Scotland enjoyed a very successful trip to Swansea for the 2022 UK Championships over the weekend. The team consisting of Kayleigh Haggo (BC2), Lewis McConnell (BC2), Scott McCowan (BC3), Jamie McCowan (BC3), Stephen McGuire (BC4), Tyler McLelland (BC4), Scott McIntyre (BC4) and Paul McIntyre, secured 4 medals and 23 match wins between them.

BC2 Round Up – History For Haggo

Kayleigh Haggo continued her meteoric rise in boccia by adding a silver medal at the UK Championships to go with the gold medal picked up at the Scottish Open. Kayleigh started strongly in the group stage picking up 3-1 and 9-4 wins over Rachel Ross and James Clowes respectively. The final group game was against world number 2 Claire Taggart which ended in an 11-0 defeat however Kayleigh still done enough to qualify for the semi-finals. Reshad Seraj awaited in the semi- finals and Kayleigh produced a brilliant final end comeback to come from 4-1 down to win 5-4. Claire Taggart was once again the opponent in a historic match-up as this was the first all-female final – subsequently officiated by an all-female team including Scottish referee Sam Thomson. Taggart made a strong start taking 5 points in the first end however Kayleigh regained her composure to win 2 of the remaining 3 ends, eventually succumbing to a 6-2 loss.

In further BC2 action Lewis McConnell had a strong weekend picking up a win over GB player Will Hipwell 6-4 and securing a 7-0 win over Sian Jones. Tight losses to Reshad Seraj and Jason Rolph ultimately ended Lewis’ competition at the group stage.

BC3 Round Up – Battle of the brothers

Scott and Jamie McCowan twice faced off against each other in a successful weekend for them both.  In their opening encounter in the group stage Scott took the bragging rights with a 4-3 victory before easing through his remaining group games to qualify for the semi-finals. Jamie recovered from his defeat against Scott to win his remaining group games against Gareth Stafford, Cecilia Turk and Rafael Young to join his brother in the last 4. In semi-finals, both brothers had very close encounters that were delicately poised right until the end however Jamie overcame Will Arnott 3-2 while Scott defeated Sally Kidson 4-2. In a brilliant final it was Jamie who avenged his earlier loss and picked up the gold medal with a 5-2 win.

BC4 Round Up -Bronze for McGuire

Two all Scottish match-ups started off the competition in this section and they both displayed the best of Scottish boccia with excellent moments in both. Tyler McLelland overcame Scott McIntyre 6-3 while Stephen McGuire started off his weekend with a 7-1 victory against Paul McIntyre. Tyler and Scott found themselves in a tough group with eventual finalists Louis Saunders and Sophie Newman. Despite some good ends and brilliant shot making, they both came up short in the end meaning they both exited at the group stage. Paul McIntyre recovered from his opening loss to beat Harrison Smith 13-0 but then suffered an agonising 5-4 loss with final shots of the 4^th end against Penny Froude. A 13-0 win against Tomas Martin was not enough to see Paul through to the last 4. Stephen enjoyed a successful group stage, progressing to the last 4 undefeated however in the semi-final an absolutely enthralling match saw him go down 3-2 to Sophie Newman. Stephen recovered in the bronze medal match with a 5-0 victory over Penny Froude to cap a brilliant weekend for the Scottish team.

Congratulations to all the athletes that took part over the weekend, and special thanks to the volunteers and officials as well as the staff from Boccia UK and Disability Sport Wales for hosting a brilliant event.

Photos courtesy of Claire Morrison

Eight teams will take part in the Stirling Wheelchair Curling International which returns to the Peak, Stirling from 18th to 21st October.

The line up consists of teams from British Curling, England and Stirling along with overseas entries from 3 times winners Norway, Estonia, Italy, Latvia and Switzerland. Many teams will feature new line ups as they begin their new Paralympic cycle with teams looking to build towards the next World Wheelchair Curling Championships which are to be held in Vancouver, Canada in March 2023.

Harry Brodie of the organising committee said: “This is our first chance to stage the competition since the global pandemic forced us to cancel the events in 2020 and 2021 and it will be great to have this competition back on the ice. There is an excellent curling facility at the Peak and we hope that all the teams enjoy their experience here and in the City of Stirling.”

