Photo source: © sportscotland (sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk)
Excerpt from sportfirst.sportscotland.org.uk

The capacity of the sporting workforce in Orkney is on the rise thanks to a training programme for coaches and officials ahead of the 2025 Orkney Island Games.

sportscotland have been working with Orkney Islands Council to support the education and development of coaches and officials for the Island Games and beyond. The programme will make sure clubs are well equipped with qualified coaches and officials for years to come and well placed to develop capacity and membership for any increased participation.

The programme has been funded by sportscotland, Orkney 2025 and Orkney Islands Council. So far there have been 174 participants across 27 different training courses and 10 sports. Most of the development opportunities are sport specific with some for all sports. Many of those who have been through the programme will be involved in the Orkney 2025 Island Games in some capacity.

In communities with smaller populations the development of people working in sport is crucial for the long term future of sport in the area. Upskilling of coaches and officials in archery, athletics, badminton, cycling, football, gymnastics, sailing, squash, swimming and triathlon has been taking place since early last year and will continue in the build up to the Games, making sure there is a lasting benefit for sport in Orkney.