Tag: Sport

Photo of Megan Laird with a gymnastics certificate. She is sitting on a gymnastics balance beam.

The Importance of Having Inclusive Physical Education 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator 

For Megan Laird being physically active has always been really important. That’s what made it hard when her high school didn’t take an inclusive approach to physical education (PE).  

“In high school, sport made me really exhausted. I hated sports then because I felt like I couldn’t participate,” Megan said. Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) has been trying to influence change within the education system, to make PE more accessible and inclusive for all. This ties in with Paralympics GB’s recent campaign, Equal Play, which specifically targets this. 

Megan is 15 years old and is in secondary school. She is also a current member of the Young Person’s Sports Panel (YPSP). 

Whilst in Primary 4, Megan was diagnosed as deaf and her primary school tried to adapt to her needs and requirements. 

“They did lots of research, looking into what works and what is good for different people. In primary school, sport was absolutely perfect.” 

“In primary school it was really good, everyone went to my needs and aimed to help me, this made me feel really good about myself.” Megan explained. 

When Megan went to secondary school, this is when her experiences and enjoyment of sport started to change. 

“When I was in PE I didn’t like the noise of basketball or other balls hitting the floors, like it made my ears feel really irritated and uncomfortable”, she said.  

“Whether it was football, basketball or tennis I just didn’t like it. I hated the noises.” 

In her school there were only two options: competitive PE or health and wellbeing. Megan attempted to change from competitive PE to health and wellbeing. However, she was told that there wasn’t any space for her in the class. This was eventually resolved. However, in the meantime it started to impact other areas of Megan’s life.  

“I ended up really unmotivated which ended up affecting my schoolwork. This made me feel bad as a person. I was really upset.” 

Once Megan had moved to a class that was more suitable for her needs, she started to enjoy being active again. “We did gymnastics for the first time. I loved it, I got really into it. It’s my sport now”, she said. 

Photo of Megan Laird in a gym, doing gymnastics.  She is getting support to do a move, from an adult instructor.

Megan’s experiences throughout school were a clear motivating factor for her joining the YPSP. It is as a panel member that she has opportunities to share her story and experiences with an aim of making change. 

A head of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, ParalympicsGB released their Equal Play campaign that aims to use the platform that has been grown and developed throughout the Paralympic movement to make sure that every child has the same access to PE. The campaign showcased this through a documentary on the lead up to the Paralympics and with an open letter to the Prime Minister urging to ensure that the next generation of children do not miss out on PE through a lack of inclusion, and the requirement for cross-governmental steps to be taken to achieve this. 

Throughout previous years, SDS have made many efforts to ensure that PE becomes more inclusive to all individuals with the aim that many individuals like Megan, don’t miss out. This is highlighted throughout the ongoing work done with Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). This involved amending course specifications for National 3 through to Advanced Higher PE to more explicitly mention Para sport, Para athletes and the opportunities available to disabled pupils. 

Further work was done with SQA to amend policies including a reasonable adjustments policy. This has led to there being a process in place for teachers working with disabled pupils in qualification-level PE to request reasonable adjustments for assessments – SDS are now a part of this process. Teachers can also request support for their pupils to take part in PE through SQA. 

Along with working closely with SQA, SDS have also worked with Education Scotland to get boccia added to the list of accepted sports across National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher PE. 

A further step was the launching of the More Than a Bell Ball workshop. With an aim to provide primary and secondary teachers and QTVI staff with additional skills to include pupils with a vision impairment in mainstream PE. 

Similarly, the Inclusive PE Disability Inclusion Training (DIT) workshop was launched. A tailored practical workshop aimed at existing PE teachers and class teachers who may have missed out on Disability Inclusion Training whilst at university. 

To support the delivery of these new workshops, SDS were fortunate to receive generous funding from Motability Scheme to enable the delivery of Inclusive PE and More Than a Bell Ball workshops this year. 

