This year’s Games will see teams from the following seven authority areas taking part: Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Dundee, Highland, Perth & Kinross and Shetland.

The following sports will be involved this year -.

The age group will be S2 but teams can include some S1’s. The exception is the disabilities squads - football will be S1 - S4 and swimming for disabilities S1- S5.
It has been agreed that the level is ‘participation’ with all participants receiving medals. Mike Seed is acting as Aberdeenshire Co-ordinator and we shall be fielding teams in all the sports. Aberdeenshire Sports Council have agreed to provide funding towards the Aberdeenshire teams expenditure.

Aberdeenshire Sports Specific team co-ordinators are -

• Athletics                      Dawn Davidson
• Badminton                  Joan Prieur
• Basketball                   Kenny Gibb
• Football for Moderate
Learning Difficulties           John Wills
• Girls Football               Jackie Buchan
• Hockey                      Marion Morgan
• Netball                       Alison Smith
• Swimming                 Gary Paterson
• Swimming for 
Disabilities                 Jeanette Sutherland

Co-ordinators will, where required, seek assistance from coaches.

The sports co-ordinators are currently assembling their squads and where appropriate arranging training sessions prior to the Games. Everyone is looking forward to the ‘big day’ - the Games should prove to be an excellent day of friendly and close fought competition for all concerned.

A delegation of senior members from the Danish Gymnastics Institute (DGI) will be visiting Scotland from 23rd - 26th August 2001.

The DGI delegation will be visiting a variety of areas of Scotland to learn more about the organisation of sport at a local level and to discuss the possible development of exchange links.

At the request of the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils (SALSC), Aberdeenshire Sports Council have agreed to play host to two DGI reps.

We shall be organising a short programme of visits and events to some of the clubs and facilities in the area and will highlight the work of the Sports Council. There may also be time for a little sightseeing.

It is with great sadness to hear that on 23 July Mike collapsed and died at the age of 46.

He was a ski instructor for 25 years. Following concerns over the accessibility of his sport for disabled people he formed ‘Sport Anyway’ a registered charity in 1996.

He devoted much of his life to working with the disabled offering a wide range of activities and sports including adaptive cycling, skiing, archery, bowling, orienteering and other outdoor activities.

Mike was short listed in the male coach of the year category at this year’s Aberdeenshire Sports Council Sports Awards, attending the Awards Evening in May to receive his certificate. His club had received a number of grant aid awards from the former Kincardine & Deeside and Aberdeenshire South Sports Councils for a range of development initiatives for people with disabilities.

He was an active member of Aberdeenshire Disability Sport and involved in a range of other groups and organisations in the area.

Mike will be greatly missed by those in the sporting fraternity who knew him and particularly all those involved in disability sport.

Grampian Institute of Sport

For full details of the selection policy, procedures and all other

information regarding Grampian Institute of Sport contact the Manager, Phil Reid on 01224 522006 or E-mail: phreid@arts-rec.aberden.net.uk

If you have suggestions for particular sections or articles in future newlsetters, or have news from your club/organisation that would be of interest to others please contact the Sports Council Office,

1 Church Street, Macduff, AB44 1UR. Tel: 01261 813383.aberdeen.net.uk

Your opportunity to apply for 2001/2002 Activ-8 Aberdeenshire Tennis Squad Selection. Three Squads - South, Central and North. Each Squad has three separate age groups - U12 (Born 1990 or later); U14 (Born 1988 or later); U16 (Born 1986 or later).

Selection sifts to be held 1st and 2nd September 2001. Contact Mike Seed, Sports Development Officer on 01261 813383 for application form.

An excellent opportunity for all involved in tennis to come and meet

Kris Soutar, District Coach at Turriff Tennis Club on Wednesday 19th September 2001, 6.30pm-8.00pm. No charge or pre booking required, simply turn up on the day.

Topics will include - ‘The Way Ahead in Mini Tennis’ (including on court practical sessions and latest information) and ‘The Role of the District Coach’

For further details contact: Ian Craigie, 01888 511317

A new course record was set by Simon Pride from Fochabers, a member of the Metro Aberdeen club in a time of 1 hour 5 minutes and 24 seconds (1:05.24). This beat the previous course record by just 3 seconds! Simon who is one of the Grampian Institute of Sport athletes finished 17th (3rd Brit) in the London Marathon earlier this year.

