Programme

Peyton Brown

Peyton, a 3rd year University of Abertay Student, has been an important volunteer at Ballumbie Primary School over the last year. She has volunteered weekly with coaching, mentoring and planning activities for the pupils. Peyton planned a project aimed at P2-4 girls who lacked confidence, social skills and struggled with participating fully in PE. Peyton set a clear vision, weekly intervention aims and planned outcomes, which helped improve the pupils’ confidence and enjoyment.

Liam Latto

Liam has been an extremely valuable volunteer for Forfarshire Cricket Club for many years. He is currently studying at Abertay University. Liam coaches the clubs junior section on a weekly basis as well as captaining the club's 3rd team. He volunteers with junior coaching and indoor league fixtures, scoring and umpiring matches. Liam also runs school coaching sessions within the Grove cluster and has been responsible for encouraging many juniors to take up the sport.

Jamie MacDonald

Jamie has volunteered over 30 hours at Eastern Primary School, running Boxfit sessions with small, targeted groups. Jamie has worked with a group with Additional Support Needs, in-active girls and in-active boys. He has been able to engage with these pupils and keep them involved with physical activity throughout the block. Jamie has 100% attendance and is always planned and well prepared for each session. Jamie has had an amazing impact on the pupils.

Amy Thoms

Amy, a student at University of Abertay is a committed volunteer, coaching Netball, both at Craigiebarns Primary school and with the recently formed Tayside Jets Netball Club. Her willingness to volunteer her time and expertise in two different settings showcases her passion for netball and her desire to contribute positively to young people in the community. Amy is currently volunteering 4 hours per week, on top of a full-time university course and her part time job.

Oscar Brown

Oscar is a young man who is passionate about hockey. He is a 1st team member of Dundee Wanderers Hockey Club. Oscar volunteers to coach the U14 and U16 boys, both outdoors and indoors throughout the year. He is also assistant coach to the ladys 2nd team and has now become the Lead coach for the U16 boys Midland Development Squad. On top of this Oscar also leads sessions with local schools.

Lilah Farquharson

Lilah has been an exceptional young volunteer with Braeview Academy. Lilah's attitude to say yes to every volunteering opportunity, or coaching course shows how passionate she is. Lilah has organised and delivered the S1 Interhouse Games this year, with events such as Extreme Dodgeball and Capture the Flag. Lilah is a Young Ambassador and has also volunteered with the Braeview Cluster Primary schools for sports days, transition events and Interhouse games.

Darcy Kinnear

Darcy volunteers with the PE department at St Pauls R.C Academy, committing 5 hours each week to support physical activity and sport. This year Darcy has taken on the role as Young Ambassador, where she has single-handedly increased the number of activities on offer around the school. Darcy has encouraged pupils to take part in activities they would have not normally have access to due to barriers including cost, confidence and travel.

Charlotte Rome

Charlotte has been instrumental in establishing a girls hockey team at Grove Academy. For the first time in decades, a girls hockey team plays and trains regularly. Charlottes dedication to her schools aim of establishing a girls team has been magnificent and her commitment over the last year is commendable and greatly appreciated by everyone. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the girls hockey team is a joy to watch. This is all fitted into Charlottes very busy schedule of studying and playing hockey with Grove Menzieshill ladies first team, Representing Midland District Hockey and training with the Scottish Hockey Brave Development Programme.

Andy Cameron

Over the past 12 months, Andy has demonstrated unwavering commitment to enhancing the sport and physical activity landscape at Clepington Primary School. His tireless dedication is evident in the countless hours he has spent leading and supporting various clubs and initiatives across the whole school. He goes above and beyond by sacrificing numerous weekends to accompany children to various sports fixtures. Andy's commitment to broadening the horizons of pupils through diverse sporting experiences is fantastic.

