Games.
| 19 TECHNOLOGY
Poetry in motion? The latest technology is being used to fine tune Scotland’s sporting talent in the countdown to London 2012 and Glasgow 2014.
state of the art Vicon motion The assessment session begins with Andy said: “Having had injury issues in analysis system, using ten Andy having around 70 reflective the past it’s really important for me to Ainfra-red cameras to record and marble-sized balls placed on specific evaluate the effect of my sessions with quantify an athlete’s subtle movements, points on his body. The infra-red the institute’s scientists and analyse the is the latest innovation to be deployed cameras detect reflections from the balls ways in which my technique can be by experts at the sportscotland institute and build a 3D image based on this improved to maximise my performance. of sport. information. As David Brandie, Senior The first time I was filmed with the balls Located at the House of Sport in Physiotherapist at the institute, explains: on it felt quiet alien. But I don’t mind Edinburgh, the technology instantly “In the past, Andy suffered from a knee how silly I look if it helps me throw translates recordings of movement into injury, which resulted in his body making further and reduces the chance of 3D computer animations. This provides subtle adaptations in his hammer recurring injury.” the institute scientists with precise throwing technique to avoid knee Alison Alcock, special projects measurements to help fine tune athletes’ strain. Unfortunately, these very subtle and skill acquisition scientist at the movements, quantify their progress and changes in movement resulted in the sportscotland institute of sport, added: aid rehabilitation from injury. athlete incurring hamstring issues to the “To have the capability to take such detriment of his throwing performance. exact recordings is invaluable to the Hammer thrower Andy Frost, 30, from In Andy’s case, the new motion analysis Broxburn, is the first athlete to use the team at the institute who work across system allows us to quantify the ways an array of disciplines. It really is a great centre’s Vicon biomechanical analysis in which his movement is compensating equipment. After just two sessions, the example of the way in which we’re using for his injury and evaluate the the latest technologies to help prepare 2012 Olympic hopeful is already reaping effectiveness of our physiotherapy and our athletes for success.” the benefits. strength and conditioning work.”
20 | EXPERT XXXXXXXXXXXXRESOURCE
“All of the companies have helpdesks and hotlines direct to people who will be able to help.”
Ask the experts s part of it will be passed on for case The experts sportscotland will monitor sportscotland’s management if further support how the service is used, ongoing is required. The decision to ensuring that SGBs get A BDO Ltd commitment to raise to case management support in the most efficient support governing follows discussion between Award-winning UK member way possible to run their bodies of sport, a new the contractor, the sport and firm of the BDO international organisations. If a recurrent expert resource service the sportscotland partnership accountancy network. issue is raised then there is the is now available for manager. Gravitate HR opportunity for professional Edinburgh based firm offering all sports to use. Ian McIntyre from Scottish development to be offered to bespoke outsourced HR Support is provided Orienteering said: “It is clear all sports having similar issues. support services to small to by contractors in the sportscotland is making a Lorna Callan, Partnership medium sized businesses fields of legal, finance good attempt to provide Manager at sportscotland and organisations. and human resources support in many areas of explains: “It is important that (HR) to enable SGBs corporate governance and Harper MacLeod we support SGBs to be well to manage issues and this will be especially helpful One of Scotland’s largest managed organisations and queries effectively to smaller governing bodies law firms based in Glasgow, this is one of the ways we and support them to like ourselves who don’t Edinburgh and Inverness. will achieve this. We believe run well-managed have paid administrators. It that this service will provide organisations. is important that we use this the support and guidance The expert resource service has service to its full potential.” that SGBs need and we look been live since 3 October 2011 The companies involved forward to working with all and SGBs are encouraged have gone through a lengthy the organisations to make the to use the service when they selection process, pitching programme a success.” have any queries in the areas of their services to win the three As well as providing a reactive legal, finance and HR, through year contracts. Margery service, all of the expert Harper Macleod, BDO and McBain, CEO of HR resource resource team will be involved Gravitate HR respectively. Gravitate, explains why she in a more pro-active training All of the expert resource felt it was so important to be programme in conjunction with companies have helpdesks and part of the process: “This is sportscotland and the SSA.” hotlines direct to people who a critical time for sport and will be able to help with any with so much focus on people To find out more about the query, however large or small. working in sport it is important expert resource service Each will be dealt with straight that we create a robust and please contact Lorna Callan away and depending on responsive HR framework to at sportscotland on whether the query is complex support them to do their jobs 0141 534 6500, or your or not, it will either be resolved well. We want to add value to partnership manager. though the initial enquiry or their endeavours.”