Participants with and without disabilities participate in Inclusive Zone Basketball

Further work was done with Education Scotland and SQA. Where SDS were invited to be involved in the PE National Qualification Support Team made up of PE teachers from across the country. Education Scotland put together a working group of existing PE teachers to review the Inclusive PE DIT workshop and online resources. 

This working relationship has resulted in SDS being asked by Education Scotland to be part of the Health and Wellbeing Curriculum review process. 

Currently SQA and SDS are working together to continually showcase developments in ongoing work, with both closely following the progress of boccia athlete, Layla McCloskey, who is undertaking National 5 PE this year using boccia and frame running as her sports.  

If you would be interested in finding out more about the training and workshops that SDS provide, you can reach out to your Regional Development Manager to find out if they have any training scheduled in your area. Alternatively, you can visit our website to find out more about any Education and Training opportunities.  

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) on FacebookX and Instagram.  Keep up-to-date with the latest news on the SDS website

Judo Scotland are hiring! Business Support Modern Apprentice graphic. With an image of JudoScotland interviewing a Judoka post-competition. JudoScotland logo, Enable logo and Living Wage Scotland logo

Opportunity: Modern Apprentice with Judo Scotland

Judo Scotland has an exciting opportunity for a Modern Apprentice to join their team! This is part of their Supporting Disabled People into Employment in Sport programme, supported by Enable Scotland (Leading the Way).

Application pack is available here.

If you want to discuss this further, please contact Freda McInulty, Judo Scotland Business Support Manager, at FredaMcinulty@judoscotland.com.

 

 

Two photos of Innes Martin playing boccia with his carer

The Positive Impact and Support Network Carers Provide

By William Moncrieff, Communications Co-ordinator


Sport means something different for everyone that participates. For Innes Martin, sport gives him an opportunity to socialise and express himself. Innes is a 33-year-old boccia player from Perth and Kinross, with cerebral palsy and a learning disability. He receives support from a dedicated group of carers in and out with sport.  

Innes has now been playing boccia for around 14 years. This is something that wouldn’t be possible without the support of his carers and family. Innes attends two boccia sessions a week, accompanied by a carer. 

“They [carers] help me throw the ball and once I’ve thrown it, they pick it up. I wouldn’t be able to play boccia without the support of my carers”, said Innes.  

Aran, one of Innes’ carers commented: “We try to give him as little support as he needs. Mainly we fetch and reach things for him, as that is the hardest part, but we aim to give him the independence to do it himself.” 

Although Innes and his carers see sport as a great opportunity to develop independence, the social element plays a large part for Innes. “Sport is a great opportunity for Innes to get out and become more social”, said Aran.  

Innes added to this, saying: “Without sport I would be stuck, stuck without any friends.” 

Joining Innes at his regular boccia sessions has allowed the carers to become quite invested in his boccia development. Some have even got involved: “Sometimes I join in, it’s good fun. We can go against each other or be a team, we tend to push each other”, said Aran.  

Innes’s carers have always enjoyed going with him to boccia and seeing him grow and develop. Aran said: “When he leaves [the boccia sessions], he’s happy and proud, it’s a boost in confidence. It’s really nice to see him do well.” 

There have been many learnings throughout the Martin family’s journey. Consequently, they started Strathern Building Bridges. This charity that they set up is to, “promote integration throughout their community”, Wilma (Innes’ mother) said. 

One way they achieve this, “was through getting our members involved in sporting opportunities”said Wilma.  

SDS’ Regional Development Manager for the Perth and Kinross area, Graeme Doig, is heavily involved with the charity. He said, “I’ve known Innes and his carers for a number of years, initially through boccia and then through the work I do with Strathearn Building Bridges to help bring disability sport opportunities to rural Perthshire. Throughout this journey, his carers have been instrumental in supporting him to attend, enjoy and progress in a variety of sports and meet new people. Their encouraging and supportive approach has benefited Innes to get and stay active through sport and physical activity.” 

