Positive Coaching Scotland Launches in Dundee
23 April 2012
The parents of young footballers of Dundee FC became the first in Scotland’s fourth largest city to attend a Positive Coaching Scotland (PCS) workshop recently.
At the session they learnt how this ground breaking cultural change programme aims to help more young people gain a positive experience from sport.
Through workshops, PCS demonstrates to the key influencers in a young person’s life - notably parents, teachers, players, and coaches – how their own actions and behaviour impacts on a child’s attitude both on and off the sports field.
Shona Robison, Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, commented:
“The Scottish Government recognises the important role the Positive Coaching Scotland (PCS) programme can play in influencing behaviour on and off the sports field. Whether it’s encouraging participants to uphold the values of Respect, Responsibility, and Tolerance on the football field, or working with coaches, parents, and teachers to instil the values of effort and a positive attitude in our youth, the work of PCS can help our children and young people in Dundee and across Scotland’s communities embrace physical activity and to enjoy a sense of improved health and wellbeing.”
The introduction of PCS into football and multi-sports across the City of Dundee heralds a further significant milestone for the programme that was first introduced into Scotland in 2008 by the charity, Winning Scotland Foundation. sportscotland now leads the national roll-out of the programme and partners involved in the delivery of PCS include the Scottish Government, local authorities, Scottish Football League, Scottish FA, Scottish Premier League and various other Scottish Governing Bodies.
The national implementation of PCS continues to develop in two parallel approaches: primarily through local authorities, 24 of which are committed to delivering the PCS programmes, and through a number of Scottish Governing Bodies which will embed PCS principles within their work. To date, over 200 workshops have been delivered, reaching approximately 5000 coaches, parents, club leaders, and teachers.
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, commented:
“Positive Coaching Scotland is a key programme for sportscotland, which is transforming youth sport, and we are delighted to be working closely with our partners to lead its implementation across the country.”
Commenting on the ongoing success of the Positive Coaching Scotland programme and its implementation in Dundee, Grant Small, PCS programme manager at Winning Scotland Foundation said:
“In football, and across various sports, we are already starting to see signs of a more supportive, stimulating environment. One that motivates participants to really recognise the value of effort. And it’s this positive set-up in Dundee and across the country that will encourage young (football) players to shoot, rather than feel shot down for making mistakes!”
“It’s a further boost to the programme, that through teachers, students, and volunteers, the principles of Positive Coaching Scotland will now steadily be embedded in 43 local community sports clubs across Dundee. This will include engaging participants in football, rugby, tennis, boxing, and golf.”
Barry Smith, Manager of Dundee FC further commented:
“The development of young footballers often gets overlooked by the overwhelming need to win. Positive Coaching Scotland teaches all involved to develop their talents in a positive environment and learn that making mistakes is all part of the learning process. We recognise that Dundee Football Club have an enormous responsibility to develop our talented young players and fully support the messages of Positive Coaching Scotland.”
Read more about this story at The Courier