Thursday 10 May 2007
As Scotland’s senior women’s volleyball team prepare for this weekend’s European finals, sportscotland is delighted to announce £190,000 in annual investment to the sport for 2007.
This investment in the Scottish Volleyball Association (SVA), of which £80,000 comes from the sportscotland Lottery Fund, will go towards coaching, organisational development, player improvement and achieving excellence, maintaining sportscotland’s position as the main supporter of the sport.
The Senior Women’s European Volleyball (small countries) finals take place in Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena from the 11 - 13 May, with Scotland competing against Luxembourg, Cyprus, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
Ensuring that Scotland’s volleyball players have a strong pathway from grass roots to elite level is a key aim of the SVA. It is continually encouraging their coaching staff to build on their skills by increasing the number of training opportunities. This initiative has resulted in Scotland’s athletes receiving a higher standard of coaching and the selection of more players and coaches for Great Britain squads.
Scotland currently has 12 players involved in Great Britain senior squads with 6 Scottish coaches also involved in the international set-up, with many of them working towards the 2008 Olympics.
Increasing the number of youngsters participating in the sport also remains a prime objective for the SVA. In 2007 the SVA will be continuing with its extremely successful school festivals programmes with 12 festivals planned. Over 850 school children aged between nine and 18 attended these events in 2006 and were given an introduction to volleyball, while also learning about opportunities to stay involved in the sport.
Julia Bracewell OBE, Chair, sportscotland said: “Scottish governing bodies are one of our key partners in the delivery of sport in Scotland and together we are working towards our shared goals of increasing participation and improving performance.
“This is an exciting time for Scottish volleyball. Having so many Scottish players and coaches involved in Great Britain squads and the hosting of a major event, such as this weekend’s European finals is extremely positive and recognises the hard work of the SVA.”
Kenny Barton, CEO of Scottish Volleyball, who also sits on the Board of the British Volleyball Federation recognises the importance of sportscotland’s funding.
“The support from sportscotland gives us the stability to grow the sport even further. There will be an increased profile for the sport in the lead up to 2012 and this will provide greater opportunities for children to play as well as seeing some Scots playing key roles as part of the GB squads.
There are exciting and busy times ahead for the SVA, starting this weekend with the CEV Finals coming to Glasgow, then in two weeks, upwards of 1000 players from all over the world arriving in Perth for the annual Scottish Open.
- The £190,000 investment is made up of £80,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund and £110,000 from sportscotland Exchequer funding from the Scottish Executive.
- sportscotland supports 60 Scottish sports governing bodies and in 2006 invested over £8 million in these organisations.
- Tickets for the Senior Women’s European Volleyball (small countries) finals cost £5 adult weekend pass or £3 adult day ticket. Under 16’s free entry.
For tickets and more information call 0141 287 5630 or log on to www.scottishvolleyball.org