Runner up in 1 hour 6 minutes and 50 seconds (1:06.50) was Alan Reid from Banff (Peterhead AAC), a regular recipient of Aberdeenshire Sports Council grant aid under the individual talented athlete category, who had held the previous course record.

The first lady home was Scarlett Courtney from Fochabers in a time of 1 hour 25 minutes and 32 seconds (1:25.32) with Heather Logan (Inverness Harriers) runner up in 1 hour 27 minutes and 52 seconds (1:27.52).

Charlie Noble from Fraserburgh (Metro Aberdeen) took the male veteran trophy with Norma Bird (Arbroath Footers) taking the lady veteran award.

Metro Aberdeen won the team trophy.

A programme of tutor led Introductory Workshops suitable for interested parent helpers/leaders, coaches just starting out or coaches within your club new to this type of workshop/course. These will take place at Inverurie (Town Hall) on Monday evenings, 7.00pm - 9.00pm (except Working with Disabled Sportspeople which will be on a Thursday evening, 7.00pm - 9.00pm).

The vast majority of those clubs/organisations responding to the questionnaire (Help Us To Help You) indicated that a Monday or Thursday evening would be a suitable time to hold the workshops. Inverurie has been chosen as a central venue given that clubs from throughout Aberdeenshire indicated a wish to attend.

Cost of each workshop is only £7.50 for those who are members of a club affiliated to ASC and £12.00 for those who are not, inclusive of resource booklet and tea/coffee.

Why not sign your club/organisation up for the eight workshops and pay for only seven?! Different personnel within the club could attend the various workshops if you wish. If you are hoping to share a lift we can put you in touch with other participants from your area.

Workshops are as follows -

• Working With Children Mon 22 Oct 2001
• Improving Techniques Mon 5 Nov 2001
• Coach in Action Mon 19 Nov 2001
• Mind Over Matter Mon 3 Dec 2001
• Planning & Practice Mon 14 Jan 2002
• Working With Disabled Sportspeople Thurs 31 Jan 2002
• Safety & Injury Mon 18 Mar 2002
• Body in Action Mon 15 Apr 2002

For application forms, further information and details of the Introductory Workshops and ‘Running Your Sport’ courses (see page 4) contact:

A range of excellent courses, targeted at coaches with some previous experience, have been organised by the Activ-8-Grampian office between October 2001 and May 2002. These take place at Summerhill Education Centre, Aberdeen on Wednesdays and Thursdays 6.30pm - 9.30pm, cost £20.00 each workshop (it may be possible to subsidise these costs).

Courses available are as follows:

• Coaching Children & Young People 25 Oct 2001
• Improving Practices & Skill 14 Nov 2001
• Fitness Training 29 Nov 2001
• Analysing Your Coaching 12 Dec 2001
• Motivation & Mental Toughness 24 Jan 2002
• Coaching Disabled Performers 27 Feb 2002
• Fuelling Performers 7 Mar 2002
• Coaching Methods & Communication 27 Mar 2002
• Good Practice & Child Protection 18 Apr 2002
• Injury Prevention & Management 2 May 2002
• Observation Analysis & Video 15 May 2002
• Goal-setting & Planning 29 May 2002

For further information and details of all the above courses contact:

Tel: 01467 628126 or E-mail: activ8@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Aberdeenshire Sports Council has organised the following tutor led ‘Running Your Sport’ Courses which will be of value and benefit to all clubs and organisations. Venue will be Inverurie (Town Hall), times 6.45pm - 9.45pm. Costs have been subsidised for Aberdeenshire Sports Council affiliated clubs/organisations.

• Raising The Money Mon 26 November 2001

Includes fundraising, sponsorship, marketing and grant aid.

Affiliated members - £5.00; Unaffiliated - £8.00 (includes advisory booklet)

• Sports Development Planning Thurs 17 January 2002

How well does your club plan for the future? This workshop will highlight the benefits of planning and help you plan your club’s progress to make the best use of all available resources. Effective planning will also help you with any future funding applications.

Affiliated members - £7.50; Unaffiliated £15.00 (includes comprehensive workbook)

• Valuing Volunteers Mon 4 February 2002

Finding and keeping volunteers is getting harder for everyone. The course will give you lots of ideas on how to recruit, retain and reward your volunteers.

