Fencing Success for Dunblane
The Scottish Secondary Schools Team Fencing Championships took place at Dunblane High School over the weekend of 16/17 March. Over 200 young fencers battled it out in 3 weapon categories- Foil, Sabre and Epee, against schools from Dundee to Dunoon.
Dunblane High School had an extremely successful competition fielding 8 teams across both Under15 and Over15 age groups.
Saturday morning saw the Dunblane Boys over15 Epee team, Liam Edwards, Scott Cocker, William Parkinson and Wallace Jaffray and the Under15 team Leo McArdle, Louis Bryson, and Alex Papadopoulous progress through the group stages to reach the latter stages of the event. After
3 very hard fought bouts, the Over15 team emerged bronze medallists. Our under15 team won gold to become Scottish Schools Team Champions, a remarkable achievement since they only began training with the Epee four weeks previously.
The Sabre competition took place on Saturday afternoon where the boys’ over15 team missed out on a medal place by only 3 points but the captain, Robin Lee, was awarded most technically stylish fencer for Sabre.
Sunday saw success for Dunblane girls competing in the over15 Foil category. The team, Megan Gouw, Wendy Exton, Caitlin Gean and Khemindi Gunasinghe, emerged as silver medallists showing considerable resolve and resilience against much more experienced fencers.
The boys were also competing in under15 and over 15 Foil and, in tough group and knockout stages, consistently drew on reserves of tenacity to grasp success in what was a very closely fought category. One boys’ over15 team, Robin Lee, Connor Jaffrey, Rory McNichol and Wallace Jaffray (R) took silver medal whilst Wallace Jaffrey, Liam Edwards, Scott Cocker and William Parkinson secured 4th place. In the under 15’s, the team of Louis Bryson, Alex Papadopoulous, Leo McArdle and Tom Brown narrowly lost out in the final to gain silver. The other under15 team, Craig Mason, Robbie Ransom and Neil Brown although not getting to the final stages, were the only team to beat the Dunblane silver medal team in the group stages.
The excellent performances across the board would not have been possible without the dedication of head coach Charity McArdle and her team.
"All our young people who took part showed great sportsmanship to other competitors and were an incredible support and encouragement to each other – a credit to their club and Dunblane High School."
Dunblane High School had an extremely successful competition fielding 8 teams across both Under15 and Over15 age groups.
Saturday morning saw the Dunblane Boys over15 Epee team, Liam Edwards, Scott Cocker, William Parkinson and Wallace Jaffray and the Under15 team Leo McArdle, Louis Bryson, and Alex Papadopoulous progress through the group stages to reach the latter stages of the event. After
3 very hard fought bouts, the Over15 team emerged bronze medallists. Our under15 team won gold to become Scottish Schools Team Champions, a remarkable achievement since they only began training with the Epee four weeks previously.
The Sabre competition took place on Saturday afternoon where the boys’ over15 team missed out on a medal place by only 3 points but the captain, Robin Lee, was awarded most technically stylish fencer for Sabre.
Sunday saw success for Dunblane girls competing in the over15 Foil category. The team, Megan Gouw, Wendy Exton, Caitlin Gean and Khemindi Gunasinghe, emerged as silver medallists showing considerable resolve and resilience against much more experienced fencers.
The boys were also competing in under15 and over 15 Foil and, in tough group and knockout stages, consistently drew on reserves of tenacity to grasp success in what was a very closely fought category. One boys’ over15 team, Robin Lee, Connor Jaffrey, Rory McNichol and Wallace Jaffray (R) took silver medal whilst Wallace Jaffrey, Liam Edwards, Scott Cocker and William Parkinson secured 4th place. In the under 15’s, the team of Louis Bryson, Alex Papadopoulous, Leo McArdle and Tom Brown narrowly lost out in the final to gain silver. The other under15 team, Craig Mason, Robbie Ransom and Neil Brown although not getting to the final stages, were the only team to beat the Dunblane silver medal team in the group stages.
The excellent performances across the board would not have been possible without the dedication of head coach Charity McArdle and her team.
"All our young people who took part showed great sportsmanship to other competitors and were an incredible support and encouragement to each other – a credit to their club and Dunblane High School."
Buchanan Castle Golf Club
Launched Junior Programme 2013
Buchanan Castle Golf Club has launched its Junior Programme for 2013, with a focus on providing coaching for juniors who already hold a handicap and wish to improve to participate in competitions.
