Edinburgh appoints golf development manager
Wednesday 11 June 2003
As part of the "Clubgolf" programme, funded by sportscotland, Edinburgh Has appointed a junior golf development manager to encourage primary-aged Pupils to try out the sport. Sheila Lamb (29) who takes up the post this week From Niddrie Mill Primary School, has been playing the sport herself since the age of eight. Her ambitious remit is to develop the programme across the East of Scotland - including Edinburgh, East and Mid Lothian as well as The Borders
"Clubgolf" is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union, the Scottish Ladies Golfing Association and sportscotland to develop a national junior golf programme offering new opportunities for every child in Scotland. This follows on from the Scottish Executive's commitment to introduce children to the game as part of its successful bid to host the Ryder Cup in 2014. It is hoped the initiative will leave a legacy for youngsters long after the event has been held.
Sheila Lamb explains: "Golf is a brilliant sport because it is not dependent on being a certain age or size. As well as being very sociable, there are the obvious benefits of being out in the open and learning something that can be carried on well into later life. Everyone deserves a chance to try it.
"The programme fits in very neatly with curriculum requirements - helping children both to develop both physically and intellectually. These days there are also real career opportunities whether as a resort manager, green keeper or Tiger Woods-style international competitor."
Edinburgh pupils and their parents have already taken part in a System3 opinion poll commissioned by the partnership to gauge their views. Research has also been carried out into other junior golf programmes around the world, including those in New Zealand, Australia, America and Sweden.
The resulting programme - offering a mixture of fun, skills and training - is set to reach every primary school pupil by the age of nine, twinned with a new volunteer coaching programme for adults. Children will initially try out the sport on school premises using specially adapted bigger-headed clubs and softer balls but will eventually move onto the normal game of golf. To support this development, schools will also link up with the new Edinburgh children's golf course.
Councillor Rev Ewan Aitken, Executive Member for Youth Strategy and Education enthused: "Scotland has the largest number of golf courses per head of population in the world and we are deservedly famous for our facilities. I am very excited about Sheila's appointment because it will let our youngsters discover golf for themselves - hopefully giving many a life-long source of pleasure."
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland added: "We are committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to try out the sport at an early age and in a way that captures their imagination.
"Golf can offer a lifetime of healthy, active recreation for all levels of player. The key is getting an early introduction into an activity, which has previously been accessible only by a relatively privileged few."