Last week, Grace Jean Lawther from the Scottish Disability Sport Young Persons Sport Panel (SDS YPSP) was invited by sportscotland to attend Enable’s three-day Europe in Action 2024 Conference, held at The University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre in Glasgow.

With more than 400 people in attendance at the conference, Grace had the opportunity to connect with people from across Europe, with people attending from countries including Romania, Slovakia, Ireland, and Belgium among others.

Grace felt inspired by the event and found the discussions she had very hopeful and encouraging.

“As a disabled young person there is a lot of anxiety around how the future might look, and it is often the case that our journey looks different to our non-disabled peers. There were so many knowledgeable, courageous people to hear from at the conference”.

Since she joined the YPSP last year, Grace has been a very proactive member, showcasing her passion for disability sport, and has made a brilliant contribution to the panel and the wider work of SDS.

“As someone who is interested in advocacy – I am on the Scottish Disability Sport’s Young Persons Sport Panel, and I write a blog about my experience as a young, autistic woman – it was fascinating to see just how far others have taken their advocating”.

You can read the full article here.

The SDS YPSP is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. The panel is made up of 16 young people aged 14-22 who come with a huge amount of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience to help shape the future of disability sport in Scotland.

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) can today, Friday 17^th May 2024, confirm an independent investigation has concluded there is no evidence to support the assertion that SDS systematically bullied an athlete or that the athlete was treated in an unfair manner.

In total, twenty-six specific allegations going as far back as 2016, were made by a complainant regarding the treatment of an athlete.  The allegations included claims of inappropriate or inconsistent behaviour or practice; a failure to maintain effective communication; exclusion from events; and a failure to support and develop talent.   The independent investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by SDS, or any member of staff or volunteer coaches. 

Twenty-four of the allegations were not upheld.  However, the report highlighted two occasions where communication with the complainant could have been better.  Allegations relating to these matters were upheld.

The complaint, lodged on 30^th October 2023, also alleged bullying by current and previous members of staff and volunteer coaches, and systematically bullying by SDS.

The independent investigation undertaken by Carmain Consulting Services, which commenced in early January 2024, found that allegations of bullying and systematic bullying were “neither plausible nor credible”.  

The report also makes twelve recommendations aimed at sharing learning and development opportunities and strengthen organisational governance arrangements.

In response to the Independent Investigation Report, SDS Chief Executive Gavin MacLeod, said, “These allegations were of a very serious nature and they have been extremely upsetting for all concerned.  It was important they were thoroughly investigated by an independent investigator.  

“We acknowledge Carmain Consulting Service’s findings of their independent investigation and welcome the clarity and reassurance the report provides.  Based on all of the evidence and documents gathered, their investigation found no evidence to support the claims made.

“Where communication could have been better, we will learn from the experiences of those directly involved along with the observations and recommendations contained within the report. 

“We recognise the two incidents where communication has fallen short of our expectation and we resolve to use the learning from the report to strengthen our processes moving forwards. Along with our Board of Directors, our priority now is to take forward the recommendations from the report and we have developed an action plan which will help us achieve this.

We were pleased to note that our staff and volunteer coaches were described in the report as, “passionate, motivated, dedicated and determined to deliver the best services and outcomes for participants and athletes with physical, sensory or learning disabilities.” 

“As individuals, an organisation and a sporting community, it is critical we uphold the highest standards and we are very proud of our values which are Inclusion, Respect, Integrity and Ambition.  Our vision remains that sport and physical activity in Scotland continues to grow, thrive and is welcoming and inclusive for all participants and athletes including those with a physical, sensory, or a learning disability, their families and others involved in disability sport.”  

Having seal qualification for the final of the IFCPF World Championships in Salou, Spain, with wins over Northern Ireland, South Korea and Chile, the Scottish CP Football Squad were determined to go one better that their 2022 campaign.