Stacey Lawson

Stacey is a dedicated volunteer at Camperdown Primary School. Stacey initially led a Girls Football Club on a Friday lunchtime and has since added an after-school session so more girls can take part. Stacey also mentors Dance Leaders from Harris Academy who led weekly dance sessions and she has assisted with the School Glee Club. Her unwavering commitment to providing pupils with these opportunities highlight that her efforts go above and beyond her role as School and Family Development Worker.

Jack Robertson

Jack is a committed volunteer in the Baldragon Academy Cluster, he leads a weekly ASN Learn to Swim group from Ardler Primary School. These children had never been in a swimming pool before and have now all passed the first level of swimming assessment. Additionally, in the past year, Jack has volunteered over 162 hours and has given many young people in the cluster their first experience of competitive and club swimming. Jack is always bursting with positivity and enthusiasm for swimming.

Scott Shields

Scott voluntarily leads six extra-curricular sports clubs at Craigiebarns Primary School each week. Scott is the current lead for the Cluster PEPAS group, which in previous years had completely stopped. Scott's ideas and initiatives have been held up as good practice across the city. He led the school to achieve their Silver School Sport Award and the school are now well on their way to achieving Gold. Scott shows a passion for Sport and Physical Activity in the Craigie Cluster.

Jayne Digby

Jayne has played an instrumental role at Dundee West Community Trust. She has transformed the girls & womens section of the club. In April 2023, Jayne was appointed as the Girls and Womens Player Development Officer on a volunteer basis after passing her UEFA B License. Jayne gives up numerous hours per week doing various roles for the club from coaching to administration. In the last 12 Months, there has been an increase in 75 girls and women playing over the clubs 16 teams.

Gordon Farquharson

Gordon was key in setting up the mental health walking football group at Fairfield Community Sports Hub, which started last year. His passion to not only get others involved in walking football, but also promote mental health by encouraging participants back to the pavilion after sessions for a coffee and cake is commendable. Gordon helps everyone and is also heavily involved in fundraising in the local community and has helped to raise the profile of the game in Dundee.

Gemma Lumsdaine

Gemma is a key volunteer with Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club, delivering three to five hours of weekly activity as a coach and mentor as well as supporting a range of festivals and events. Gemma successfully sourced funding from BBC Children in Need to enable the club to employ a sports coordinator. Gemma took the lead in the whole recruitment process and is the key contact for the new coordinator ensuring a clear focus. Gemma is a great role model for all young wheelchair users.

David Sturrock

David Sturrock (known as Bear) is the Volunteer Training Co-ordinator as part of the Tay Estuary Water Sports Hub. Bears key achievement has been to co-ordinate the delivery of nationally accredited training in Water Sports to around 100 coaches in the Hub in the last year. The huge increase in the number of qualified volunteers has increased all participating hub clubs memberships. Several of the young people trained have also gained employment with Ancrum Outdoor Centre in addition to their club volunteering.

Dave Martin

Dave has been involved with Harris Academy FP Hockey Club for over 50 years. As the clubs volunteer youth development officer and safeguarding officer, Dave plays a crucial role in the overall operation and development of the club. Daves hard work in overseeing youth hockey has seen a growth in participation at the club. Dave also mentors other coaches and encourages development in other areas of the game such as umpiring. He has also played a crucial role linking with local primary schools and Harris Academy while also being the Chair of the West End Community Sports Hub.

Gary Mathieson

In the last year, Gary's commitment to Dundee Rugby Clubs Womens section has seen an expansion to over 100 players. Throughout this period, Gary has dedicated over 1000 hours to coaching and supporting the athletes. Under his guidance, the women's section of Dundee Rugby Club has experienced unprecedented success, including three consecutive league wins by the 1st XV women. Additionally, Gary's efforts led to the establishment of a 2nd team, which has competed in a league for two consecutive years, fostering inclusivity and growth within the club. Garys impact extends beyond the realm of sport, fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and belonging among the athletes.

