Junior curling sweeps lottery funding

Wednesday 25 September 2002

In the run up to the National Junior Squad playoffs at Greenacres on 6-8 October, The Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC) have welcomed their third consecutive year of funding from the sportscotland Lottery Fund's Junior Groups Programme, which provides talented young athletes with a comprehensive training and competition programme.

"...we are building a foundation to extend the number of athletes who can represent our country on the world stage."

The RCCC juniors have made great progress in competitive events since their first year of funding. Last year they won the bronze medal for the Junior Men's World Championships.

RCCC have received £40,000, which will be split between the Regional and National squads. The National programme will incorporate international competitions, one day training at different ice rinks across Scotland and residential camps at Inverclyde and Glenmore Lodge. The Regional schedule will develop local programmes particularly national U21 competitions.

Chris Hildrey, Development Director, RCCC, said: "The opportunity to instil a professional approach to the training and development of our future champions is fantastic. Through the support of sportscotland Junior Groups funding nearly 160 junior athletes have benefited from this initiative annually."

Young Scottish tennis stars also look forward to a bright future as they celebrate the second year of maximum funding of £40,000 from sportscotland's Junior Groups Programme.

This year Tennis Scotland will focus on smaller groups of talented players and will include domestic and overseas training, ETA and ITF competitions, skills training and sport science.

Matthew Hulbert, Tennis Scotland Director of Tennis, said: "We are extremely thankful to sportscotland for this award. Last year's award had a tremendous impact on those players selected by enabling extra weekend training and competitive opportunities.

"Tennis Scotland is committed to developing world class players, this award will help us to build on the good work done and assist us to provide meaningful performance programmes for our top players."

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: "These awards support the young, enthusiastic talent in Scotland. The practical benefits include helping them receive quality coaching and training and compete at their highest level, all which helps players to reach their potential.
"sportscotland's vision to bring a greater range of sporting opportunities to Scotland and continue to support and encourage management of the young sports stars of tomorrow is crucial for the future. By nurturing players at grass roots level, we are building a foundation to extend the number of athletes who can represent our country on the world stage."

• Junior groups Programmes provide support to groups of talented young people participating in a co-ordinated programme of coaching and competitive events over a minimum period of six months.
• Those eligible to apply for support are governing bodies of sport through the National Programme and local authorities through the Regional Programme.
• Applications for the following costs are considered for funding: facility hire, coaching fees, accommodation, travel, equipment and competition entry fees.