Camanachd Association Outlines Plans For Youth Shinty Return | |
27 February 2021 Following Tuesday’s announcement from the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Camanachd Association has intensified preparations for a return to youth shinty confirming that if the trajectory set out by the First Minister continues, we can expect shinty for Youths to commence when Level 3 in the tiered system is introduced on 26 April 2021. The Camanachd Association COVID Working Group will meet on Tuesday 2 March 2021 to explore the next steps to restarting shinty which will include further discussion on efforts to engage the wider community. Clarity and dates will also be finalised for National Club COVID Coordinator training as well as Regional COVID Readiness training for club coaches in advance of our return to a tiered system. The Camanachd Association has outlined preliminary plans for youth competitions:
With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine well underway and the most vulnerable people in our communities accessing the vaccine, the Camanachd Association is excited by the prospect of 2021 and look forward to working with members, clubs, partners and sponsors to deliver the best year possible. Willie MacDonald, Camanachd Association Youth Director said: “Re-starting our sport is our number one priority moving into 2021 and we are encouraged by the likelihood of a return to training and then competition from as early as 26 April 2021. “The Camanachd Association Development Team has been in constant contact with our clubs since the turn of the year and this ongoing consultation has been used to inform the above proposals. Starting youth training is the first step on a road to the return of our ancient sport in its truest form.” Camanachd Association Chief Executive Officer Derek Keir added: “Restarting shinty is a hugely exciting prospect but it is also a vital outlet to reconnect our communities and provide a safe place for adults, older people and young people to play – to bring the community together, to have fun and be active. “Shinty clubs play a crucial role at the heart of communities and it is there that we have a huge opportunity to provide opportunities for our wider community all of whom have faced the isolation of lockdown and will be excited about reduced restrictions and a return to local sport and physical activity. We welcome the Scottish Government strategy on exiting lockdown and are excited about the potential return of youth shinty and Mowi Leagues when it is safe to do so. “As we work towards the restarting of youth shinty, we are working with volunteers in clubs regularly to develop the safe and well organised environments that allow shinty to thrive and prosper. We have developed club guidance throughout every step of the current pandemic and will continue to provide high quality support to ensure all clubs and communities are supported to protect opportunities to learn and participate in shinty. |