| 21 PERFORMANCE LIFESTYE
It may not be as well understood as some other high performance disciplines, but the institute’s work in performance lifestyle is having a dramatic impact on the lives of athletes across the country.
Minimising Balancingdistractions to maximise Act performance he institute’s performance lifestyle cycle and their sport’s performance plan “The classic key transitional phase is the advisers are a team of highly and objectives. It is the starting point shift from junior to senior level, where as Tqualified – and internationally of a relationship ultimately designed many as sixty percent of athletes leave renowned – practitioners who work with to make the athlete self-reliant. Susie the sport. That’s why talent retention individual athletes to help them manage calls it enabling them to ‘control the is such a big focus for us,” says Susie. the challenges of their lives and create controllables and take responsibility for “These phases are really important to the environment necessary for success. the uncontrollables.’ get right and the athlete that learns how Head of Performance Lifestyle “If an athlete has a personal relationship to manage change successfully will have Susie Elms explains the role: “High that is not working, or if they’re a significantly better chance of success.” performance sport requires meticulous struggling with study, then deciding Fast track relocation planning and is an exceptionally what to do about it and taking action For world class hockey player Laura challenging environment to succeed in. will assist their mental toughness, Bartlett, transition meant uprooting The key to our work is understanding confidence and belief because they can from home and university in Glasgow to all aspects of the athletes’ lives, see the direct effect of their actions,” relocate to the National Sports Centre at identifying the factors that influence says Susie. Bisham Abbey in Buckinghamshire where their performance and helping them Finding a balance the GB Hockey programme is based. be independent.” Performance athletes have to find the Susie Elms helped to fast track Self reliant right balance between their focus on Laura’s relocation – working with her The process begins with profiling each sport and the rest of their lives, be it parents and coaching staff; organising athlete against a range of criteria – study, work, relationships or family accommodation at Bisham; arranging including education, career, funding and commitments. On top of this are what’s for her to meet fellow athletes and personal life – while also considering known as ‘transitional phases’ which GB support staff; and finding a where they are in their development every athlete goes through. flexible solution to let Laura cope
22 | PERFORMANCE LIFESTYE
with her studies at Glasgow Caledonian involved negotiating with the academic University while preparing for the departments to enable her to study “Having someone with Olympic Games. “Working with Susie full time for part of the year, while me all the way to listen, helped me cope with leaving home, my suspending her studies from January to family, studies and friends,” says Laura, September 2012 to concentrate fully on understand and find who went on to compete for Team GB in London 2012. Colin has also arranged solutions for everything the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is now in for Hannah to use the university facilities I was worried about, a strong position to be selected for the to catch up on any lectures she misses, London 2012 squad. “It was daunting and for her fees to be covered. This made such a difference.” but having someone with me all the way means that following the Olympics she Balancing to listen, understand and find solutions will still be on track for her degree. for everything I was worried about, “Although it’s quite difficult to make all made such a difference.” the lectures, I still have the opportunity Staying on track to self-study; that’s where RGU and For more information In rural Aberdeenshire, Commonwealth Colin have pulled together enabling me on the institute of sport’s to get the most out of my degree and work in performance Champion swimmer Hannah Miley is lifestyle, visit working towards her own London 2012 education as well as my training. If it www.sisport.com/ dream, and the performance lifestyle hadn’t been for Colin’s help throughout performancelifestyle team has been a constant source my education I think I would probably of support. Performance Lifestyle be in a very different position, or might Coordinator Colin Gallacher has worked not have even made it to university. with the Inverurie