Nicola Nixon

Nicola dedicates countless hours to Kizuna Karate club, teaching classes 4 days per week. In the last year, Nicola has taken her members to 9 tournaments, including the WUKF World Karate championships, winning 13 medals in the process. Teaching in a deprived area of Dundee, Nicola has spear-headed fundraising initiatives and broken-down barriers for children from this area to compete on the national and world stage. Nicola also recently started a female only, karate based self-defence class.

Jack Robertson

Jack has demonstrated a huge dedication to the development and success of the swimming programme at Menzieshill Whitehall Swimming and Waterpolo Club, contributing over 10 hours per week to coach and mentor the athletes. Jack has been a pillar of support for the clubs swimmers, consistently going above and beyond to create a positive and inspiring training environment. His coaching style, characterised by patience, encouragement, and individualised attention has resonated with the clubs swimmers, leading to notable improvements in their performance.

Jennifer Quinton & Eileen Ramsay

Eileen and Jennifer started Discovery Swimming Club in 1993. Their dedication in running a disability swimming club for over 30 years demonstrates a profound commitment to inclusivity and the well-being of athletes with disabilities. Beyond their achievements with Discovery Swimming Club, Both Jennifer and Eileen have inspired generations of athletes. Jen was a Team GB Paralympic Swimming Coach and she coordinated, managed and coached the Scottish Disability Sport Physical Disability, Visual Impairment and Hearing Impairment swimming squads. Eileen was the Head Coach with the GB Special Olympics Team.

Nigel Reynolds

Nigel has been the beating heartbeat of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers for almost two decades. In his voluntary role, Nigel is always present throughout the four training nights each week, as well as weekend sessions. Starting as a parent helper, he quickly became engrossed in the sport completing his coaching qualifications. His dedication to the development of young people saw a dramatic rise in the junior membership of the Hawks from less than 50 to over 400. His coaching CV includes Team GB representatives and many Scottish National Champions.

Alex Steele

Alex has been a fantastic ambassador for Cricket in Scotland for 62 years, he has been a member of Forfarshire Cricket Club since 1958 and represented the club (and Scotland) with pride, competing as a batsman and wicketkeeper. Alex was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2020, a terminal and debilitating illness that destroys lung function, however this did not stop him from playing Cricket! Many club players have benefitted from Alex's expertise, time and enthusiasm, he still gives up his time to attend net sessions to give advice and guidance.

Baldragon Academy

Baldragon Academy views sport and physical activity as a tool to enhance young people's health and wellbeing and allow them opportunities to attain and succeed. Their extra-curricular programme has gone from strength to strength. Baldragon have entered teams in all Dundee School competitions in the last year, winning the most medals of any public school. The u16 School Football Team are in the Scottish Cup semi-final, and the S1 Basketball team are in the Scottish Cup quarter final. This year Baldragon Academy have been awarded the Sportscotland Gold School Sport Award - only the second Secondary in Dundee to achieve this.

Braeview Academy

Braeview Academy has invested heavily into providing as many sporting and leadership opportunities as possible for their pupils. They have numerous teachers, senior pupils and club coaches who volunteer to help to create their thriving extra-curricular programme. The extra-curricular participation levels have seen a huge increase in 2023-24, a particular highlight is an increase in S1 girls participating in clubs and competitions, this includes entering the Scottish Cup for Netball. Braeview have recently submitted their application for the Sportscotland Gold School Sport Award due to the significant progress the school have made over the last year.

Craigiebarns Primary School

Craigiebarns is committed to ensure every child has the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular activities with a focus on sport and physical activity. 12 members of staff have given up their time to run over 20 clubs this year. Through tracking of participation across the school, staff have been able to target children who are not currently participating in any extra-curricular activities, with a particular focus on families living in poverty. Through this, Craigiebarns have managed to improve participation in extra-curricular activities from 54% to 89% of children participating in an extra-curricular activity this school year, so far.