The Scots were up against Northern Ireland again in the final and as the teams took to the pitch in the warm Spanish sunshine, hopes were high of a first World Championships title.

It was Scotland who started the match the strongest and took the lead in the 7^th minute through captain, Matthew Wynne. The Scots grew stronger as the first half progressed and goals from Jamie Mitchell in the 23^rd minute and Mark Robertson in the 24^th minute gave them a comfortable 3-0 lead at half time.

The second half was closely fought but a second goal for Matthew Wynne in the 34^th minute put the tie to bed and Scotland ran our comfortable 4-0 winners. The full-time whistle was met with wild celebrations from the Scotland supporters, players and staff.

In the 3^rd/4^th play off match at the Championships, Chile staged an impressive comeback from 3-1 down at half time to clinch 3^rd place with a 6-4 victory in extra time.

In addition to being presented with the IFCPF World Championships trophy, Scotland captain, Matthew Wynne was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player accolade and Martin Hickman was recognised as the Top Goal Scorer at the Championship.

The Scottish players and staff who have represented Scotland at the IFCPF World Championships are as follows;

James McAlpine

Jamie Kelly

Kerr MacKenzie

Mark Robertson

Martin Hickman – Top Scorer of the Tournament Award (7 goals)

Matthew Wynne – Most Valuable Player Award

Blair Glynn

Sean Millership

Barry Hunter

Christopher Moore

Dean Thornton

Jamie Mitchell

Jon McFarlane

Logan Smith

Billy McAdam (Head Coach)

Ryan Coleman (Coach)

Greig Taylor (Coach)

Kirsty Pitts (Physiotherapist)

The congratulations of everyone at SDS goes to all the players, coaches and support staff on their IFCPF World Championships win.

Game 4: Monday 15th April 2024

Federico Lovascio’s goal 15 minutes from time gave Italy a surprise win over Scotland, giving them a real chance to make the final.

Lovascio bundled home after two previous efforts were blocked on the goal line, leading to passionate celebrations on the Italy bench, as players and staff alike realised the enormity of the moment. 

Scotland coach William McAdam made six changes to his starting seven with only Barry Hunter keeping his place from the win over Chile, including a competitive debut for youngster James McAlpine.

After a scoreless first half, the game saw its first goal in the 35-minute, as after Lovascio and Mattia Vrech both saw shots stay up, it was third time lucky as the former sent the Italian contingent into raptures.

Though Scotland pushed for a leveller, they were kept out, partly thanks to a string of brilliant saves from Daniele Beccegato. A late curler from Jon McFarlane looked to have equalised, but the Italy goalkeeper clawed it out to preserve the points for his country. A video explaining what they would need to progress to the final is live across IFCPF’s Instagram and TikTok.

UPDATE – Tuesday 16th April 2024: Scotland bag themselves a spot in the IFCPF World Championship final. They will take on Northern Ireland and will hope to repeat their success from their opening game, when they beat them 3-0. 

Game 3: Saturday 13th April 2024

Mark Robertson marked his return to Scotland’s starting lineup with a clinical hat-trick, as Scotland defeated Chile 4-1 to confirm their place in the final.

In his first Scotland start since August, Scotland’s number seven wasted little time on his return to the starting seven, finding the back of the net within the opening three minutes to set William McAdam’s team on their way.

Chile responded past the midway point of the first half, with a brilliant run from Patricio Saavedra affording him space to shoot, and he fired past Christopher Moore to draw Chile level.

The nerves of the Scottish fans were alleviated just before half-time thanks to their talisman Martin Hickman who, after a stellar Jamie Mitchell through ball, restored Scotland’s advantage.

Two goals in 12 second-half minutes for Robertson brought up his hat-trick and put the match beyond doubt, becoming Scotland’s third hat-trick scorer this tournament. Day three sees Scotland needing a point from their final game against Italy to confirm their place at the summit of the standings, while Chile remains on a single point, a clash with Northern Ireland to follow.