 

Affiliated members - £7.50; Unaffiliated £15.00 (includes comprehensive workbook)

For application forms, further information and details of the Introductory Courses (see Page 3) and ‘Running Your Sport’ Workshops contact:

Mike Seed at 1 Church Street, Macduff AB44 1UR . Tel 01261 813383 or

E-mail: Info@Aberdeenshire-Sports-Council.org.uk

Details can also be found on our web site:

Activ-8 Grampian agreed that during 2000 - 2004, the focus of activity and resources would be concentrated on Developing Performance and Coach Development.

The Activ-8 Coaching Strategy is aimed at:

• Providing a coach centred approach to improve the quality of coaches in Grampian linked to performance programmes.

• To build on the current ladder of opportunity for coaches, with partners, to increase the number of qualified coaches working in sport.

• To promote learning and offer equal opportunities for the continuous professional development of quality coaches in Grampian, within the financial means of the partnership.

Copies of the consultation document are available from the Activ-8 Office, Tel: 01467 628126.

The organisers of the Commonwealth Games (25 July - 4 August 2002) are looking for up to 15,000 volunteers (the largest single volunteer workforce to be assembled in Britain during peacetime).

People from all walks of life, covering a diverse range of knowledge and skills.

To be a Volunteer you should be:

• 16 years of age by 1st December 2001.

• within easy daily travelling distance of Manchester and able to commit to working a minimum of 10 shifts during the Games. A shift will be between 8 and 10 hours.

• willing to attend training sessions prior to the Games.

• willing to undergo a security background check. This check will include obtaining criminal records.

Why volunteer for the Games?

This is your chance to be directly involved in the biggest sporting event ever held in the UK. The volunteers at Manchester 2002 will be the “face” of the Games. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in the staging of the best ever Commonwealth Games. Volunteers will be a part of history, make new friends and create a legacy of volunteering for the city, the region and the country.

• An official Commonwealth Games Uniform.
• Meals and beverages while working at the venues.
• A recognition item as a memento of your Commonwealth Games experience.
• Great training.
• Opportunities to meet new friends and work in teams.

How do I become a volunteer?

Log on to complete an application form at:

www.commonwealthgames.com

Where can I get more information?

• Volunteer Hotline: 0845 3453457
• General Info Line: 0845 2412002
• E-mail us at: volunteers@manchester2002.co.uk
• Log onto our website regularly for updated information

At their July meeting the Executive Committee approved the final draft action plans put forward by the two working groups - Finance & Marketing and Education/Training & Development.

“It is important to work to action plans in order that everyone is aware of the range of initiatives and objectives we are trying to achieve, timescales, roles, responsibilities and outcomes”, explained Jim Conn, Chairman.

The vast majority of the objectives set for 2001/02 can be achieved with all the proposals and initiatives being implemented. However this will require a team effort and a contribution by all those on the working groups.

The action plans can be viewed on the website (www.Aberdeenshire-Sports-Council.org.uk) or copies can be obtained from the Sports Council office. Tel: 01261 813383

Ed/Tr & Dev Working Group 4 September 2001 7.00pm Inverurie Town Hall

Fin & Mar Working Group 5 Sepetember 2001 7.00pm Inverurie Town Hall

Executive Committee Meeting 12 September 2001 7.30pm Ellon Meadows Sports Centre

Executive Committee Meeting 15 November 2001 7.30pm Inverurie Town Hall

Executive Committee Meeting 15 January 2002 7.30pm Inverurie Town Hall

Executive Committee Meeting 11 March 2002 7.30pm Inverurie Town Hall

NB Working Group meetings will also be held prior to the November, January and March Executive Committee meetings. Dates to be confirmed at the next working group meetings in September.

As a result of a development grant from Aberdeenshire Sports Council many Primary 7 pupils from various schools around the area have experienced hands-on bowling training from area coach Bert Timmins and Garioch Bowling Club coach Millie Mackie. The youngsters were also given top tips from some of the leading bowlers in the region.

The event was geared towards introducing young people to the sport in an effort to get some of the future generation into clubs to boost junior memberships.

Leisurelend is an equipment resource for use by organisations and individuals, resident in Aberdeenshire, involved in sport/arts/leisure/recreation and community activities. A leaflet is available which details equipment for loan, charges and conditions of hire. For further information telephone Henry Trotter or 01467 625088.