The charity hosts many other groups including social clubs and groups that are designed to develop independence and living skills. 

“We also run a session on a Monday night which a lot of Innes’ friends who have a learning disability attend”, Wilma added.  

There are lots of opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity throughout Perth and Kinross. More information about the sessions offered at the Strathearn Building Bridges can be found here.  

To find out more about how you can get active in your local area, contact your Regional Development Manager.  

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) on FacebookX and Instagram.  Keep up-to-date with the latest news on the SDS website.   

Photo of awards on a table with the SDS blue table cloth

2024 SDS Annual General Meeting and Award Winners 

The Stirling Court Hotel welcomed a celebration of sport as it hosted the Scottish Disability Sport Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 6th October.  

The day provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the development of disability sport and inclusive practice being implemented across Scotland throughout 2023/2024.  

The annual Branch Conference proceeded the AGM, with presentations and workshops covering a range of topics including: how to implement an accessible and effective communications strategy, Children’s 1st wellbeing and protection, athlete support. Paralympian, Hope Gordon, also attended to share her story about winning a Paralympic silver medal at the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. 

The AGM itself, recapped on the success and areas of growth achieved throughout 2023/2024. A full review of the year, highlighting those key areas can be watched here: 

Guest speaker, Martin Perry, delivered an engaging presentation which showed his journey from first trying table tennis at a SDS Summer Camp, to going on to represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in both Para table tennis singles and doubles.  

Following this, to commemorate the 100 years since Eric Liddell won the gold medal in the 400m event at the Paris 1924 Summer Olympic Games, SDS is working with partner, Eric Liddell 100 Legacy Project, to recognise and celebrate the life of Eric Liddell.  

100 Eric Liddell Pin Badges are being awarded across Scotland and during the AGM, SDS awarded one to each person from each member branch who demonstrates Eric Liddell’s values while developing disability sport in Scotland. The values being: passion (enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief), compassion (humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded) and integrity (discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled).

Pin Badges were awarded to:  

  • Graeme Reid (Lothian Disability Sport) 
  • Ron McArthur (Forth Valley Disability Sport) 
  • Bryan Stevens (Highland Disability Sport)  
  • Darren Thomson (Dundee City Disability Sport)  
  • Eddie McLoone (Disability Sport Glasgow) 
  • Christine Webster (Angus) 
  • Kayleigh Haggo (Ayrshire Sportsability) 
  • Fiona Smith (Grampian Disability Sport) 
  • Ryan Evans (Borders Disability Sport) 
  • Ben Sandilands (Disability Sport Fife) 
  • Avril Starmore (Ability Shetland) 
  • John Goldsworthy (Dumfries & Galloway) 
  • Len Richardson (South Lanarkshire Disability Sport) 
  • Stewart Lobban (Perth and Kinross) 

 

As usual, the SDS annual awards ceremony rounded off the AGM – an opportunity to recognise key members of the community:

  • Russell Hogg Bursary – Alex Medley and Elliot Cooper 
  • Community Champion Award – Jennifer Quinton and Eileen Ramsay 
  • Special Recognition Award – Scottish CP Football SquadDedication to Para Football 
  • Award – Ann Brown 
  • John De Courcy Trophy – Gregor Anderson 
  • Glasgow Trophy – Ron McArthur 
  • Elspeth Watson Trophy – Isabel Reid 
  • Russell Hogg Trophy – Mark Stevenson 
  • Fife Trophy – Claire Morrison 
  • Janice Eaglesham Trophy – Perth Strathtay Harriers 
  • Findlay Calder Trophy – Samantha Kinghorn MBE 
  • Brian Dolan Trophy – Stephen Clegg 
  • Angus Trophy – Stephen McGuire 
  • Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy – Stephen McGuire 

 

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on FacebookX and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website

Martin Perry about to hit the ball during a table tennis match at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games

Martin Perry Eyes Up LA 2028 After Paris Paralympics

“I definitely enjoyed my experience and I can’t wait to relive it in four years’ time in LA.” – Martin Perry reflects on his debut Paralympics performance. 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice  


Martin Perry was part of the ParalympicsGB squad for the 2024 edition of the Summer Games in Paris. Martin qualified for the table tennis squad where he competed in both singles and doubles, partnering up with Will Bayley. 