Game times are 10.00am and 2.30pm from Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th October with the final round robin games scheduled for 9.30am on Friday 21th October. Spectators are welcome and entry is free so please come along and watch some world class wheelchair curling.

All details of the event including the draw are on the Stirling Wheelchair Curling Club website and social media:

Facebook: Stirling Wheelchair Curling Club

Twitter: Stirling Wheelchair Curling

Stirling Wheelchair Curling Club hold wheelchair curling sessions every Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Peak. Please contact Jacky McLaren if you would like to try out the sport: jackymclaren@talktalk.net

Pictured: Jostein Stordahl, Norway, 3 times winner

Our partners Scottish ClubSport are recruiting for new Ordinary and Independent Directors to join their Board of Directors.

• Ordinary Directors = any committee member, affiliated club, individual, local partner that is affiliated or connected to the Sports Council/ClubSport network (we have capacity for up to TWO Directors to come from any Partner/Associate Member of Scottish ClubSport)
• Independent Directors = any of the above people connected to a Sports Council/ClubSport network but must act in an individual capacity OR someone who is not connected to a Sports Council/ClubSport network but has the essential skills/experience/knowledge that can support the organisation.

These adverts can also be found at https://www.scottishclubsport.co.uk/vacancies

Independent Director Vacancies 2022

SCS Director Advert 2022

SCS Director Application Form – October 2022

 

The Boccia UK Championships will be held in Swansea between the 14 -16 October 2022.

Scotland are delighted to announce the squad travelling to the championships who will compete in the BC2, BC3 and BC4 classifications.

SDS Boccia Development Manager, Josh Thomson, will travel down as Team Manager with SDS National Boccia Coaches Pete McGuire, Jenny Nethery and Michaela Rihackova. Good luck to all players who are competing over the weekend.

BC2
Lewis McConnell
Kayleigh Haggo

BC3
Scott McCowan & Gary McCowan
Jamie McCowan & Linda McCowan

BC4
Stephen McGuire
Tyler McLelland
Paul McIntyre
Scott McIntyre

1. If you could introduce yourself, your sport and your club.

“My name is Diane Gillan, my club is East Kilbride Disability Sports Club, Glasgow Disability Badminton Club.  My main sport is badminton, and I do a variety of different sport.  At the East Kilbride Disability Sports club we do different sports every week including football, basketball, handball, tennis, cricket.  I go to the gym at the Dollan Aqua Centre and I attend Mark Wilsons Body pump class and Mary McCarroll’s Body Pump class.  They keep my fit.”

2. How did you get involved in sport?

“When I was at school, I wasn’t very good at sport, and I didn’t really get on very well at school.  I didn’t get any exams or anything like that.  When I left school, I was asked by a coach called David Gillespie, he asked me if I’d be interested in badminton.  Now when I was at school, I didn’t actually like badminton, ‘cause it was a constant sport, and I wasn’t actually very good at it, but when David Gillespie asked me I said ‘well all right, I’ll give it a go.’ And since then, it’s just opened up a lot of great things for me.  I’ve carried the Olympic Torch, I’ve represented my country, I’ve won various medals and awards, so it has been a good experience.”

3. Why do you think some women and girls don’t participate in sport?

“They might not have time if they have children, that’s a problem, I also think maybe a lot of people are quite shy to go to the gym or to go to classes.  “

4. What do you enjoy most about playing badminton?

“I like playing badminton because I get to meet my friends, obviously I like winning my games, especially if it’s against the guys.  I like doing competitions and stuff like that and keeping fit as well that’s the main thing.”

5. Have you made new friendships through sport?

“Oh yeah, I’ve made a lot of friends through sport, I’ve made a lot of friends at my disability sports club, made a lot of friends at the Dollan by doing the classes, I’m even a volunteer at the Dollan on the reception so I’ve met a lot of people there. I’m inspired by Mark Wilson, and Mary McCarroll for getting me involved in the classes.”

6. Although you are very much a participant in sport, how did you get involved at becoming a volunteer?

“Well I’m a volunteer at the reception, and basically, yet again, it was Mark that gave me the opportunity and Elaine Donaldson, they gave me the opportunity to work there.  It was only meant to be for a short time maybe like a work experience for six or seven weeks, but I’ve probably been there for about 6 or 7 years so it’s all right. “

7. What would you say to women and girls who don’t play sport?

“I would say to them, give it a go ‘cause you never know it could help you feel better, it can help you lose weight cause a know a lot of women get problems like that.  It can also help your mental health as well.”