The picture shows a few of the club's junior members, who are looking forward to the busy golf season ahead.
We wish them all the best of luck for the forthcoming season.
The picture shows a few of the club's junior members, who are looking forward to the busy golf season ahead.
We wish them all the best of luck for the forthcoming season.
ClubSport Stirling Members 2013 Survey Results
The results of the first ever ClubSport Stirling online survey are now available. Many thanks to all of you who took part. There were 88 replies. There is a lot of information in the survey and the next stage is for the ClubSport Stirling Survey Group to review the answers, create an action plan to address points raised and review all the written comments submitted. Can I ask that if you are an Active Stirling Development Officer, Club Secretary, Coach or on any Club Management Committee that the results are made available to any of your members.
The results can be viewed here. Please note this is a large document if you are printing.
The results will be discussed at your upcoming Community meetings and of course you can always contact your Club Development
Officer to discuss any of the report.
Thanks again to those that took part.
Fraser Renwick
Chair
ClubSport Stirling
The results can be viewed here. Please note this is a large document if you are printing.
The results will be discussed at your upcoming Community meetings and of course you can always contact your Club Development
Officer to discuss any of the report.
Thanks again to those that took part.
Fraser Renwick
Chair
ClubSport Stirling
ClubSport Stirling 2012/13 Annual Handbook/ AGM update
At a very well attended AGM, re-elected Chairman Fraser Renwick advised this year's handbook was available now.
This can be downloaded(6.75mb) from here.
Along with Chairman committee members Carol Anderson, Iain Cuthbertson, Blair Prentice were re-elected at the AGM. Alasdair Gammack retains his place on the committee. Fraser invited any clubs to nominate anyone to join the management committee, anyone interested in the first instance should contact Angie Speed.
A record year of investing in clubs and the introduction of our Club Survey were the highlights. The full survey results will be made available shortly.
This can be downloaded(6.75mb) from here.
Along with Chairman committee members Carol Anderson, Iain Cuthbertson, Blair Prentice were re-elected at the AGM. Alasdair Gammack retains his place on the committee. Fraser invited any clubs to nominate anyone to join the management committee, anyone interested in the first instance should contact Angie Speed.
A record year of investing in clubs and the introduction of our Club Survey were the highlights. The full survey results will be made available shortly.
ClubSport Stirling AGM 2013
The AGM will take place in Forthbank Stadium on Monday 29th April at 7.30pm. All affiliated clubs are invited to attend.
1 Apologies
2 Minutes of the 2012 Annual General Meeting
3 Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting
4 Chair’s Report
5 Financial Report
6 Election of Office Bearers – Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Committee Member (1)
7 Nominations from clubs to join Management Committee
8 What’s happening in Sport in Stirling (News from Clubs/CSS/AS)
9 Any Other Competent Business
REFRESHMENTS
1 Apologies
2 Minutes of the 2012 Annual General Meeting
3 Matters Arising from the Previous Meeting
4 Chair’s Report
5 Financial Report
6 Election of Office Bearers – Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and Committee Member (1)
7 Nominations from clubs to join Management Committee
8 What’s happening in Sport in Stirling (News from Clubs/CSS/AS)
9 Any Other Competent Business
REFRESHMENTS
Scottish Golf Awards
Strathendick Golf Club awarded 2013 RBS Junior Club of the Year
The prestigious event at the Hilton Glasgow saw Stirlingshire club Strathendrick Golf Club presented with the 2013 RBS Junior Club of the Year prize, after startling success in its first year of delivering Scotland's national junior golf programme, ClubGolf.
Strathendrick have been described as a club "dying on its feet" even as recently as the start of the 2012 season, strengthening the junior section has offered Strathendrick a lifeline, which it has grabbed with both hands.
"We're absolutely delighted and gobsmacked but very humble that we did win," said Junior Convenor David Hood, who collected the prize from MSP Shona Robison alongside fellow club official Colin Valance.
"When you see the competition we were up against, the likes of The Whitecraigs and Falkirk, they are synonymous with junior golf, so it was highly unexpected.
"Standing back now and looking at things in hindsight, it was such a team effort and it's made me realise how good a team we do have. It has been a team effort from the coaches, the people who have been administrating it through to the parents.
"I now realise we've got something great going there." After agreeing to establish its programme with ClubGolf Regional Manager for Central Scotland, Mandy Martin, Strathendrick contacted local teaching pro Barry Campbell and volunteer coach Jean Leitch to deliver it.