“From start to finish, Paris was just an unbelievable experience, I couldn’t believe how well catered everything was”, said Martin. 

The Paralympics kicked off for Martin with the doubles round of 16. “My doubles partner Will Bayley and I had a great win against Germany winning 3-0”, explained Martin.  

Next up was the quarter finals where Martin and Will found themselves up against the French, who went into the match as second seed. “We found ourselves 2-0 down. We had an incredible rally where I jumped off the court. That was the catalyst that got us back into the match… we managed to get it back to 2-2.”  

He continued to recap the match: “We went down to the wire at 9-9 in the final set, and France just happened to pip us to the post and win 11 – 9. That was really tough and it was heartbreaking”, he recounted. Losing the game was the end of their doubles campaign in Paris. However, Martin still had the opportunity to compete in the singles.  

His first match was against the reigning champion  in his category (Class 6). “It was never going to be an easy match”, said Martin. “Just the way the system works, we actually hadn’t played each other in the last five years, so it wasn’t as if we’d had loads of opportunities to work each other out. He got the better of me, I never really got going until the third set and by then it was too little too late.” 

As much as it hurts it has definitely given me a platform to learn from and to hopefully take forward”, commented Martin. 

Being able to represent ParalympicsGB was a career highlight for Martin and the team dynamics certainly didn’t disappoint. 

“As the competition was just about to start they put stickers up on the outside wall (of the team house.), really cool graphics which were actually the ParalympicsGB medal tally and they updated it every single day. It was so cool to see those numbers rising and rising.” 

Whether someone had a good or bad day, you were always there to offer a helping hand or say well done and that was just amazing to be amongst that and be part of one team”, explained Martin. 

With the Games being held in Paris there was a fantastic opportunity for fans to travel over. “Wow, the support I had was unmatched, it was amazing. This is the closest I am ever going to have to a home Paralympic Games.” 

He continued to say, “To have my wife, Siobhan, and daughter, Byra, both there and to have my in-laws Andy and Jacqueline, my own dad and then half of Drumchapel Table Tennis club from Glasgow come out. The support I had, it was just incredible and that means so much to me because they are the folks that have been in my life a long time, they mean the most to me.” 

The fact that they got to see me do what I love doing, on the biggest stage in the world just meant so much.” Martin said. 

Despite the Paralympics just concluded only one month ago, Martin already has his sights set on the next edition. “I definitely enjoyed my experience, and I can’t wait to relive it in four years’ time in LA (Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games).”  

Martin said: “I thought I was hungry for Paris, but wow, LA is going to be awesome and I am so motivated to go again and to be a two-time Paralympian.” 

If you are motivated to get involved in sport after hearing all about Martin’s experience in Paris, contact your Regional Development Manager to find out about any opportunities in your area.  

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on FacebookX and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

Hope Gordon smiling on the podium in Paris

Hope Gordon on Her Medal Win in Paris, Representing Scotland and the Importance of Female Influences in Sport

By Bethany Lee

Hope Gordon had an incredible 2024 Paralympics in Paris, leaving with a shiny silver medal in the women’s VL3 200m final alongside her ParalympicsGB teammate Charlotte Henshaw who took the gold.

Hope is now a three-time world silver medalist in Para canoe, storming through the world rankings.

Post-Paris, she hopped on a zoom with Scottish Disability Sport to tell us all about her Paralympics journey, how it feels to represent Scotland and what sport means to her.

 

So, have you recovered from the excitement and exhaustion yet of the Paralympics?

