The Camanachd Association & MOWI are thrilled to announce the successful applicants of the MOWI Youth Development Fund, aimed at fostering the growth of shinty at the grassroots level.
Ten clubs have been chosen to receive £500 each to further their youth development initiatives, propelling the future of the sport.
The selected clubs are Aberdour, Ballachulish, Beauly, Kilmallie, Kilmory-Dunadd, Kincraig, Kyles Athletic, Skye, Strathspey & Stirling.
Each of these clubs has showcased dedication and creativity in nurturing the next generation of shinty players.
Of particular note is the remarkable progress made by Kilmory over the past six months.
Kilmory has demonstrated a profound commitment to enhancing their development.
The club has successfully enrolled a large number of coaches in coaching courses, ensuring that their young players receive top-tier guidance and mentorship.
This investment in coaching talent is a testament to Kilmory’s dedication to creating a nurturing and educational environment for their youth.
Additionally, Kilmory has embarked on a journey of community integration by forging robust connections with local schools.
This endeavour will not only enhance the opportunities for young people to play shinty, but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose within the community.
The collaborative efforts of Kilmory have been further complemented by the work of the Camanachd Association Regional Development Officer, Will Cowie.
Will’s support and guidance have helped support the already very proactive Kilmory Shinty Club.
Steven Gilmour, President of Kilmory, expressed his enthusiasm, saying:
“The hard work over the years to establish our primary group section is paying dividends (11 of our current Kilmory squad and a number of the current Dunadd team took up shinty when we kicked this off in 2011), we still have work to do in the age group space with the u14/17’s but this will continue to build with the numbers coming through.
“We are exploring getting a 2nd team for Kilmory in a year or 2, so if anyone is interested and wants to get involved, please get in contact with us.”
Jayne MacKay, MOWI Community Engagement Officer, shared her thoughts on the initiative, stating:
“We are immensely proud to contribute to the development of shinty’s future stars.
“We look forward to witnessing the positive impact this initiative will have on the future of shinty, especially in remote communities where both shinty and Mowi contribute to community wellbeing.”
The Camanachd Association extends its warmest congratulations to all the successful clubs and remains committed to empowering youth development initiatives across Scotland.
Through collaborations with dedicated clubs like Kilmory and the support of partners like MOWI, the Association endeavours to ensure that shinty continues to thrive and inspire generations to come.
