Funding announcement and clubgolf 2010 – 2014 Strategy Launch
Clara Young, Euan Bowden and Calum Hill all met the First Minister - Alec Salmond today (Tuesday 9th of March 2010). Also in attendance was Catriona Matthew, the regining Women's British Open Champion and the first Scot to win the event.
The First Minister attended to announce the continued sportscotland investment in golf and launch the 2010 – 2014 clubgolf strategy.
Clara, Euan and Calum started clubgolf in Primary 5 at Law Primary School. They have progressed through the first three stages of the clubgolf programme and, this winter, were selected for the National Academy Coaching Programme. They are amongst the first in Scotland to do so. Well done and I’m sure they will be they first of many.
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Coaches
As golf continues to prove popular with children in East Lothian we continue to need volunteers to support our Junior Golf programme. The aim is to offer all children an affordable and accessible opportunity to experience and progress in golf.
To gain your Level 1 Coaching license you need to attend a weekend training course which is led by the PGA. The course is open to anyone over the age of 16 and equips coaches to deliver 40 hours of introductory golf skills and games targeted at children aged 9 and 10.
Details of the next local Level 1 Course are below:
The Hermitage Children’s Golf Course
Sat 22nd and Sun 23rd of May 2010
Closing date: Friday 9th April
If you would like to become a coach please contact me and I can assist you to book a place. Funding is available in return for voluntary coaching hours.
Helpers
If you can’t attend a Level 1 training weekend but would like to be involved we would welcome your support as a helper. There is lots you can do as a helper from supporting trained coaches at coaching sessions to walking children round the course at the fun competitions helping with rules etc. This is a great help are asked to complete a Disclosure Scotland Application and cneed helpers Details of this seasons fun competitions can be found in the download sections under 2010 Junior Fixtures. Helpers are asked to meet me so as to complete at Disclosure Scotland Application.
The first fun competition is being held at:
Longniddry Golf Club on Friday 19th of March.
Deadline for entries is Friday 12th March
This competition is for children with or without handicaps and children will compete in age groups. Please note children that attend this competition should have some course playing experience. Children that have very little golf experience are recommended to start with the fun competitions on the children's courses, these are: Craigielaw, Gullane, Fisherrow and North Berwick.
Parents: If you are available to help at any of the competitions by walking a group round please let me know.
Junior Coaching
For those that have attended clubgolf coaching in the past you will be invited to continue with further coaching at your local club. Details will be sent to you over the next few weeks and coaching is likely to start around Easter. Coaching sessions are being scheduled in the following areas: Musselburgh, Craigielaw, Haddington, Gullane, North Berwick and Dunbar. In the meantime try to get out practicing either at your club, a range or at some of the children’s courses in East Lothian.
Gullane’s Children’s Course is free and North Berwick’s is £2 per round.
Firstclubgolf
All Primary 5 children will receive firstclubgolf as part of their PE curriculum between March and May. I visit each primary school to deliver “The Game” session. This involves setting up a miniature golf course in the school grounds so the children can put the 3 shots together. The children will then be invited to continue to learn to play golf by progressing on to clubgolf Stage 1 at a local golf club. Stage 1 is 40 hours of coaching which costs approx £2.50 per hour and equipment is provided if required. Please look out for your invite letters or contact me to register your interest in coaching.