I’ve not really had time to sit by myself and think about it all since I got back. I’ve definitely tried to catch up on some sleep, especially after the homecoming in Birmingham, I had two days just to chill and I think I slept for 23 hours.

That must’ve been very needed. Take me back to that moment when you realised you had just won a Paralympic silver medal.

Well, we’ve kind of had the top two spots for the past few years, me and Char. Obviously we both want to win, but I was happy that she got it, and it was just really cool to get those top spots for ParalympicsGB. This is my first Paralympic medal so that was really special.

I also think to have so many family and friends in the stands, and knowing there’s a lot more watching back home, was really cool. It almost means more to me seeing how much it means to other people.

You were the only Scottish para canoer in the ParalympicsGB team – how does it feel to be able to represent Scotland?

I’m always so proud to fly the flag for Scotland within our team. Hopefully we will get more Scottish athletes within the system, I know there’s a couple that have just started out in a boat now, so hopefully over the next few years we see more racing. Maybe I’m the first, but I definitely don’t think I’ll be the last, so that’s the important thing.

It’s special to be the only one, and my family always makes sure there’s some Saltires in the crowd so that makes it easy for me to spot them!

And obviously you’re a brilliant para Nordic skier as well, did you feel different going into Paris after competing in the 2022 Winter Paralmypics?

It was a bit daunting going to the Winter Paralympics being so new to the sport and racing against massively established athletes. I was definitely a wee fish in a big pond, and it was quite significantly out of my comfort zone; but equally I actually think that benefited me going into Paris this year.

Even though it was a much bigger event, all I need to do is just paddle in a straight line as fast as I can and there wasn’t anybody on the start list in Paris that I hadn’t raced before so I kind of knew what I was doing, which wasn’t the case in Beijing.

You were the first female para-Nordic skier on the ParalympicsGB team. Do you think things have changed for female athletes?

I think with Paris this year what was really good was that we had the same events. In Tokyo within paracanoing, the guys had an extra event than the girls which obviously wasn’t great, especially since it was the event that I probably would have done. So, it’s a big step forward even from Tokyo to Paris and within our sport to have the same amount of events.

Within our team, the girls are super strong and it’s really cool to be a part of that. We got 8 medals, and the girls got 6 of those so it’s a strong team, especially on the female side.

On the Nordic side, it was a bit different being the only one. It’s just about taking opportunities and trying tings and just because you haven’t seen a female that looks like you doing the same sport, it doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

Fitting with that idea, it is Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, and the theme is leadership. Are there any female coaches or influences in your life that have helped pushed you to where you are today?

I’ve had a few female coaches over my time. For swimming, when I was in Sterling, I had a female coach, Kerry, who got me through some quite tough times in and out of hospital.

I also think that such a big part of performance sport that people forget about is the volunteers, especially in rural areas. We would be absolutely lost without volunteers, and a huge portion of those, in my experience, have been female. My mum is actually one of those volunteers, it’s been a long time since I’ve been swimming at the clubs at home, but she’s still a volunteer coach.

When I joined the GB team, it was heavily male dominant from a staffing perspective, whereas now one of the main coaches is female, and the physio is female and she’s the best sports phsycio I’ve ever had, we would be broken without her.

Quite literally I can imagine! Do you think your younger self would believe where you are today and what you’ve achieved in sport?

I first watched the Paralympics in 2008 when I was in Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. I’d just had a procedure that hadn’t gone to plan, and it left me quite ill, I had to lay completely flat on my back for a long time and I was put into a little side room and there was this tiny TV in the corner, and I watched the Beijing Summer Paralympics. If you’d asked that 13-year-old lying in a hospital bed if I’d go and compete in a summer and winter Paralympics in the space of two years and come away with a meal, there’s no way I would have thought I could do one of those things, nevermind all three of them.