Provides financial assistance under the following categories:

• Talented Individuals
• Club/Forum Starter
• Hosting Events
• Coach/Administrator Education
• Travel
• Development Initiatives
(Including purchase of equipment)

Please direct all enquiries regarding Aberdeenshire Sports Council Grant Aid to:

Mike Seed, 1 Church Street, Macduff, AB44 1UR.

Tel: 01261 813383, Fax: 01261 833646,

E-mail: Info@Aberdeenshire-Sports-Council.org.uk

  Aberdeenshire Sports Directory 2001/2002

The third edition of the Aberdeenshire Sports Directory (incorporating Aberdeenshire Disability Sport Directory) is available. Over 230 clubs and organisations (affiliated to Aberdeenshire Sports Council) are listed in the Directory. They represent a wide range of sports which are enjoyed throughout Aberdeenshire.

In addition to the club listings the Directory also contains other information including grant aid sources, useful addresses/contacts for personnel and other services provided by Aberdeenshire Sports Council and Aberdeenshire Council.

All clubs/organisations affiliated to the Sports Council will have received a complimentary copy. If you require additional free copies they can be obtained by contacting Aberdeenshire Sports Council, 1 Church Street, Macduff, AB44 1UR. Tel: 01261 813383

The ‘Running Your Sport’ Programme is designed to improve the knowledge and skills of everybody working in sport, both voluntary and professional.

A series of introductory short advisory booklets (£2.00 each + P&P) have been published which are designed to cover a vast range of topics for those who need help with the jobs they carry our in sport. Also available are a series of home study packs/workbooks (£9.00 each + P&P), at a more advanced level. See Page 4 for course opportunities.

As part of Aberdeenshire Sports Council’s continuing commitment to affiliated clubs and organisations, and sport in general a new promotional/recruitment leaflet has been produced. The leaflet contains general information on Aberdeenshire Sports Council and benefits of being affiliated to Aberdeenshire Sports Council. All affiliated clubs have received copies along with their copy of the Sports Directory 2001/02. Additional copies are available if required.

Also the Aberdeenshire Sports Council website is now up and running (www.Aberdeenshire-Sports-Council.org.uk) which contains all sorts of useful information on forthcoming events, grant aid, previous issues of newsletters, minutes of Sports Council meetings, etc. and an electronic version of the Directory complete with search facility. The website will be regularly updated to bring you news on the latest sports developments in Aberdeenshire.

The Sports Council website has a link to the Aberdeenshire Council Sports Development Services on the main Aberdeenshire Council website as well as links to other sport related sites.

If your club has a website e-mail us with your web address and we will put a link to it from our site. You could do the same for our web address on your site.

Your chance to win a £20.00 sports equipment voucher for yourself or your club/organisation. All the answers are contained in the newsletter.

A ___________________________________________________

A ___________________________________________________

A ___________________________________________________

A __________________________________________________

A __________________________________________________

Name ___________________________________

Address__________________________________

________________________________________

_________________________________________

Postcode ___________________________

Tel No.__________________________________________

Club/Organisation ____________________________________

__________________________________________________

Looking for voluntary help? Concerned about how best to support volunteers? Have you spoken to your local Volunteer Centre recently? You may be surprised about what they can offer! Basketball, badminton, football and disability sports have all recently found volunteers this way. Lead coaches in at least five sports in Aberdeenshire attended training on volunteer recruitment, management and training through their local volunteering development agency this Spring. Sports Development’s needs for volunteers are regularly publicised in the press, in volunteer newsletters and in talks to potential volunteers through the same joint working.

I am Alison Chandler, responsible for volunteering development in Kincardine and for supporting youth volunteering across South Aberdeenshire. Together with my colleagues, Elaine Roberts and Linda Clark, we form the staff team of Kincardine & Deeside Voluntary Action Network (K&D VAN). K&D VAN is part of Aberdeenshire Volunteer Network, the local volunteering development agency (LVDA) for the county. Within this role we promote volunteering, recruit, interview and place volunteers and provide advice, support, training and information to volunteer-engaging organisations in all sectors and fields. We are an independent charity with core funding from the Scottish Executive and Social Work.