8. How can we get more girls and women involved in sport?

“Girls could go to different schools and show them like their medals they’ve won, for instance I could show them my Olympic torch and say look, if you can go and try and  do sports you get a chance to do different things, it opens up a lot of stuff to do and you meet a lot of friends and you keep fit.  You could also put posters up and people would be able to see it on there.”

Gemma Lumsdaine is a GB wheelchair rugby talent player, SDS Tutor, Masters student, SDS YPSP mentor, and recently published author!

We caught up with Gemma and found out more information about her new book – 50 women in sport and the chapter she was involved in writing.

Why do you think a book around women and sport is important?

I think this book is really important as having a book about women’s sport helps to raise the profile and representation of women, particularly women with disabilities in sport. I hope that the stories within this book will show everyone what women and girls are capable of, challenge stereotypes and encourage more women and girls to get active.

How did you get involved with writing this book?

I got approached about writing a chapter on Great Female Paralympians, I was quite shocked as I’ve never done anything like this before but thought it would be a good opportunity to try something new, so I went for it!

What is your favourite part of the book?

Difficult to say…but probably the chapter great female Paralympians which I had the honour of writing.

What was the biggest challenge when writing?

The biggest challenge was definitely staying within the word count, I’m so passionate about the subject that it was hard not to just go on and on!!!

What is your favourite writing drink/snack?

Definitely coffee and lotus biscuits!!

How can we buy the book?

You can buy the book online from any standard book stores e.g. WHSmith.

Scotland’s CP Football Squad made their return to international competition for the first time in nine years at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Championships in Sardinia from 24th September – 4th October.

The Scots were drawn in a difficult group along with Chile, South Korea and host nation, Italy. However, the Scots dominated the group stages with an opening 6-0 win against Italy followed by a 7-0 defeat of South Korea and 7-2 victory over Chile. This meant Scotland topped Group A and faced a tricky semi-final encounter against Group B runners-up, Japan.

Scotland came flying out of the blocks in their semi-final, racing to a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from Dean Thornton, Martin Hickman and Jonathan Paterson. The second half was a tighter affair, but the Scots emerged 5-1 winners with additional goals from Ross MacMillan and a second of the match for Martin Hickman. This ensured progression to the final to face a Colombian side who, like Scotland, had yet to suffer a defeat in the competition.

It was a closely fought first half of the final which the Colombians edged 1-0. It look like the game was dead and buried for Scotland when Colombia scored in quick succession at the start of the second-half. However, the Scots fighting spirit and goals from Jonathan Paterson and Ross MacMillan ensured an exciting close to the match. It wasn’t to be on this occasion for Scotland and despite intense pressure in the closing stages, the match finished 3-2 in favour of Colombia.

The Scottish players travel home with their heads held high having played superbly on their return to IFCPF competition and have done Scotland proud. The focus will now turn to an equally successful campaign at the 2023 IFCPF European Championships.

The squad that represented Scotland in Sardinia was as follows:

Players

Jamie Kelly (Hamilton)
Jon McFarlane (Glasgow)
Sean Millership (Epsom)
Kerr Mackenzie (Paisley)
Dean Thornton (Glasgow)
Martin Hickman (Glasgow)
Matthew Wynne (Eaglesham)
Jamie Mitchell (Livingston)
Blair Glynn (Tranent)
Christopher Moore (Stirling)
Jonathan Paterson (Wishaw)
Ross MacMillan (Cambuslang)

Staff

Greig Taylor (Head Coach)
James Docherty (Coach)
Gavin King (Coach)
Stephen Young (Support Staff)
Katie Scott (Physio)
Erin Robertson (Sport Science)

Anyone interested in finding out more about CP Football in Scotland can contact Scottish Disability Sport on 0131 317 1130 or at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Alternatively, have a look at this short video which gives a good overview of the sport.

Sunday 13 November 2022, 12.00-3.00pm

Newton Park, Bo’ness

Do you want to:

• play football for Scotland?
• learn and develop footballing skills?
• have fun and make new friends?

Format for event:

• 12.00pm – Information session for participants and parents
• 12.30-2.00pm – On pitch session
• 2.00-3.00pm – National Squad Training / Match (option to watch)

For more information or to book contact us on 0131 317 1130 / admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or register online here.