Sport has been massively important, doctors told me that if I wasn’t so active my condition would have spread or gotten significantly worse. There’s also the psychological side of it, it gives you structure in your day, it gives you a reason to get out of bed. I think for me when I was going through quite a tough time, it felt like I could leave my wheelchair at the side of the pool and forget about it for two hours.

I genuinely don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t have sport as a bit of an outlet to help me cope with things.

Finally, looking ahead, what is next for you?

I don’t know, is the honest answer, but I definitely hope I’ll be on the team in LA in a boat!

A young boy in a kayak in an indoor swimming pool. Two young ladies are in the water supporting him as he paddles.

Great Success at Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals  

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice 


The Grampian and Highland Parasport Festivals took place over the weekend (Friday 27th and Saturday 28th, respectively), officially starting the SDS Parasport Festival 2024/2025 season.  

Aberdeen Sports Village hosted Grampian’s Parasport festival, with Lochaber Leisure Centre was the venue for Highland’s.  

Having just joined SDS in early June, it was Elizabeth Mills’ first time oragnising a festival in her area. She described the day as, “Absolutely amazing”, which left her a bit speechless.  

She said, “I wasn’t expecting it to be so moving and touching and I think a lot of parents and volunteers and coaches have felt that as well. All the kids have just been absolutely incredible at what they do.” 

The Highland Parasport festival was organised by Kathryn Talbot-Heigh, her second whilst in position as Regional Development Manager (RDM) at SDS. 

“I think the Parasport Festivals are really good for being able to provide new sports to the participants who wouldn’t have had the confidence or opportunity to try before,” said Kathryn,  

“We have a couple of children here today who are playing rugby for the first time, they are now asking to play it long term, this now means that we can try support the local rugby club to provide this in the area.” 

Across the two Parasport festivals, participants got to try boccia, swimming, kayaking, rugby, shinty, bowls, cycling, table tennis, snow sports and athletics.  

Not only do the Parasport Festivals provide participants with a fantastic introduction to sports but they can also provide an opportunity for personal growth and development. This is something that Jamie, a parent who brought their daughter, Bessie, to the Highland Parasport festival, noticed.  

“Sport is a fundamental building block for children to have both inside and outside of school. Certainly, by introducing Bessie to a range of new sports and locations to do these sports has given her a lot of new confidence.” He continued to say: “She has definitely grown a lot as a person, meeting new people with their own needs and disabilities has helped. You can see with Bessie that the festival has also helped her overcome social anxieties.”  

Elizabeth – also known as Wizzy – believes that the festivals are very important because, “they [parents, children] don’t know what’s out there. It’s really difficult to get that contact – to try and find other people to contact to get involved in that sport and if they don’t have my email where else are they going to go? So, this is a good introduction to the pathways which they can then follow.” 

Reaching remote areas across the country is a crucial part of the work as a SDS RDM.  

“Within the Highlands we won’t have the huge numbers but it is just as important that children in these rural areas have the opportunity to come and take part because they are still the same children in mainstream schools with disabilities that can’t always take part,” said Kathryn. 

“It might be that we only have 10 or so children participating, but it is really important to have something that they haven’t had to travel long distances to access,” Kathryn explained. 

Louise Gillespi, the National Development Manager at SDS, attended the event in the Highlands, and viewed it as a huge success.  

“It’s great to be here in the Western Highlands. Usually we are around the Inverness area, so it’s nice to be in a new location.” 

She continued to say, “It’s great to be here with some new sports like shinty to showcase, showing that these sports can be inclusive. It has been good to provide the participants with a range of sports, that way they can work out what works for them, hopefully they can then go and take this knowledge and find a regular sport throughout their local communities.” 

If you would like to try a new sport in your area, find out more here or contact your RDM (via the same link).   