Children were attracted through a membership marketing drive and the club quickly achieved its target of signing up 15 ClubGolfers in 2012. A total of 42 children took part in ClubGolf coaching in year one, many going on to take advantage of a much discounted annual junior membership rate. This has had an incredible effect on the club, which has become a focal point for the local community.
"ClubGolf has helped Strathendrick tremendously," said Hood. "It has reinvigorated and brought spirit back to the club and it will help us create a legacy for the club.
"It has made a huge difference to the community, so much so that Active Stirling Club Development Officer has approached us and asked if we could do an after school club. It has had a huge impact on the community where the individuals would normally be out-priced for golf but now have an opportunity to come along and take up the sport."
With significant funds to be re-invested into junior development at the club now at its disposal, Hood is confident Strathendrick can build on all that has been achieved so far and create a legacy that will see many more youngsters pick up the game at the Drymen venue.
He added: "It will go straight towards club facilities, such as a training area and a putting green. We have outgrown what we've got and if we can
increase that, it means that we can benefit more kids in the community and get more kids involved"
The RBS Junior Club of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards are sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Strathendrick have been described as a club "dying on its feet" even as recently as the start of the 2012 season, strengthening the junior section has offered Strathendrick a lifeline, which it has grabbed with both hands.
"We're absolutely delighted and gobsmacked but very humble that we did win," said Junior Convenor David Hood, who collected the prize from MSP Shona Robison alongside fellow club official Colin Valance.
"When you see the competition we were up against, the likes of The Whitecraigs and Falkirk, they are synonymous with junior golf, so it was highly unexpected.
"Standing back now and looking at things in hindsight, it was such a team effort and it's made me realise how good a team we do have. It has been a team effort from the coaches, the people who have been administrating it through to the parents.
"I now realise we've got something great going there." After agreeing to establish its programme with ClubGolf Regional Manager for Central Scotland, Mandy Martin, Strathendrick contacted local teaching pro Barry Campbell and volunteer coach Jean Leitch to deliver it.
Children were attracted through a membership marketing drive and the club quickly achieved its target of signing up 15 ClubGolfers in 2012. A total of 42 children took part in ClubGolf coaching in year one, many going on to take advantage of a much discounted annual junior membership rate. This has had an incredible effect on the club, which has become a focal point for the local community.
"ClubGolf has helped Strathendrick tremendously," said Hood. "It has reinvigorated and brought spirit back to the club and it will help us create a legacy for the club.
"It has made a huge difference to the community, so much so that Active Stirling Club Development Officer has approached us and asked if we could do an after school club. It has had a huge impact on the community where the individuals would normally be out-priced for golf but now have an opportunity to come along and take up the sport."
With significant funds to be re-invested into junior development at the club now at its disposal, Hood is confident Strathendrick can build on all that has been achieved so far and create a legacy that will see many more youngsters pick up the game at the Drymen venue.
He added: "It will go straight towards club facilities, such as a training area and a putting green. We have outgrown what we've got and if we can
increase that, it means that we can benefit more kids in the community and get more kids involved"
The RBS Junior Club of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards are sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
Do you have any news items for this page?
Any news items can be sent to your Club Development Officer or directly to the administrator of the site.
Alastair Brownlee headlines Stirling Sports Awards 2012
After what has been undoubtedly the most inspiring and phenomenal sporting year for Scotland and Stirling so far, topped by Andy Murray’s recent US Open win and homecoming to Dunblane recently, Stirling will once more welcome an Olympic Champion when British Triathlete and London 2012 Olympic gold medal winner Alistair Brownlee headlines the annual Stirling Sports Awards this year on Thursday 22nd November at Stirling Castle.
Stirling is set to celebrate what has been an incredible Olympic and Paralympic summer and year of sport with the appearance at the Stirling Sports Awards by the London 2012 Olympic triathlon champion. Alistair’s visit is sure to stir the emotions once more for those attending as he relives the moment he won gold and his Olympic experience.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be invited to attend the Stirling Sports Awards and look forward to
meeting the sporting community in Stirling, in the historic setting of Stirling Castle. The Stirling Sports Awards are a fantastic way to recognise the efforts and achievements of local athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs from the Stirling community. I know from my own experience how vital a part they all play in any athlete’s future success.”
