Major goal for Shinty

Tuesday 26 April 2005

A major funding boost for shinty was announced today by Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson.

The Camanachd Association, the sports governing body, will receive nearly £100,000 from sportscotland to help the game’s continued growth.

Ms Ferguson said:

“Since 1999 the numbers of young people participating in shinty sport has doubled and sixteen new clubs have formed. This will allow the sport to develop even further.

“Shinty is moving from strength to strength with a particular rise in women’s shinty. Over the last five years nine women’s clubs have been formed across Scotland.

 “The investment will continue to fund area development officers, targeting groups such as girls and children with learning disabilities. There will also be a link to our Active Schools programme, which aims to boost children’s participation in sport.

“I’m pleased that shinty has received funding from Tulloch Ltd, who will, over three years, plough a further £150,000 into the sport. With the public and private sectors working so closely together we can look forward to shinty growing and developing across the country in the years to come.”

John MacKenzie, President of The Camanachd Association said: “We are absolutely delighted that sportscotland is making this continued and increased investment in our game, which supports almost every target outlined in our four year plan.

Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland said:

“sportscotland is committed to helping governing bodies modernise their management structures to introduce positive developments to the sport and we are delighted with the progress The Camanachd Association is making.

“Particularly promising is the rapid growth of the game, and sportscotland funding will help shinty continue increasing participation levels and ensure the sport develops and nurtures talent through supporting its clubs.

“sportscotland recognises the important role sponsorship plays in Scottish sport. The additional resources it brings is vital to the survival of many sports in Scotland, from the local village team upwards. We congratulate Tulloch Ltd. on their commitment to Shinty.”

John MacKenzie, President of The Camanachd Association said:

“We are absolutely delighted that sportscotland is making this continued and increased investment in our game, which supports almost every target outlined in our four year plan.

“The Camanachd Association is progressing well in its modernisation programme and we are already seeing tangible outcomes from this process.”

• In 1999 1,180 youngsters played shinty, but that figure has almost doubled, with 16 new youth clubs formed and latest figures suggest youth participation has reached in excess of 2,200. At youth level, the sport is now played across Scotland from clubs in the Western Isles to the central belt. The investment will also enable progress to continue with funding towards the youth development manager position.
• The success of the youth game has led to the employment of a technical development manager at The Camanachd Association which will be part funded by sportscotland. A key focus will be to emulate the youth success at the senior level of the game.
• The Camanachd Association have produced a four year ‘Game Plan’, which focuses on continuing to improve participation levels, club development, player improvement, coach education and youth structures. sportscotland funding of £96,000 over one year (£44,500 Lottery funding and £51,500 sportscotland exchequer funding from the Scottish Executive) will support the fundamental areas of this development plan including £23,900 going towards player improvement, and £13,700 backing club development.
• sportscotland support will enable the Association to deliver their development plan at all levels of the game delivering across the areas of health and physical activity, social inclusion and participation in sport.
• Women’s shinty has developed over the last five years, with nine women’s clubs formed across Scotland. sportscotland’s investment will also continue to fund area development officers in partnership with Highland and Argyll & Bute Councils. They will target groups such as girls and children with learning disabilities, and will link in with the Active Schools programme to continue increasing participation, development and improvement.