Stay up to date with the latest news and opportunities by following SDS on FacebookX and Instagram, as well as keeping tabs on the SDS website

Scottish Disability Sport National Survey 2024

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is excited to introduce its first ever National Survey. SDS aims to address inequalities experienced by people living in Scotland with a disability or a long-term health condition when trying to be more physically active. To make sure that these actions are making a meaningful difference, SDS would like to hear from adults (16+) living with a disability or long-term condition in Scotland. For example, what makes it difficult for you to take part in sport and physical activity and what would make it easier?  Even if you do not take part in any activity, we would still like to hear from you. Please share this survey with your networks and encourage anyone eligible to complete it as it will make a difference in the future.

We are working on producing an easy-read version for the next wave of circulation and if anyone should need any additional support in completing the survey please contact SDS on admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or on 0131 317 1130.  

(This survey is created in collaboration with researchers at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh and builds on the report produced by the Observatory for Sport in Scotland and University of West of Scotland and SDS are grateful to all who helped support this survey, including our sister organisation Activity Alliance who provided invaluable insight from their survey experience).

LINK TO SURVEY – SDS NATIONAL SURVEY 2024

QR Code Link to Survey, below: 

QR code of the SDS National Survey 2024 form

Photo of Callum and Jordon from the Young Start Programme

Young Start Programme – the Importance of Training and Developing the Future Generation. 

By William Moncrieff, SDS Communications Apprentice 


In September – to celebrate sportscotland’s theme of #SportForSkills – Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is shining a spotlight on the Young Start Programme and all of the experiences and skills being learnt and developed by young individuals with disabilities across Scotland. 

The Young Start Programme is a year long course that helps young people aged between 16 – 24 living with a vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities or mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland, to develop their confidence and coaching skills. The Young Start Programme will further help individuals enrolled on the course gain a coaching qualification. 

SDS caught up with two members of the Young Start Programme, Callum and Jordon, to find out how the programme has supported them on their coaching journey.  

Callum Ballantyne is 23 years old and has a learning disability. Callum initially found out about the programme when his athletics coach mentioned it to him.  

“It first interested me by seeing that it could help me get a coaching qualification”, said Callum. 

Before Callum joined the Young Start Programme he was involved in sports, both participating and coaching in athletics and BMX.  

“It helped me on my coaching experiences through picking up different skills”, said Callum.  

“I love being a coach because I am an athlete myself and I love to give back to my sport of athletics.”  

He continued to say: “I love working with kids of all abilities and helping them achieve their dreams. I love to see all of the kids’ smiling faces when they achieve something, small or big.” 

There have been many skills and lessons that Callum has developed throughout his time on the programme. He explained: “The most important thing that it has taught me is that there is a coaching opportunity out there for people with a learning disability. It helps you get the skills you need to become a coach.”  

Providing these coaching opportunities to young people with a disability is something Callum strongly believes in. 

“I think we should see more people with a learning disability work in the coaching world. I think we can bring in skills and experiences that other people can’t bring in. I think it will help the workplace become more inclusive as well,” he said. 

Callum views his experience in the Young Start Programme as being very valuable and enjoyable. 

“I would recommend the programme to other people because the programme helps you build on your skills for coaching and it helps you to get into the coaching world.”  

Callum continued to say: “It’s good because you’ve got a mentor throughout your journey on the programme.” 

 

SDS also connected with Jordon, another member of the Young Start Programme, who was keen to share his experience. 

Jordon is 17 years old and has a learning disability. Applying for the Young Start Programme was something that Jordan was incredibly interested in, with himself being a keen footballer and having done a little bit of coaching throughout school. 

“I found out about Young Start through the sports coordinator in the school,” Jordan said. 

Jordan was instantly happy that he had applied, as he really enjoyed getting out into the field and coaching. “My favorite thing about coaching is helping everyone build up skills. I find this to be rewarding. I am happy when I coach football. I just enjoy it because I get to help different people.” Jordan explained. 

Along with enjoying coaching and meeting participants, Jordan has used the programme to develop skills. 