St Andrews R.C Primary School

St Andrew's is a school that fully understands the value of sport and physical activity for pupils mental and physical health. Pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential in sport from the variety of clubs, leadership opportunities, competing for the school and links to various community clubs. St Andrews uses sport and physical activity as a tool to support the raising of attainment and provide a platform for pupils to excel. St Andrews have had a wide variety of sporting achievements and highlights in the last year, including achieving the Sportscotland Gold School Sport Award.

Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club

Dundee Dragons have had many achievements this year across a variety of sports including rugby, badminton and basketball. They were crowned the first ever Scotland Rugby League Premiership Wheelchair Champions this year. Membership has increased drastically this year as a result of their extremely successful cycling programme. The limitless cycling programme has seen Thursday and Saturday sessions run in the city, with continued growth in numbers at both sessions.

Dundee Nomads Badminton Club

Nomads is a friendly club offering quality badminton regardless of ability. The club thrives, both at competitive and social levels with defined progress pathways for both players and coaches. This ensures the future of Nomads and 2024 will bring more success to the club. The club are focused on allowing players of all abilities the opportunity to play and the introduction of an adult social session on a Friday evening has ensured players find and play at their own level.

Dundee West Community Trust

Dundee West have had a strong year creating extensive opportunities for the community to participate through the trusts football pathways. The Trust now has a football membership that extends to over 850 playing members with a girls pathway of 250 members ranging from U5s to the womens 1st team. Sport is culture but for so many people and families in the Northwest of Dundee, football is their lives and Dundee West is their home. .

Forfarshire Cricket Club

Forfarshire Cricket Club had a very successful 2023, winning the Scottish Cup and the T20 Scottish Cup to complete the cup double after winning the same titles in 2022. Winning the T20 Scottish Cup meant the club qualified for the second year in a row to represent Scotland in the European Cricket League in Spain in March 2024. The club also delivers junior coaching within primary schools in Dundee and Angus through links with Active Schools.

Kanzen Karate

Kanzen Karate has once again excelled over the past year, achieving remarkable sporting success while simultaneously making significant contributions to the community. They hosted the 2023 WUKF World Karate Championships for all ages in July 2023 at Dundee Ice Arena. The event brought over 4500 athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators to Dundee for one of the largest martial arts events of its kind in the world. Kanzen has demonstrated unwavering commitment to its objectives through impactful projects and initiatives.

Michael Cook

Michael has been a keen boccia player for many years with Dundee Boccia Club and has always performed well through the group stages of local, regional or national competitions. He has been playing for the club since 2018. In October 2023, Michael travelled to Edinburgh to compete in the Scottish Disability Sport National Boccia Championships. It was the first time Michael attended the Scottish Open and he progressed through every round to the final where he won and was crowned National Champion.

Shayne Humphries

Shayne has had an incredible year - this year he has been selected for the GB under 22 Wheelchair Basketball Team and helped Scotland Under 18 Wheelchair Basketball team win the National Junior Championships for the first time. Shayne's dedication, enthusiasm and passion for the sport, combined with his athletic ability has enabled him to flourish as not only a player but as a leader within wheelchair basketball. He is always happy to provide advice and support to young aspiring athletes.

Taylor MacKenzie

Since age six, the pool has always been Taylors second home, a place where she can be herself without the worry of what others think. Swimming has given her a voice that has opened a whole new world and a reason to believe in herself. In June 2023, Taylor was selected as the only Scottish swimmer and youngest athlete in the team to represent Team GB at the Special Olympics in Berlin Winning two gold medals (200 Freestyle & 400 freestyle) in Games records.

Cameron Millar & Jenna Richardson

Cameron and Jenna attended the Scottish Students College boccia competition in Stirling last year and were the only team that consisted of both members having severe disabilities. They did extremely well together and came second overall. They managed to overcome their communication difficulties to interact and discuss their tactics to give themselves the best opportunities for scoring points. They both play for Dundee Boccia Club and were paired together to take part in the student competition as they both attend Dundee college.

