2 Oban and Lorn Community Sports Hub | May 2017

There is a burgeoning movement across the country that has now arrived in Oban.

Community sports hubs have been popping up all over the place to bring together sports clubs and key local partners who want to develop and grow the sporting o� ering in their local area.

Oban Community Sports Hub was established in November of last year to provide ‘a collective of progressive sports clubs working together in the local community’.

Argyll and Bute Council explained on its website, argyllsportshubs.com: ‘Each community sports hub develops its own vision and values to ensure all involved are clear on the work they will do together, which is detailed in a simple, clear plan to improve the sport on o� er.’

There are 150 sports hubs across Scotland, with four having been established so far in Argyll. The predecessors to Oban are in Cowal, Rothesay, Helensburgh and Lomond.

Now there is the latest addition in Oban, with plans to start more in Tiree, Mull and Islay.

The ‘conversation’ that led to the establishment of the Oban hub began in the Corran Halls back in November, and attracted representatives from Oban’s sailing, volleyball, cricket, shinty, hockey and bowling clubs, as well as from rugby minis and Oban High School athletics.

The council’s community sports hubs o� cer at the time, Jillian Gibson, said then that she hoped more clubs would get involved with each of Argyll’s hubs, including Oban – and they have.

Jillian’s successor as community sports hubs o� cer is now Andy Trull, who took over in March so he is now the principal liaison contact for all sports clubs in the Argyll and Bute area.

A genial Englishman who has spent the past 25 years in Cumbria before relocating to Argyll and Bute, Andy is relishing his new role.

Although based in Dunoon, Andy loves his job requirement to ramble all over the West Highlands and he has this month already been in Mull, Oban and Tiree, among numerous other places.

Having come out of retirement – Andy was

Funded by sportscotland, the national agency for sport, the community sports hub movement aims to help clubs with their development priorities, to come up with a ‘mission’ or ‘purpose’ and to set the priorities of the hub. Oban Community Sports Hub is delivered in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council.

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According to sportscotland: ‘A community sports hub is a collective of sports clubs and organisations working together in a local community. Each community sports hub will develop its own vision, values and action plan to meet the needs of the community.

‘They focus on sustainable, community-led approaches that get clubs working together to develop welcoming, safe and fun environments for sport.

‘Community sports hubs are lottery-funded and are one of sportscotland’s key programmes which contributes to legacy and supports local sport clubs to play their part in a world-class sporting system.

‘A community sports hub is focused on the clubs around a sport centre, community centre, school, park or a playing � eld pavilion. In some cases, a community sports hub combines a number of these places, or it may

simply centre on a single venue hosting many clubs. The hub is essentially a collective of progressive sport clubs working together in a local community.’

It adds: ‘Community sports hubs and sport clubs play a key role in delivering sporting opportunities within communities and help aspiring participants and athletes develop and learn.

‘Community environments can provide less competitive, more recreational opportunities to a wide range of people. ‘In all cases, it is important that people experience world-class environments and support in whatever way they participate, in the heart of their local community.’

To � nd out more about community sports hubs, visit www.sportscotland.org.uk/csh and www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjh9rEBbVDQ

a high school teacher – to take up his new position, it is evident from speaking to him that he is enjoying a whole new lease of life in a di� erent discipline, although the sports connection is a natural � t with his previous position as a PE tutor.

He said: ‘I was a PE and geography teacher at a small rural high school in Cumbria for 25 years – we had 160 to 170 pupils – so I’m loving travelling around. I came to Dunoon with my partner after retiring but was asked to do a bit of work with Active Schools and then to do maternity cover before being asked to go full-time.’

He said yes, of course, and is delighted he did so, adding: ‘I’m really, really enjoying the job. It’s a di� erent career path but I’m meeting so many di� erent people from all walks of life and it’s a di� erent world for me.