“I think I have built on my communication and stopping conflict.” He added, “The course helped me grow in confidence. I definitely feel more confident now, compared to before the course. The course has helped me gain coaching qualifications.” 

When looking at what he has managed to achieve and learn from the course, Jordan highly recommends the Programme. “If anyone was thinking of joining the Programme I would tell them just to do it. It will build your confidence along with other skills and you will get a qualification.” 

If you are interested in the Young Start Programme or would like to find out more, please contact your SDS Regional Development Manager.  

A young person with a disability jumping on a trampoline.

Young Start Programme Opens to New Prospective Coaches!

Thanks to the ongoing support of the National Lottery Community Fund, we are delighted to welcome applications for the 2024 – 25 Young Start programme.

Purpose of the Programme

The Young Start programme will empower young people (aged between 16 – 24) living with vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities and mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland to develop their confidence and coaching skills over a one-year period. The young people will gain coaching qualifications.
As part of the Young Start programme you will:
  • Achieve a coaching qualification
  • Meet other young people with disabilities
  • Volunteer with disability sport in your local area
  • Raise the profile of disability sport
  • Work together with a mentor who will empower you to achieve your agreed personal development plan

Current programme members commented:

“Young Start is an amazing learning opportunity. It lets you be around like-minded individuals who share your passion. It is a starting point to let you continue on further in any career”
“Young Start is like a little family; we all want the best for each other”

Find out more about the programme by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B11EN5iA17w

Who are we looking for?

  • People living in Scotland
  • Young people with a disability aged between 16 -24 (Participants must be 16 as of the 30th September 2024 to apply for the programme).
  • People who have the ambition to achieve a Level 1 coaching qualification (or equivalent) – Please note that a Level 1 qualification is the equivalent of Advanced Higher. If you would find this level really challenging, the Getting Started programme may be more suitable for you.
  • People who would like to coach/volunteer within their local communities
  • People who are able to attend meetings at least every 3 months with their mentor
  • People who will link with branches to support ongoing developments
  • People who are open and ready to participate in all learning opportunities (People who are committed to their personal development and can attend at least three additional workshops as agreed with your mentor)

We are particularly keen to hear from:

  • Women and girls
  • People who belong to ethnic minority communities
  • People who are living in low Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation area

What is the role of your mentor?

Mentors will meet with the coach they are working with on a regular basis. Mentors will provide individualised support that will contribute to the individual becoming a confident and competent coach; supporting them on their journey. Specifically, mentors will:
  • Work with the coach on an individual basis to develop their confidence and competence in their coaching role (at least 4 meetings will be held throughout the year, one of which will be within the coaches coaching environment)
  • Support the coaches to find a suitable environment in which to practice their coaching if they are not already associated with a club or programme.
  • Empower the coach to achieve their goals
  • Observe the coaches in their role and support them to self-reflect before offering feedback
  • Enable the coach to develop identified strengths and areas for improvement within their coaching practice
  • Empower the coach to complete a personal development plan
  • Provide quarterly progress reports

Other information:

  • Coaches who meet the expectations outlined will be able to access a budget of £200 towards coaching qualifications.
  • Occasionally the relationship between the coach and the mentor simply doesn’t work. This could be for a variety of reasons including geographical, philosophical or technical. If this happens, no explanations are required form either the mentor or the coach and contact should be made with Victoria so alterative arrangements can be made.
  • We are looking to develop a network of young people from across all areas in Scotland.
Dates:
  • Please complete this application before the 23rd September 2024
  • An introduction evening will be held online on the 30th September 2024 from 6 – 8pm

How to apply

  • Please complete this Young Start Application Form before the 23rd September 2024
  • An introduction evening will be held online on the 30th September 2024 from 6 – 8pm

Contact Details

Victoria Clark

Lead Mentor Email: victoria@activeadvantage.org

Tel: 07969 751 470

Alison Shaw

Education and Learning Manager Email: Alison.Shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com

Tel: 07828 744 848