Callie Bowman

In the past year Callie faced a huge challenge with the unfortunate collapse of the football team she had been committed to for several years. However, she made the commitment to sign for Hearts and travel to Edinburgh 4 times a week, to continue her progression in football. In the last six months Callie has now secured a place in the starting eleven for Hearts U16s and has been called up to play for the U18 team. Callie has also represented East of Scotland in the U18 Scottish Schools final and has been selected to attend two Scotland Womens U16 camps.

Aubree Craig

Aubree is a member of Kanzen Karate and has had an extremely successful year. Aubree won four medals at the Karate World Championships (two gold, one silver and one bronze). Aubree enjoyed further success in the WUKF European Championships in France adding three gold medals and a silver medal to her collection. These achievements make Aubree both a World and European Champion! These achievements are a reward for all her continued hard work and dedication to the sport she loves. Aubrees success has continued off the mat, being appointed a squad captain demonstrating the example she sets to others.

Daniel Przybylski

Daniel started playing volleyball in August 2022 and quickly developed his skills having never played before. At a Scottish Tartan Pathway scouting event in September 2023 Daniel's skills were so good he was moved instantly into the Scotland U20 squad despite only being 16 years old. In January 2024 Daniel moved to Dundee Volleyball Club to play in an adult male team, being one of the youngest players playing in the highest league in Scotland. In January, Daniel won a gold medal at the Zonal Euro qualifiers with Scotland U20s and has qualified to play in the Euros in August 2024.

Cole Stewart

Cole has taken his golf game to the next level. Cole has improved his handicap from 12.8 (2022), 4.3 (2023) to 1.8 (2024), phenomenal for his age. Coles dedication to golf and subsequent outstanding performances have seen him selected to be part of the High-Performance Elite Squad at Carnoustie Golf Links and invited to play at the Paul Lawrie Foundation event where he qualified to play on the course with Paul himself. Some of Coles other achievements this year include winning the Nicoll Cup and Runner Up in the Mens Club Championship at Ballumbie Golf Club (making club history by becoming the youngest ever finalist in the Mens Club Championship at Ballumbie Golf Club).

Michael Leask

Michael Leask, a member of Forfarshire Cricket Club, had an exceptional year representing Scotland. Michael helped Scotland qualify for the 2024 T20 World Cup which will take place in the West Indies & USA in June. In March 2024, Michael received his 150th cap for Scotland, a phenomenal achievement. Michael also enjoyed success at club level last year, helping his team secure the cup double by winning the Scottish Cup and the T20 Scottish Cup.

Natasha Philips

Natasha, a member of Dundee Hawkhill Harriers Athletics Club has had an exceptional year. Her highlights this year include being selected for the World Cross Country Championships in March and the U20 European Track and Field Championships in Jerusalem last summer, where she came 4th place in the 5000m. Natasha has also become Scottish U20 Cross Country Champion, 1st place at the Scottish Inter Districts Championship, 1st place at the Stirling 10km, and 1st place at the Glasgow half marathon.

Anastasia Vaipan Law and Luke Digby

Anastasia and Luke from Dundee Ice Skating Club have had a fantastic year as a pair skating couple on the national and international stage. This year Anastasia and Luke defended their British Championship title, becoming British Champions for the third consecutive time. Anastasia and Luke also shone on the international stage coming in 16th place in their debut World Championship and finishing in 9th place at the European Championships. The pair have aspirations of competing at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Amina - The Muslim Women's Resource Centre

AMINA, a women's Muslim charity, stands out for empowerment and inclusivity and has had an outstanding impact in providing a welcoming environment for women from all backgrounds to participate in sport. In partnership with Badminton Scotland, AMINA has delivered badminton skills & qualifications to over 30 women in the Muslim community. Due to the enthusiasm & interest in badminton the first women's only badminton competition has taken place this month. Through their initiatives AMINA have created opportunities for many who have not accessed sports before.

