Camanachd Association and UHI to Train 95 Teachers in Shinty for Schools Programme

In a continue bid to promote shinty and make it more accessible to young people, the Camanachd Association has again partnered with the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to train 95 teaching students to deliver the sport in primary and secondary schools.

The programme, which is called Shinty for Schools, aims to introduce children to Scotland’s community sport. With the help of trained professionals, who are passionate about the sport, children will be able to learn new skills, values, and teamwork. Since the collaboration in 2023, over 350 teachers have received training.

Speaking on the partnership, Ronald Ross, National Development Manager of the Camanachd Association, said: “We are delighted to be partnering again with UHI to provide this exciting opportunity for trainee teachers to gain knowledge and skills to deliver shinty in schools across the whole of Scotland. It is important that we continue to promote and grow our great game and ensure that it has a bright future, which starts with getting young people involved.”

The training course will include both theoretical and practical components, to ensure that UHI student teachers have the confidence and understanding in delivering the programme. The course covers the ‘How to Coach’ and ‘What to Coach ‘techniques that are fundamental to skills development in the game of shinty, all of which will help the teachers to deliver effective and engaging sessions to their pupils. On completing the course, the students will all receive a newly designed coaching resource pack that will include drill cards and skill videos to support them in their delivery.

Graeme MacDermid, Camanachd Associations Youth Director said: “Moving forward the Camanachd Association would like to see ‘Shinty for Schools’ highlighted in school development plans and being recognised as a key part of a schools ethos to create opportunities that are available for the long term in the local community. The role regular physical activity has on the well-being of our children is a core part of our children’s learning and Shinty for Schools can play a central role in sustaining regular physical activity by helping young people move into positive and sustained destinations beyond school – a key component of curriculum for excellence.”

Katie Wight, PGDE Programme Leader, said: “We are very grateful for the continued partnership with the Camanachd Association. The sessions offered to the students are fun, interactive, high-quality and give them a real sense of how to take what they have learned into schools.  The shinty session is always a highlight for our teacher education induction week and really adds value to our course.

For more information about the programme, please visit the Camanachd Association website or contact ronald.ross@shinty.com.