K&D VAN is also a Matchmaker within the UK-wide Government-funded Millennium Volunteers scheme for 16-25 year olds. In this the third year of the scheme, the project is co-ordinated 21 hours per week by Linda Clark from August. Through it we give talks and hold regular drop-ins at secondary schools throughout South Aberdeenshire to recruit young volunteers, many of whom have ambitions in sport. With each we develop an individual volunteer plan, establishing their goals for the future and ascertaining the appropriate volunteering placements to meet their skills and level of commitment. We assist them into appropriate placements and support them throughout a 12 month period during which they are working towards 200 hours of volunteering - not necessarily with the same agency. Our support includes the provision of a one-to-one mentor with whom to review progress against their volunteer plan. It also includes access to a training and expenses budget, the provision of buddies for those with extra support needs, and reward and recognition through events, portfolios, references and certificates. From your point of view this means that there is additional support for you for any volunteer placed with you who fits into the criteria of the scheme.

The Millennium Volunteer scheme does not expect every young person to take on something new but recognises that many within the age range are already active, for example in sports coaching. The scheme is therefore able to provide the same support to young people who are already helping you without them being found any additional placement. For some 16-25 year olds the attraction of the scheme may simply be to become part of a wider network and to walk away with some extra formal recognition of their efforts. Whether for new volunteers or existing individuals, the scheme offers you the chance to ensure that your young volunteers have someone to turn to if they have doubts and

concerns and you have support in addressing any difficulties with them.

The scheme also offers you specific training and advice in recruiting and managing young people’s skills and expectations.

All K&D VAN volunteers are reference checked before being placed and we are happy to provide this service to you for all your volunteers - including those who have reached you directly. By registering with the volunteer bureau, your volunteers can not only be checked but can themselves benefit by joining a larger network and receiving news, advice and training on wider issues around volunteering.

We promote volunteering often by publicising existing volunteering opportunities. Registering your needs with the volunteer bureau will mean entering your requirements into our publicity machine so that it will be your volunteering opportunities that we present to volunteers - through our newsletters, talks, media articles and other promotions.

All our services are completely free to you (except whole day training courses at around £10 per head) and are only a phone call or e-mail away. While the Millennium Volunteer scheme operates only in South Aberdeenshire, our sister organisations in North and Central also offer a wide range of services to volunteer-engaging organisations. Contact us on 01569 765720 or office@vb-stonehaven.fsnet.co.uk for K&D VAN in Stonehaven and Millennium Volunteers or 01330 825794 or office@vb-banchory.fsnet.co.uk for K&D VAN in Banchory or 01467 626060 for Liz Robertson for Central Aberdeenshire or 01771 62211 for Mary Cox in North Aberdeenshire.

Affiliation for 2001/2002 is now due - please complete and return now!. We have one of the largest memberships in Scotland (242 last year). We would be delighted to welcome new clubs, organisations and individuals. For details of the full range of benefits of affiliation contact Mike Seed, at the address below, for a promotional leaflet or check out our new website on www.Aberdeenshire-Sports-Council.org.uk

Name of Club/Individual __________________________________

_____________________________________________________

Numbers in Club (approx.) Senior Male _____ Senior Female _____

Junior Male (U18) _____ Junior Female (U18) _____

Special Needs/Disabilities _____

Contact Person (for correspondence) ________________________________

Sport_________________

Address __________________________________

___________________________________________

Postcode _________________________________

Telephone __________________________________

E-mail __________________________________

Club Website ______________________________

I enclose at cheque for £20.00 payable to “Aberdeenshire Sports Council”

Signed ____________________________ Date __________ Position ________________

Clubs/organisations are requested to include a copy of their constitution

We have been asked by Rod Stone, Head of Lifelong Learning and Recreation for Aberdeenshire Council to survey affiliated clubs/organisations who have a let with Aberdeenshire Council.

He is currently part of a group reviewing the access and letting policy and would be interested to hear from clubs/organisations who have encountered any problem whatsoever in terms of the let. This may be in terms of gaining access to particular facilities, administrative procedures, charges etc,

Please complete the form as soon as possible with details of your experiences and the nature of the problem encountered and we will collate the responses and pass on the details in order that the issues can be raised and hopefully addressed.

Name of Club/Organisation ______________________________

Facility(ies) __________________________________________

Days/Times of Let ______________________________________

Description of problem encountered ________________________

______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

This is your opportunity to let us know your experiences. It is in your club’s interest to respond to this request. (If applicable)