‘The hub is never closed – if anyone wants to become involved, we are always looking for that. It is very exciting and the people here have shown a real commitment to working together and looking towards the community

and giving support.‘We are organising generic courses for

our sports club members and have already supported projects speci� cally for the tennis and bowling clubs.’

As for what the future holds, Andy remains very upbeat, saying: ‘The next hub will hopefully be on Tiree and should be active shortly, after which we are looking at Islay and Mull.

‘Here in Oban, there is a lot of support going on but we want to improve what we are doing and grow that support here.

‘A lot of the support relies on volunteers and if anyone is interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from them. They can get in touch with the hub or Active Schools.

‘And we can help with PVG [protecting vulnerable groups] checks, which are not just about protecting children but also protecting the coaches.’

If anyone is interested in becoming involved, contact Andy on 01369 708481 or be email at andrew.trull@argyll-bute.gov.uk

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4 Oban and Lorn Community Sports Hub | May 2017

Oban Community Sports Hub members

the Club: Oban Sea Cadets

the Score: This nautical-themed group is sponsored by the Royal Navy and o� ers young people aged 10 and over the chance to try, train, and even qualify as instructors in a large variety of sports such as sailing, canoeing and football. Excursions include camping trips and competitions. “The sports hub is a great idea,” says Robert Neil, Unit Training O� cer and PT instructor. “We want to show what our club has to o� er and � nd out about other local sports, to see how our cadets can learn from them.” Meet up: Junior cadets (aged 10 to 12) meet on Tuesday at 6.30pm. Senior cadets (aged 12 to 17) meet on Thursdays at the same time. Sign up: www.sea-cadets.org, email obancadet@gmail.com

the Club: Taynuilt Golf Club

the Score: Taynuilt is a � at and scenic nine-hole course. The club aims to encourage and promote all aspects of the game of golf with due consideration to the needs and well-being of the local community. The clubhouse is accessible to all members and visitors.Meet up: Course open daily. Next event is the Trevor Allen Texas Scramble on June 11.Sign up: www.taynuiltgolfclub.co.uk or call 01866 822429 and speak to any club o� ce bearer.

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Developing a lifelong engagement in sport is a goal for all the clubs in Oban’s Community Sports Hub, and getting young people interested early is the key way to achieve it.

Scotland’s Active Schools network aims to develop and support the delivery of quality sporting opportunities for children. Its representatives in Oban work closely with schools and organise a variety of events, lessons and inter-school competitions, to help every child discover and enjoy the right sport for them.

At secondary level, a partnership with the NHS and the Community Learning and Development team has been helping P7 and S1 girls with their transition into high school, through health-related activities that include healthy eating and physical activity taster sessions.

At primary level, Active Schools co-ordinator Gillian Walker has recently been promoting gymnastics, and

hopes to recruit volunteers who can be trained as level 1 and 2 coaches. “I love working with the children and seeing them develop their skills, feeling happier and healthier after doing the activities,” she says.

The Active Schools team hope that their involvement in the Sports Hub will have a knock-on e� ect for the young people of the town. “Active Schools are involved in the Sports Hub to help community clubs make links with schools,” says

Nona Thomas, Active Schools Secondary Co-ordinator

“So far, we have been able to introduce pupils to sports that were not previously on o� er – we hope that by o� ering these sessions we will create a pathway for pupils to move from school to community clubs. We are always looking to work with clubs who can o� er opportunities for young people to get involved, and we are keen to hear from anyone who would be interested in volunteering.”