An Olympic experience-Dougie Porteous Club & Sports Development Manager Active Stirling
On Thursday 16 August I was lucky enough to experience London 2012 and the inspiration of the Olympics. I had secured tickets for the evening track and field programme which would encompass the Woman’s 1500m Semi Finals, Woman’s Javelin Final, Men’s Decathlon Final Events, Men’s Triple Jump, Men’s 800m final and Men’s 200m final……a feast of athletic activity.
Before the main event I had time to take in London and one of the free events running across London, the Women’s Open Water Swimming in Hyde Park with Keri Anne Payne racing for Team GB. Huge crowds filled the park up to 20 people deep around the paths and grass banking’s of the Serpentine. 2 hours and 10 kilometres of swimming later the crowd were still as loud as they had been at the start and although Keri Anne didn’t secure a medal I knew my experience at the Olympics was going to be something special.
Onto the Olympic Park through London’s exceptionally efficient transport network and within half an hour we were making our way out into the crowds at Stratford Station. A short time later after making our way through the airport style security checks, largely staffed by military personnel with big smiles on their faces, and we were finally in the Olympic Park. I have never experienced such large numbers of people with 80,000 people arriving for the events in the Olympic Stadium as 80,000 people were leaving the afternoon session, not to mention the tens of thousands of people that were at other venues in the park. A quick rehydration and refuel sharing a table and a chat with an athletics coach from Puerto Rico and we were off into the stadium.
Our seats were above the start of the 100m straight, ideal viewing for the events of the evening although I’m sure it wouldn’t matter where you were
given the layout and structure of the stadium. Having been at a range of large sports events from football and rugby internationals to marathons and athletics meetings I can honestly say I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like it.
Every throw was cheered in the javelin as was every jump in the triple jump but the noise for the track events was phenomenal. Silence as
the athletes came under Starter’s orders to wild cheering and jumping up and down as they took off into their races.
In between the decathlon events and semi-finals the two main events of the night were the Men’s 800 metres final and Men’s 200 metres final.
First up the 800 metres final and what an amazing race with Team GB representation from Andrew Osagie. It wasn’t to be for Andrew and Team GB
on this occasion but the Kenyan athlete David Rudisha decided to just go for it and stormed to the Olympic Gold Medal in a World Record time, a huge privilege to witness!
With the crowd buzzing having just witnessed a 15 year old World Record being smashed the scene was set for the Showmen of World Athletics to take the stage. Out came Usain Bolt and company to limber up for the 200 metres final. Usain was in his usual relaxed mode playing up to the crowd and flirting with the Games Maker who was collecting his tracksuit and it felt like the only question was who would be picking up the places after 1st.
Silence met the athletes as they settled into their blocks followed by the most amazing noise I’ve ever heard, 80,000 people screaming and cheering in support of the 8 athletes and urging them onto the finish line. In under 20 seconds the question was answered, Usain Bolt was Olympic Champion and
supported at the top by his countrymen Yohan Blake and Warren Weir. A Jamaican 1, 2, 3…….spectacular!
In reflection London 2012, Olympic and Paralympic Games, were spectacular and I feel very honoured to have been able to witness it and be part of the amazing atmosphere that every athlete seems to have thrived on. The legacy is the value of sport and the understanding of how it can impact on day to day lives, but most importantly the value of volunteers and the role that volunteers play in sport every day, something that every local sports club volunteer knows only too well!
Before the main event I had time to take in London and one of the free events running across London, the Women’s Open Water Swimming in Hyde Park with Keri Anne Payne racing for Team GB. Huge crowds filled the park up to 20 people deep around the paths and grass banking’s of the Serpentine. 2 hours and 10 kilometres of swimming later the crowd were still as loud as they had been at the start and although Keri Anne didn’t secure a medal I knew my experience at the Olympics was going to be something special.
Onto the Olympic Park through London’s exceptionally efficient transport network and within half an hour we were making our way out into the crowds at Stratford Station. A short time later after making our way through the airport style security checks, largely staffed by military personnel with big smiles on their faces, and we were finally in the Olympic Park. I have never experienced such large numbers of people with 80,000 people arriving for the events in the Olympic Stadium as 80,000 people were leaving the afternoon session, not to mention the tens of thousands of people that were at other venues in the park. A quick rehydration and refuel sharing a table and a chat with an athletics coach from Puerto Rico and we were off into the stadium.
