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Colin Bell appointed clubgolf Regional
Manager for junior golf in Argyll and Dunbartonshire
New appointment
to develop junior golf in
Argyll & Bute and Dunbartonshire
Glasgow’s Colin Bell has been
appointed as clubgolf Regional Manager to develop Scotland’s
national strategy for junior golf in Argyll and Dunbartonshire.
A former Renfrewshire County
team player and St Andrews Boys Championship scratch medal
winner, Bell completes clubgolf’s
eight-strong regional management team working towards fulfilling
the Scottish Executive’s pledge of creating an opportunity
for every child in Scotland to experience golf from 2009.
clubgolf emerged out of Scotland’s successful bid to
host the Ryder Cup, and has been developed under a partnership
between the Scottish Golf Union, Scottish Ladies’ Golfing
Association, Professional Golfers’ Association, the Golf
Foundation and sportscotland. It is funded by the Scottish
Executive through sportscotland.
Backed by Scotland’s leading golfers including Catriona
Matthew, Paul Lawrie, Sandy Lyle, and Colin Montgomerie, clubgolf
provides an innovative approach that will introduce new children
to golf and challenge clubs to adopt a coaching culture. It
achieves its goals through the efforts of existing club members,
drawing on well-established traditions and infrastructures
to ensure the sport’s future is in the right hands.
“clubgolf is a very exciting strategy that is already
making a lot of progress around the country, so it’s
great to be coming on board to support the schools and clubs
in my areas and achieve full rollout in Argyll and Dunbartonshire,” said
Colin, who previously worked for BADMINTONscotland in an events
and development role.
“It’s encouraging that I am meeting a lot of people
within local golf clubs and schools that have already heard
about clubgolf and are now interested in getting more involved.”
clubgolf will roll out nationwide in 2009. By that time every
nine-year-old will have an opportunity to experience the introductory
game firstclubgolf, played at school with modified equipment.
Children can choose to progress to the next phase, clubgolf
Stage 1, delivered by fully trained volunteer coaches at local
golf clubs.
Clubs across the country have recognised the need to welcome
the next generation of Scottish golfers, and more than 1,000
volunteer coaches at around 200 clubs and golf facilities are
already delivering the clubgolf programme.
“We already have some excellent examples of clubs rolling
out clubgolf in my areas,” said Colin. “Bishopbriggs
in East Dunbartonshire, Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire and
Taynuilt near Oban have all established close links with their
local schools and have made commitments to welcome new children
and help their members become trained to coach.
“In Argyll & Bute there is now a Junior Golf Strategy
Group looking to drive forward the Action Plan which will impact
positively on junior golf in the area. There are also eight
new golf clubs with volunteer club members currently getting
involved in coaching.
“East Dunbartonshire
is looking to achieve full rollout of firstclubgolf in all
primary schools with all schools now equipped with the clubs,
balls and target aids. Six golf clubs already have coaches
trained to deliver clubgolf coaching.
“In West Dunbartonshire we are aiming to establish a
Junior Golf Strategy Group to drive forward an Action Plan
to provide opportunities for many children trying the game
for the first time in schools after this summer.”
As a lifelong golfer and past Junior and Senior Club Champion
at Whitecraigs GC, where he has been a member since he took
up the game, Bell recognises the many benefits which golf has
to offer children.
“As well as the obvious benefits of exercising outside in the fresh air,
golf gives you the opportunity to meet people and make friends for life,” he
said. “Once you’ve learnt the skills it’s a game you can
keep playing for ever.”
Added Colin, “I’m looking to work as closely as
possible with clubs in Argyll and Dunbartonshire and looking
for them to get in touch, regardless of any challenges they
may have, to discuss how we can help support them develop junior
golf.”
Said Torquil McInroy, clubgolf Project Manager: “Colin’s
appointment completes my team of eight Regional Managers, which
means we are well positioned to drive towards full roll out
over the next three years.
“I am delighted to welcome Colin to the team and know that the focus
he brings will lead to more opportunities for children playing golf in Argyll
and Dunbartonshire. We have already seen volunteer coaches coming forward at
some local clubs, and I’m confident we can look forward to more successes
as Colin gets established.”
Clubs and schools in Argyll & Bute and Dunbartonshire who
are interested in finding out more about clubgolf can contact
Colin Bell on t: 07882 364340 or email: cbell@clubgolfscotland.co.uk
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