Perth Grammar School Sports Trust is an example for other schools

Dec 18 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE innovative Perth Grammar School Sports Trust has hit the ground running and schools across the country are eyeing it enviously.

The venture has been an instant hit and could provide a blueprint for transforming Scotland’s sporting fortunes in the countdown to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Hundreds of youngsters, including kids at various feeder primary schools, have already sampled a variety of sports.

And the Trust’s “Everyone Active” ethos is highlighted by opportunities rolling out in everything from football, rugby and netball to cheerleading.

The Trust, which got off the ground with support from Perth and Kinross Council, the Guildry Incorporation of Perth and Stagecoach businessman Brian Souter, is designed to keep youngsters active, with local clubs enjoying the benefits when more gifted pupils come through the ranks.

And if that produces district and national champions so much the better, said rector John Low.

He added: “The Trust has already reached out to a huge number of kids. It is making a big difference already.”

A talented team of Perth Grammar School teachers, with outside support, have played a key role in ensuring the Trust and its extra-curricular programme has hit the ground running.

Mike Edwards, principal teacher of PE, paid tribute to Dave McCaw (football), Eilidh Child (athletics), Russell Kesson (basketball), Steve Cameron (football), Gregor McIntosh (hockey), Craig Martin (basketball and football), Kirsty Munro (swimming and netball), Clare Bibby of North Muirton PS (athletics) and Susan Dargie of Luncarty PS (netball).

Mr Low added: “The school is fortunate to be able to tap into their coaching talents. They are all very enthusiastic and talented. Russell, for instance, is a national U16 basketball coach and probably the most qualified in Scotland. Gregor led a successful hockey trip to Ireland in conjunction with Perth Academy. And Eilidh is one of Scotland’s most gifted athletes.”

The Trust team have been delighted at the uptake by girls. They are outnumbering the boys taking part and that bucks all the national trends. Seventy girls have signed-up for the cheerleader classes.

The school has a team in the senior local netball league and is forging close ties with Perth Strathtay Harriers and other sports groups keen to tap into talent emerging from Trust sessions.

Sport can also bridge the gap between primary and secondary education, with more than 200 P6 and P7 children becoming familiar with the “big school” through sporting activities.

Mr Edwards said: “The aim is to keep everyone active and offer a range of sports so youngsters can find one they really enjoy. We’re back to the old adage ‘healthy body, healthy mind.’ There are spin-off benefits in the classroom.”