Forthill Community Sports Club

Forthill Community Sports Club in partnership with the Sporting Memories Foundation launched the first Sporting Memories Club in Dundee in December 2023. The Sporting Memories Club has provided a platform for people aged 50+ to reminisce about sporting memories of the past and talk about sporting headlines from the present day. The power of sport brings older people from the community together supporting their mental health and social isolation. A fantastic initiative from Forthill Community Sports Club to engage older people in the club.

Maryfield United

Maryfield United have developed considerably over the last year, recognising the need to increase opportunities for participation in the Maryfield ward. They have increased the number of children & adults taking part in sport from 300 to 420. The club has developed a range of new opportunities including a girls' section, a recreational childrens programme and adult's recreational programme. In addition, the club have employed a part time projects officer to deliver programmes in 4 local schools supporting children with behaviour challenges. .

Baldragon Academy

The School of Sport at Baldragon Academy has entered its second year and now has around 160 young people participating each week in addition to their core PE. The Baldragon Academy School of Sport has a distinctive approach to tackling child poverty by removing barriers to participation & focusing on wellbeing and inclusion. 68% of the young people in the School of Sport live in SIMD 1-3. Young people in the School of Sport participate in either basketball, dance, football or swimming. In addition, all 160 young people have achieved awards in CPR and the use of a defibrillator this year. Attendance for School of Sport is 7% above the whole school average.

Ballumbie Primary School

In the last year Ballumbie Primary School has used sport as a vehicle to improve social issues, attainment, attendance and resilience of pupils within the school. Over 100 identified pupils have benefited from several initiatives including a girls only group, ASN provision and provision aimed at improving social outcomes (confidence & self-esteem) and pupil engagement. One example of Ballumbie using sport to change lives is an Active Schools breakfast club targeted at pupils with poor attendance and ongoing monitoring demonstrated every pupil significantly improved their attendance due to attending the club 3 times a week.

St Andrews RC Primary School

St Andrews Primary School developed an innovative programme to meet the needs of P5 pupils within the school, many have additional support needs and face challenges associated with living in SIMD 1 & 2. The school responded to feedback demonstrating that the curriculum was not meeting the needs of these pupils. The Educated Fitness Programme was created where the whole class participated in physical activity 5 days a week. Every child was monitored from week 1-8, all showing a marked improvement. The initiative has had an extremely positive impact with the number of blue cards sent to support dysregulated children in this class reduced from 20 per week to 2 per week.

Revolution

In 2014, Revolution was created by St Johns R.C High School former pupils. The girls went onto achieve many Dundee, Scottish & National Street Dance titles. Although team members have moved on from school, it was our aim to continue to build on the success of Revolution. The group have gained many new girls that have worked very hard to push themselves and be the best they can be.

They show a variation of different styles in their dances such as commercial, house, and hip hop. Teamwork is a major factor they like to portray when dancing to show the commitment and hard work that has been put into each dance. As a team, they feel its key to have good sportsmanship to ensure everyone feels equal, promoting a positive attitude.

They believe that the body achieves what the mind believes and if it doesnt challenge you, it wont change you.

Vikki Bunce

Vikki is a Hockey player from Dundee. She started playing hockey in P4 when at Blackness Primary School and joined Dundee Wanders Hockey Club. Vikki progressed up the ranks of Scottish Hockey to play for The Scottish Womens team, she played in 3 Commonwealth games, got 206 caps for Scotland and 14 for Great Britain. Vikki attended a 4th Commonwealth Games, this time as Assistant Coach for the Womens team. Vikki currently works for Sport Scotland as a High-Performance Manager.

Derek Rae

Derek is a distance runner from Kirkcaldy. His love for running started at the age of 18 and he ran his first marathon in Edinburgh in 2009 aged 23. In 2010 Dereks life was turned upside down after he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident. This resulted in 5 weeks in hospital and a long road to recovery. With amazing determination Derek returned to running in January 2011 and has been on an upwards trajectory ever since including participating in the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.