In a continued bid to promote shinty and make it more accessible to young people, the Camanachd Association has partnered with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to train 90 teaching students to deliver the sport in primary and secondary schools, with 11 hailing from Argyllshire.
The programme, which is called ‘Shinty for Schools’, aims to introduce children to Scotland’s community sport.
With the help of trained professionals, who are passionate about the sport, children will be able to learn new skills, values, and teamwork.
Since the collaboration in 2023, over 260 teachers have received training.
Speaking on the partnership, Ronald Ross, national development manager of the Camanachd Association, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with UHI to provide this exciting opportunity for trainee teachers to gain knowledge and skills to deliver shinty in schools across the whole of Scotland.
“It is important that we continue to promote and grow our great game and ensure that it has a bright future, which starts with getting young people involved.
“To grow our game we need to increase our workforce, and this unique partnership allows us to do just that.”
The training course will include both theoretical and practical components, to ensure that UHI student teachers have the confidence and understanding in delivering the programme.
The course covers the how to coach and what to coach techniques that are fundamental to skills development in the game of shinty, all of which will help the teachers to deliver effective and engaging sessions to their pupils.
On completing the course, the students will receive a newly designed coaching resource pack that will include drill cards and skill videos to support them in their delivery.
Graeme MacDiarmid, Camanachd Association’s youth director, said: “Moving forward the Camanachd Association would like to see ‘Shinty for Schools’ highlighted in school development plans and being recognised as a key part of a schools ethos to create opportunities that are available for the long term in the local community.
The role regular physical activity has on the wellbeing of our children is a core part of our children’s learning and ‘Shinty for Schools’ can play a central role in sustaining regular physical activity by helping young people move into positive and sustained destinations beyond school–a key component of curriculum for excellence.”
He continued: “The experiences and outcomes that shinty can complement extends to health and wellbeing, the language of Gaelic and social studies.
“Our sport connects communities across Scotland, builds connection and a sense of belonging in our communities.”
Gwen MacQuarrie, PGDE Gaelic programme leader, added: “We are most grateful for the continued partnership with the Camanachd Association.
“Being able to offer this high-quality level of shinty training to our teacher education students really adds value to our course.
“For the first year, being able to offer it to all our secondary students as well was superb.”
For more information about the programme, please visit the Camanachd Association website or contact [email protected].