swimmer for 10 years, My studies are so important because helping Hannah and her family cope I need something to keep my brain with the transitions involved in her move ticking and it gives me a release from from promising young athlete to world swimming all the time!” class performer, particularly around her education. “The performance lifestyle team made a huge difference to me when I was at school,” says Miley. “They helped me work out when my exams would be and if they clashed with training camps they helped me to get suitably prepared ahead of time so I could still sit exams.” Over the past three years much of Colin’s work has been assisting Hannah in her move to Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University (RGU) for a Sports Science degree. This
| 23 WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
Alive and kicking Scottish women’s football is going from strength to strength It’s the fastest growing sport in the world and some claim that Scotland was the first country to introduce it, as part of 18th century highland marriage customs! From such humble beginnings a global sport has emerged and women’s football is very much alive and kicking here in Scotland. Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football for the Scottish FA, Sheila Begbie charts the sport’s progress and Scotland’s ambitious plans for future development. 24 | WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
“ We know we have the talent and knowledge to develop these players and with the right support they can become among the sport’s elite.”
ver the past two We need more people in and potentially develop a Changing culture decades, the major the system to impact on the partnership with UEFA to As with all emerging sports, Ocatalyst for change in game at all levels in the future. reward clubs based on their without additional investment the girls’ and women’s game It’s our aspiration to increase performance and quality. there is a real risk that the “has been the support from the number of girls in the game will stagnate. We are Fantastic volunteers sportscotland. From the early formal structure and one of placing increased demands We have all seen the days of Teamsport Scotland, the most important steps we on the national team players enormous success Anna has where they supported the took to develop the game and we need to support them achieved with our women’s Scottish FA to employ a was appointing Anna Signeul to enable them to perform national team and with elite full-time member of staff to as National Coach. Anna at the highest level – no one programmes, including clubs develop girls’ and women’s came from the Swedish FA should be out of pocket when like Glasgow City. Everything football, sportscotland has and brought with her a wealth playing for their country. The we have achieved is by been there to support or drive of knowledge at international ideal situation would be to working together with partners, change in the game. Over the and club level. She has had a attract commercial investment including sportscotland and past few years, the Scottish major impact on how we are into the game. That is why the Scottish Government, Government has also been a developing the structure of the changing the culture and our clubs and importantly the major supporter particularly game here in Scotland and is attitude in and towards the fantastic volunteers we have in the Sports Minister, Shona so inspiring and motivating. women’s game has been a the game. And our partnership Robison and Justice Minister, priority – making the game Raising standards with Winning Students means Kenny Macaskill who both more visible and gaining Since Anna’s appointment, that national and regional understand the benefits of respect for the players. In we have focused on our clubs players are now training 10 using football as a positive Scotland we still have a big – they’re our first, second times per week in performance vehicle to address social job to do to show young girls and third priority! They are the centres specifically created issues for young girls and that it’s cool to be a girl and heart of the game; if we have for the elite women’s game women in Scotland. play football. within colleges and universities. Talented players World football The time has come when We have some very talented we have to decide, as a players coming through nation, if we believe that the system, supported by Scotland can make it to the the structure that we are top and therefore support implementing, including a that ambition, or allow long term development plan other countries to pass us and player pathway. We by, making it even