Active Schools are the pathway to an active town

May 2017 | Oban and Lorn Community Sports Hub 5

Oban Community Sports Hub members

the Club: Oban Cricket Club

the Score: This club was reformed in 2003 to play and promote cricket across the West Highlands. The senior (adult) team play one-o� � xtures and create opportunities (with Active Schools) for children to try cricket out, via an Introduction to Cricket workshop and a cricket festival for primary schools. They champion Cage Cricket, a streamlined version which does not require a full pitch. Chairman Ronnie Kelly welcomes the formation of Oban Sports Hub, saying: “We want to share ideas and resources. Anything that brings sports clubs together and raises awareness of what’s out there is a good thing.”Meet up: Summer practice is on Thursday at 6.30pm at Taynuilt Sports Pavilion (where home games are played). In winter, the club meets on Sunday afternoons at Atlantis in Oban. Sign up: www.obancc.co.uk or email cricketoban@gmail.com

the Club: Oban Bowling Club

the Score: A home for players of all standards and ages, Oban Bowling Club’s facilities on Dalriach Road, next to Atlantis Leisure, are open daily. The club has a strong heritage (celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2019) and a fun outlook, re� ected in its bright, aqua colours. First-time players are encouraged to come along and try free of charge, while there are plentiful opportunities and coaching available for those who want to develop their skills. “We would love people to just come along and say hello and give it a try,” says club president Helen MacLean. The annual ‘Try Bowls’ open day is a good chance to see what’s on o� er. Meet up: Monday night is rink night. The club is open every day.Sign up: Go to www.facebook.com/obanbowlingclub or ring Helen MacLean: 01631 570988.

the Club: Lorn Volleyball Club

the Score: This truly international club currently includes players of more than14 nationalities, and provides quali� ed coaching for members from beginners, through to those of national standard. Anyone is welcome at the mixed-ability sessions, whether they just want to play for fun or to explore opportunities to compete. The club runs classes for young people at Oban High School and at Atlantis Leisure Centre, competing at under-16 and under-18 level. “We want to get the word out about volleyball, and let people know that they are more than welcome,” says chairman Peter McCracken.Meet up: Adult beginners session, Atantis Leisure Centre, Thursdays 6pm.Sign up: Ask at Atlantis Leisure, or ring Peter on 07748 038584.

A quest for excellence runs parallel to the desire to provide opportunity and enjoyment in sport at Oban High School. Murray Hamilton, principal teacher of Health and Wellbeing, explains how the school and the community are working in partnership.

“Sport is well and truly embedded at Oban High School, and the lessons learned through sport really help to prepare our students for the world of life, learning and work.

“We are proud to be both a School of Rugby and a School of Dance, and compete in national and regional competitions in sports such as football, shinty, rugby, volleyball, badminton, swimming, orienteering, golf, table tennis, gymnastics and dance.

“We have one of the most extensive after-school programmes in Argyll, boasting more than 10 di� erent sports, and try to have all of the sports or

activities in the PE curriculum on o� er.

“We have an active working partnership with both Oban Saints AFC and Oban Lorne RFC, helping us to ensure that we are both working with the best interests of the students in mind. Other clubs, such as hockey and athletics, help to deliver our enhancement program, and we are looking forward to local basketball and netball coaching starting up after the summer.

“We have also had successful visits from the tennis and squash club, who delivered taster sessions as part of health and

wellbeing. This is proving to be a popular option and will hopefully have an impact on playing numbers.

“I hope that the Community Sports Hub will help bring the local clubs and the school together even more, working in partnership to provide more opportunities for young people to challenge themselves and to strive to succeed. With the new school build on the horizon it would be great to see us all pulling together to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone to enjoy sport.”

http://www.obanhigh.argyll-bute.sch.uk

the Club: North Argyll Cycle Club

the Score: This sports cycle club hosts a range of events including time trials, pursuits races and group rides. Calendar highlights include a ride at Ben Cruachan Dam, and the annual Oban Sportive (with Oban Rotary Club), a charity fundraiser encompassing some of the region’s most stunning routes. The ‘easy’ ride on a Sunday morning is a good way to start out and meet fellow cyclists. “We hope that the sports hub will help to give a voice to a variety of sports,” says club chairman Nick Charlton. “It’s also great to meet people running other clubs.”Meet up: See online calendar for forthcoming events, or join one of the Sunday cycles.Sign up: Go to www.nargylcc.co.uk

