Monday, January 24, 2005

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL HOST JUNIOR GOLF DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEER COACH EVENING

At 7.00 p.m. on Thursday 17th February 2005, South Ayrshire Council will host a meeting, within the pavilion of the National Centre For Bowling, Northfield, Ayr to inform club members of the present position of the Clubgolf junior golf development programme in South Ayrshire, and to attract interested individuals who would be likely to consider becoming a volunteer Clubgolf coach.

Clubgolf is an intigrated initiative, promoted by the Scottish Executive, with the aim of giving every 9 year old in Scotland, by 2009, the opportunity to play golf. The initiative will begin in schools and intersted youngsters will then have the opportunity to progress through well defined development paths, mainly through clubs and associated initiatives, to develop their skills in the game. The initiative involves Sport Scotland, the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish ladies Golfing Association, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Professional Golfers Association and other relevant bodies, such as local authorities.

Volunteer coaches will form an integral part of the development programme, particularly at Level 1. The introductory First Clubgolf which will be delivered in schools, and level 1 coaching initiatives will follow, at local level. Volunteers will be provided with instruction and attend a coaching course in order to become accredited Level 1 Coaches.

The object of the informative meeting is to provide golf clubs with a complete update relating to Clubgolf within South Ayrshire, the launch date for the local strategy being scheduled for the 2005 playing season, as well as identifying potential coaches to deliver Level 1 coaching in South Ayrshire.

Other vital topics will be discussed, including child and adult protection with the implication and policy requirements for golf clubs with junior sections also being covered. Jennifer McKay, the Scottish Golf Union Child & Adult Protection Officer will also be at the meeting, where the programme should give ample opportunity to attendees to have one to one dialogue with Clubgolf staff and representative of other involved bodies.

It is generally recognised that the development of a strategic approach to junior development within clubs is essential to the future sustainability of the core membership, and this meeting gives an important opportunity to interested parties, be they prospective coaches or individuals involved in the administration of junior sections, or indeed clubs in general, to further develop their interest and knowledge of the current issues in junior golf.

To assist with arrangements, it would be helpful if interested parties could advise Isobel Sweden at South Ayrshire Council, tel. 01292 616255, of their intention to attend the meeting, by Monday 14th February.


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