harder know we have the talent and to catch up in the future. knowledge to develop these However, I believe we are players and with the right in touching distance of the support they can become big nations in world football among the sport’s elite. Kim strong clubs we have a strong and with continued support From grassroots to elite Little was recently voted competition structure and that to help us to consolidate the But that’s only part of the Player of the Year in England in turn will have a real impact fantastic work being done in equation. Countries like for the second year running on our national teams both at girls’ and women’s football at Sweden, Germany and and with great players like youth and senior level. With the moment, we will be able France have established Eilish McSorley in our youth Scottish Government support, to take the next step and really good systems to teams the future is looking we recently employed six become a major player in develop women’s football bright. If we can develop one regional club development the game. from grassroots to elite level to two players at that level in officers with a focus on with huge numbers of girls every age group the A-squad increasing registered players participating within their will constantly improve. At within our clubs. We also programmes. We also have a the moment we are achieving lot of girls playing in Scotland, want to establish a licence ” that but we need support designed to encourage elite but not within our clubs or to keep up the momentum. formal football structure. clubs to raise standards,
| 25 CASHBACK FOR COMMUNITIES
Giving something back
hrough its in communities affected money has been invested CashBack for £44m by crime and anti-social where it can complement and Communities invested in sport, culture, behaviour. contribute to wider planning T for sport – through Scottish programme, the education and volunteering Money is provided to support Scottish Government through CashBack since 2007. a wide variety of free sporting, governing bodies of sport, is taking money cultural, educational and sportscotland and other recovered from mentoring activities. These national organisations. So criminal activity and 600,000 can range from diversionary far, a total of 11 sporting putting it to good use young Scots have participated work, designed to give organisations have received in local communities. in activities supported by young people a positive way CashBack funding (see the We take a look at CashBack funding. to spend time which might panel to the right for more how the ill-gotten otherwise be used in an information). proceeds of crime anti-social way, to longer-term sportscotland’s facilities are being invested in £8m intervention projects which team have been directly young people and the invested in free sporting aim to turn an individual’s life involved in rolling out communities they around and provide them CashBack funding to support live in to help them activities for young people aged 10-19. with the opportunity to go development of facilities for prosper, flourish and into employment, education, sport clubs in football and contribute positively or volunteering. Over £44m rugby. Started in 2009, the to society. 1 1 sporting has been invested in this way, initial phase provided £2m of Since its launch in 2007, allowing more than 600,000 support to 26 football clubs the CashBack for organisations young people to participate from Dumfries to Shetland Communities programme supported by CashBack in a wide range of activities. to upgrade pitches and has taken money recovered funding (see panel opposite). Sport is a key component of clubhouses. A second phase through the Proceeds the CashBack Programme. of funding, targeted at local of Crime Act 2002 and A total of £8m has been football and rugby clubs is invested it into community invested in sporting activity now well underway, and will programmes, facilities and with a further £16.7m see a further £6.25m made activities designed to benefit committed to projects through available to help pay for young people aged 10-19 to 2014. Importantly, this facility upgrades.
26 | CASHBACK FOR COMMUNITIES
Sport organisations funded through CashBack for Communities:
Amateur Boxing Scotland Scottish Rugby Union Badmintonscotland Scottish Sports Futures basketballscotland Scottish Squash scottishathletics Tennis Scotland Scottish Football Association sportscotland Scottish Hockey
Giving
something back Above: CashBack for Communities investment at Kennoway Sports Association, together with vital support from Fife Council, has helped improve facilities and give the area a much needed boost.