A school with sport at its heart

6 Oban and Lorn Community Sports Hub | May 2017

Oban Community Sports Hub members

the Club: Oban Lorne RFC (rugby club)

the Score: The club aims to provide a pathway from mini to senior rugby for male and female players. It runs successful men’s and ladies’ 1st XV teams, along with a senior 2XV team. The youth and mini sections are thriving, in partnership with Oban High School. “We hope that membership of the community sports hub will help us to share ideas, network with other clubs, and increase the quality of delivery at all levels, increasing membership and growing the sport in the area,” says Allan Wright, rugby development o� cer.Meet up: Senior men and ladies meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Mini rugby is on Wednesday from 6pm – all at Glencruitten. Sign up: www.obanlorne.co.uk Oban Lorne RFC on Facebook, or email: darrell.williams@btinternet.com for senior rugby.

the Club: Oban Tennis and Squash Club

the Score: The club has two quality squash courts, three new Tiger Turf tennis courts and a club room. In partnership with Atlantis Leisure, members are working to develop and improve participation and standards of tennis and squash locally. Coaching is available from age three up, and players of all abilities can join club nights, coaching and competitions. There is the mini tennis academy and squash coaching for juniors. “We pride ourselves in being a very family friendly and welcoming club, catering for all ages and abilities,” says chairman Billy Thomson.Meet up: All welcome at open club nights on Wednesdays.Sign up: Find the club on Facebook, or ask at reception at Atlantis.

the Club: Loch Eck Orienteers (EckO)

the Score: Formed in the Dunoon area in 1984, Loch Eck Orienteers (EckO) is Argyll’s orienteering club. This region is widely recognised as having some of the best orienteering terrain in Europe with a stunning range of coastal, woodland, forest, parkland and moorland landscapes, and while the sport continues to exercise both the mind and body, modern-day orienteering has incorporated innovations in electronic control points and timing as well as pre-printed waterproof maps. Orienteering is a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoors and EckO encourages newcomers to come along and try out the sport at one of the local events.Meet up: A calendar of local events are held across North Argyll from autumn through to spring, with each event o� ering a range of courses to suit all abilities. Sign up: www.ecko.org.uk

the Club: Oban Hockey Club

the Score: For anyone aged eight and upwards, this informal, mixed club extends a warm and sociable welcome on and o� the pitch. Volunteers help coach junior players, who play in eight to 14 and 14+ categories, while seniors compete in various tournaments and hope to join the West District League next year. Many players (currently aged up to 75) have returned to sport after a break, or taken it up later. “We don’t want there to be any barriers to people coming along,” says men’s captain Andrew Hodge. “Whatever your age, � tness level or experience, you are welcome.” Meet up: Club night is Thursday, at the all-weather pitch behind Oban High School (times vary). Everyone is welcome to say hello and have a go at the Oban Hockey Sevens outdoor tournament, at Taynuilt Sports Field, from 11am, Saturday May 27.Sign up: facebook.com/obanhockeyclub or email Andrew at lerags@hotmail.com

the Club: Oban Sailing Club

the Score: From its Dungallan Park base, Oban Sailing Club arranges training and racing for sailors of keelboats, dinghies and power boats. The RYA a� liated club’s boats will be familiar to locals who can often see them racing in Oban Bay, and around nearby islands. It is an organiser of West Highland Yacht week and the Round Mull Race. The club works with Oban High School, the University of the Highlands and Islands, and now primary schools, to ensure that young people can try the sport. “We work to keep costs very low, and don’t ever want � nance to be a barrier to taking part,” says Commodore Finlo Cottier. Meet up: Keelboat racing Tuesday nights, dinghy racing Thursday nights: see website for details and other events.Sign up: www.obansailingclub.org or email osc@obansailingclub.org

May 2017 | Oban and Lorn Community Sports Hub 7

Oban Community Sports Hub members

Oban’s sports centre, Atlantis Leisure, is a base for many local clubs, and its aim to support and promote physical activity extends beyond its position as a venue.