Our seats were above the start of the 100m straight, ideal viewing for the events of the evening although I’m sure it wouldn’t matter where you were
given the layout and structure of the stadium. Having been at a range of large sports events from football and rugby internationals to marathons and athletics meetings I can honestly say I’ve never experienced an atmosphere like it.
Every throw was cheered in the javelin as was every jump in the triple jump but the noise for the track events was phenomenal. Silence as
the athletes came under Starter’s orders to wild cheering and jumping up and down as they took off into their races.
In between the decathlon events and semi-finals the two main events of the night were the Men’s 800 metres final and Men’s 200 metres final.
First up the 800 metres final and what an amazing race with Team GB representation from Andrew Osagie. It wasn’t to be for Andrew and Team GB
on this occasion but the Kenyan athlete David Rudisha decided to just go for it and stormed to the Olympic Gold Medal in a World Record time, a huge privilege to witness!
With the crowd buzzing having just witnessed a 15 year old World Record being smashed the scene was set for the Showmen of World Athletics to take the stage. Out came Usain Bolt and company to limber up for the 200 metres final. Usain was in his usual relaxed mode playing up to the crowd and flirting with the Games Maker who was collecting his tracksuit and it felt like the only question was who would be picking up the places after 1st.
Silence met the athletes as they settled into their blocks followed by the most amazing noise I’ve ever heard, 80,000 people screaming and cheering in support of the 8 athletes and urging them onto the finish line. In under 20 seconds the question was answered, Usain Bolt was Olympic Champion and
supported at the top by his countrymen Yohan Blake and Warren Weir. A Jamaican 1, 2, 3…….spectacular!
In reflection London 2012, Olympic and Paralympic Games, were spectacular and I feel very honoured to have been able to witness it and be part of the amazing atmosphere that every athlete seems to have thrived on. The legacy is the value of sport and the understanding of how it can impact on day to day lives, but most importantly the value of volunteers and the role that volunteers play in sport every day, something that every local sports club volunteer knows only too well!
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Olympic Torch Bearer Julie Russell past ClubSport Stirling Chair
Being a torch bearer for London 2012 was undoubtedly one of the proudest and most memorable moments in my life!
I was so honoured to be nominated by ClubSport Stirling, privileged to be selected by the organising committee and overwhelmed by the magic of the “Moment to Shine”.
The historic site of Scone Palace was my designated leg of the relay and I revelled in the ambience and legacy of the occasion. I was fascinated by the other torch bearers and their inspiring stories. I
was ecstatic that my family and friends travelled to share in the splendour of the day. I was jubilant that the kids with me, including my 5 year old son Mark, were afforded the opportunity to run the relay with me, down the Palace driveway. All in all, a very special day and an extra special memory.
Special thanks to ClubSport Stirling for making this possible.
Julie Russell
Former sports enthusiast, coach, volunteer, committee member and
Chairperson.
More pictures of Julie and her family are below
I was so honoured to be nominated by ClubSport Stirling, privileged to be selected by the organising committee and overwhelmed by the magic of the “Moment to Shine”.
The historic site of Scone Palace was my designated leg of the relay and I revelled in the ambience and legacy of the occasion. I was fascinated by the other torch bearers and their inspiring stories. I
was ecstatic that my family and friends travelled to share in the splendour of the day. I was jubilant that the kids with me, including my 5 year old son Mark, were afforded the opportunity to run the relay with me, down the Palace driveway. All in all, a very special day and an extra special memory.
Special thanks to ClubSport Stirling for making this possible.
Julie Russell
Former sports enthusiast, coach, volunteer, committee member and
Chairperson.
More pictures of Julie and her family are below
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Stirling's first Coaching Conference at Stirling Sports Village
Key Note speaker Matthew Syed will deliver a 'not to be missed' session on 'talent'. Matthew is the author of the international bestselling book 'Bounce' described as 'a must read for anyone interested in the science of success and the mind-set and culture that support it'. He is a three time Commonwealth Table Tennis champion and two-time Olympian. Amongst others, he will be joined by Rhona Martin, current hi-performance coach for British Curling and Olympic Gold Medallist.
Sessions highlight areas of best practice in Scotland, the UK and globally, giving coaches the opportunity to learn from other countries and sports. Residential packages are available - please contact Active Stirling on 01786 448308 or e-mail for more information or to book on.
Sessions highlight areas of best practice in Scotland, the UK and globally, giving coaches the opportunity to learn from other countries and sports. Residential packages are available - please contact Active Stirling on 01786 448308 or e-mail for more information or to book on.