sportscotland’s Head of together to form Kennoway With a high unemployment Ladies, so the kids here have Facilities Mark Cowan explains Sports Association. Led rate, and a benefits claim rate some great role models to how this investment has by Chairman Bob McPhail, well above the Fife average, look up to. Our amateur team been rolled out: “The Scottish the association worked Kennoway is a community have also had a good deal Government’s CashBack tirelessly to raise funds for which faces some very real of success in the league and investment has complemented a new modular clubhouse challenges. Bob explains cup, which really inspires the the investment we already which would provide a more that the whole ethos of the kids too.” make through the Sports welcoming environment for sports association is about It’s a powerful message Facilities Fund, enabling us to local children and teams. supporting the local area: for the young people in increase the reach and impact With CashBack investment “We needed a wee boost Kennoway, where Bob and of our investment into local of £100,000, and additional here in Kennoway. As in his team are having a real club facilities. Local authorities support of £230,000 from Fife many areas, drink and drugs social impact through sport. have played a crucial role Council, the project got the affect our teenagers but this Their work highlights the in making it happen, and green light in March 2010. Just new facility is helping kids power that sport has to act because the Scottish Football a few months later, the new use their energy in the right as a catalyst for change in Association (SFA) and Scottish building was in place, complete way. We’ve even had the people’s lives. And thanks Rugby Union (SRU) have with six changing rooms, first police running roadshows to CashBack, money been central to the process, aid treatment room, kitchen designed to try and educate recovered from criminal we know that investment has and referee’s room. the younger boys and girls activity is helping to replicate gone to the right projects in about the dangers of drugs.” this story in communities the right places.” Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, “We always try and tell the across the country. One area where the CashBack as Bob explains: “Our new kids that everyone is on a for Communities Programme clubhouse is providing a real ladder. If you work hard and has made a real difference is hub for teams to meet – we try your best, whether it’s in Kennoway, near Leven in Fife. have nine or ten teams playing football or in life, then good For more information things will happen and you’ll on the CashBack Determined to try and out of Cotlands Park and our programme visit improve facilities after their numbers have grown steadily climb that ladder. We have former Kennoway players www.scotland.gov.uk old changing rooms were to the point that we’re now and seach for condemned, Kennoway’s seeing 350 kids coming now playing at Dunfermline, CashBack. local football teams got through the doors every week.” St Johnstone and Glasgow
| 27 NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES sportscotland national training centres
Inverclyde One of the best-equipped multi sport residential sports centres in the United Kingdom, Inverclyde is a centre of excellence for high performance training, coach education, team building and player improvement. It features a range of facilities developed for elite sportspeople but available to everyone. T: 01475 674 666 W: www.nationalcentreinverclyde.org.uk E: [email protected]
Glenmore Lodge As Scotland’s national outdoor training centre, Glenmore delivers residential courses for outdoor leaders, coaches and instructors, as well as experience courses for everyone, regardless of ability. Courses are available in mountain sports, paddle sports and first aid and rescue training in both mountain and water environments. T: 01479 861 256 W: www.glenmorelodge.org.uk E: [email protected]
Cumbrae Cumbrae is Scotland’s premier watersports centre and instructor training facility. The centre offers exceptional facilities for watersports enthusiasts at all levels, supported by a team of highly qualified instructors with a huge breadth and depth of personal and instructing experience. T: 01475 530 757 W: www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk E: [email protected]
28 | 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
The institute is working with all Strength and 17 Commonwealth Ultimately, we’re conditioning coach Games sports, working to ensure Scott Crawford is including rugby, that Glasgow 2014 part of a team of to help ensure they is Scotland’s experts at the have the support they most successful institute that delivers need in the run-up Commonwealth specialist support to to Glasgow 2014. Games ever. Scottish Rugby’s sevens programme. SF 02123M ISSN: 2047-9549 Published bysportscotland © Fax: Tel: for more information our communicationsteam and languages.Pleasecontact available in a range of formats sportscotland documentsare www.nationalcentreinverclyde.org.uk www.nationalcentrecumbrae.org.uk institute ofsport,thehighperformancearmsportscotland. Trust Company(nationalcentres). sportscotlandincorporatesthe The sportscotlandgroup ismadeup ofsportscotlandandthe Tel: TempletonDoges, 62 Templeton Green, the on G40 1DA Street, Glasgow Office Head sportscotland2012 0141 6500 534 0141 5346501 0141 5346500 Fax: 0141 6501 534 Web:
www.sportscotland.org.uk www.sisport.com www.glenmorelodge.org.uk Designed, edited&produced by
www.redpath.co.uk
Photography: Rob Eyton-Jones; Getty Images; Steve Lindridge, Ideal Images; David McIntyre; Sandy Young Photography; David McNie Photography; Peter Sandground; Chris Spencer, AktivNorth