Jade MacEwan, the centre’s sports development manager, explores the bene� ts of working together.

She said: “Atlantis is a community-run facility, so our focus is always on providing the community with as many sporting opportu nities as possible. We do this through partnerships with local clubs and organisations. Our PlaySport

programme works as a feeder for children to move onto club sport if they wish to. We provide many clubs with facilities and always try our best to facilitate competitions and events. We have recently worked with Active Schools to develop a gymnastics programme which has been a great success. Before this there were no gymnastics classes in the area.

“We hope that we can help get as many children active and leading healthy lifestyles as possible. The aim of our PlaySport programme (which includes football, athletics,

tennis, archery, volleyball and climbing) is to make sport fun. The dance programme includes highland, hip hop, ballet and Born to Move.

“The community sports hub gives us the opportunity to make new partnerships and develop new events. Working together will help us all to provide more opportunities and make more people aware of what clubs are out there. This will bene� t both Atlantis users and the other clubs and partners involved as we can provide facilities and guide customers to local clubs and events.”

Out and about developing sportsWith a myriad of schools and clubs operating in Argyll, it can take a development o� cer to co-ordinate the opportunities and pull the strands together. Here, three of the area’s dedicated sporting sta� explain their roles.

Football: Martin Rae

“Argyll and Bute council football development service provides opportunities for young people to get involved with the beautiful game, alongside an intensive club development programme. We support local clubs, coaches and volunteers by helping with education, skills, ideas and good practice to support local children and club structures.”Upcoming events include: Summer Holiday football camps Oban: July 17-21 (age three to four, and � ve to 13); August 7-9 (age three to four, and � ve to 13). Summer Residential Camp, Oban: July 24-28 (age nine to 15). Contact: football@argyll-bute.gov.uk

Rugby: Allan Wright

“The main priority of my role in the Oban and Lorn area is to increase the number of children playing rugby in the local clubs and schools. We look to achieve this by providing an introduction to rugby in primary schools by o� ering taster sessions, festivals and four-to-six-week blocks of mainly Tag Rugby. At times we also o� er ‘contact sessions’.Throughout our work with the local schools we actively promote the sessions provided locally by by Oban Lorne RFC, Oban High School and Etive Vikings Mini Rugby club based in Taynuilt.Contact: allan.wright@argyll-bute.gov.uk or call him on 07867 425973.

Shinty: Euan McMurdo

“My role in primary schools is to provide taster sessions and coaching, with a view to getting kids participating and into the clubs, eventually becoming members and joining the senior teams. I work with the Oban Area Development Group promoting shinty in the area and in schools, running competitions and providing volunteers to coach young people. “We have two main competitions for primary schools – a winter indoor league and a summer rurals competition. We want to encourage people to have a go at shinty and to get involved – if you’re looking to � nd out about activities locally, at junior or senior level, do get in touch.”Contact: euan.mcmurdo@shinty.com 07824 367996.

Atlantis: making a hubbub about the hub

the Club: Lochnell Football Club

the score: open to all primary-school aged boys and girls in the Oban and Lorn area, Lochnell Football Club is run by volunteers and parents, with sessions led by SFA (Scottish Football Association) quali� ed coaches. Teams compete in Oban and district primary leagues, and other events include trips to professional matches and football festivals. The club has an SFA quality mark. Co-ordinator Don McAllister says: “our aim is to enable children to develop their skills and learn football in a friendly, safe and positive environment, with emphasis on enjoyment, development, fair play and mutual respect.” Meet up: Wednesday nights, Lora View, North Connel Sign up: www.facebook.com/lochnellfootballclub or call Don on 07867 318583.

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Are You Ready for Adventure?

learn achieve advancE

If adrenaline-fuelled outdoor activity is your idea of fun, Argyll College has a brand new course which is ideal for you.

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