Scotland’s CP Football Squad are about to return to the international arena with their involvement in the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Championships, which will be held in Sardinia from 24th September – 4th October.

The Scots will face a tough opening to the Championships, having been drawn in a group along with Chile, South Korea and host nation, Italy. The Scot’s opening encounter will be at 18.00 on Tuesday 27^th September against Italy with the Championships final being played on Monday 3^rd October.

Scotland have been training hard in advance of the World Championships and over the summer contested an international double header with England. This was the first CP Football full international fixture on home soil for 6 years which saw Scotland win the first fixture 3-1 and drawing the second 4-4 in front of a passionate home crowd at Newtown Park, in Boness.

The IFCPF World Championships will be Scotland’s first senior international tournament since 2015 and hopes are high for a tournament victory.

Head Coach Greig Taylor said, “Playing at the World Championships in Sardinia is going to be massive for us. The boys have worked extremely hard both on and off the pitch and I couldn’t be more proud of them for what they have achieved. We have an unbelievable bunch of players, probably the best squad I’ve worked with in my 18 years in CP Football. We are going to enjoy every minute and we can’t wait to kick off against Italy in our first match”.

The squad to participate in Sardinia will be as follows:

Players

Jamie Kelly (Hamilton)

Jon McFarlane (Glasgow)

Cameron Pollock (Lanark)

Sean Millership (Epsom)

Kerr Mackenzie (Paisley)

Dean Thornton (Glasgow)

Martin Hickman (Glasgow)

Matthew Wynne (Eaglesham)

Jamie Mitchell (Livingston)

Blair Glynn (Tranent)

Christopher Moore (Stirling)

Jonathan Paterson (Wishaw)

Ross McMillan (Cambuslang)

Staff

Greig Taylor (Head Coach)

James Docherty (Coach)

Gavin King (Coach)

Stephen Young (Support Staff)

Katie Scott (Physio)

Erin Robertson (Sport Science)

Anyone interested in finding out more about CP Football in Scotland can contact Scottish Disability Sport on 0131   or at admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com.

Alternatively, have a look at this short video which gives a good overview of the sport:

Role Title: Chairperson of Forth Valley Disability Sport (Voluntary)

Responsible to: Forth Valley Disability Sport management committee

Location: Stirling

Term: Minimum 1 year (can be re-elected at annual AGM for a maximum of 3 years)

Forth Valley Disability Sport (FVDS) is a charity where the main aim is to lead in the development of sport for people with physical, sensory or learning disability in partnership with key local agencies in the three local authority areas of Stirling., Falkirk and Clackmannanshire.  FVDS is a member branch of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) who are the governing body of sport for athletes and players with a physical, sensory or learning disability.

As chair, you will have a strategic role that is involved with representing the vision of the Branch. You will be responsible for strategic matters, and setting high standards. The chairperson plays a pivotal role in increasing the effectiveness of the Board and individual committee member and wider partners. You will be responsible for ensuring that there is effective communication with the leadership team and acting as a sounding board for the FVDS Coordinator.

Skills Required:

• Good decision maker, ensure matters are dealt with in an orderly, efficient manner, and bring impartiality and objectivity to meetings
• Well organised, enthusiastic and drive in partnership working
• Confident at keeping order during meetings

Main Duties include:

1. Lead the management committee and the affairs of the organisation.
2. Oversee and guide all decisions taken by management committee and sub committees
3. In liaison with the co-ordinator, oversee the work of all officers
4. Liaise with the secretary on the agenda for each meeting and approve the minutes before they are circulated
5. Liaise with the Treasurer to ensure funds are spent accurately and in the best interests of the branch
6. Help to prepare and submit any statutory documents that are required (e.g. VAT, grant aid reports)
7. If unable to attend any committee meeting, a written update/ report could be sent to the meeting and the Vice Chair briefed on the agenda

Time Commitment: (Roughly 5- 7 hours per month)

• Attend/ Chair FVDS Committee Meetings (6 per year)
• Liaise with the FVDS Coordinator on matters arising (bi – weekly)

Applications

All applicants should send a note of interest to graham.harvey@fvds.org.uk detailing why you are interested in the role and any relevant skills and experience before Fri 23^rd Sept. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Graham Harvey on the above email or phone 07895093109. We will be in contact with any interest applicants throughout the process on suitable interview dates.