Stephen McLean’s Post

As someone relatively new to Scottish Rugby but with years of experience as a rugby volunteer, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible impact rugby can have on young people, their families, and communities. I am still amazed, though, by this groundbreaking report from Scottish Rugby, which solidifies what many of us in the rugby community have always known: rugby is invaluable. 🏉 According to the new report, grassroots rugby in Scotland delivers an economic benefit of at least £159.16 million per year, with a Social Return on Investment (SROI) ratio of 7.71. This means that for every £1 invested in grassroots rugby, there’s an almost 8x return! Key Highlights: Total Value: £159.16 million annually 💷 Social Benefits: £41.2 million 🌍 Economic Benefits: £13.46 million 💼 Health & Wellbeing: £103.31 million 🏥 Volunteering Effort: £31 million 🙌 Subjective Wellbeing Benefits: £92 million 😊 This report, the first of its kind for Scottish grassroots rugby, underscores the positive impacts of rugby on mental health, education, crime reduction, and overall wellbeing. It reveals that participation in rugby reduces depression, anxiety, and even physical health issues like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Personal Impact: For non-professional players in Scotland, participation returns more than £3,000 per player. The dedication of volunteers, valued at £31 million, highlights the crucial role they play in the success of the community game. Statements from Leaders: Keith Wallace, VP of Scottish Rugby: “An 8:1 return on investment in grassroots rugby is a remarkable achievement.” Maree Todd, MSP: “Sport and physical activity help to improve physical and mental health and bring communities together.” Read More: To explore the full report, visit scottishrugby.org/sroi #Rugby #ScottishRugby #Community #Volunteering #SocialImpact #EconomicBenefit

Inverness Craig Dunain Following the disappointing public announcement in The Press and Journal on Friday concerning the “pause” on the UHI all-weather pitch proposal, which was meant to be a long-awaited new chapter in the life of the club, we offer the following response: Whilst we fully appreciate that there are funding issues affecting many developments across many sectors in this difficult financial climate, we need to be very clear about the anger and frustration we feel. It is not just about the shelving of this project, but about the continued and systematic failure of some MSPs, Elected Members, The Highland Council and others - who are too numerous to list - to support and engage effectively with us over the years. Following the loss of our pitch to a Robertson’s development in 2001, the company made two payments to The Highland Council in 2016 in lieu of the creation of a new facility as was part of the original planning requirements. We were not included in this discussion, despite planning minutes stating that we should be. Subsequently, we are 7 years later and we have seen zero benefit from the payments, which were due to be part of the funding for the new UHI facility - all be it only a small one. Over the last two seasons we have been relying on our neighbouring clubs at Ross Sutherland, Moray and Highland to help us out with our “home” games. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received, but these arrangements were meant to be temporary! As it stands, ICD have been without a permanent home pitch for 23 years, and here we are in the 21st Century and there is not one rugby pitch in Inverness for hire from The Highland Council and no sign of one soon, despite our best efforts at meaningful engagement. There are rugby pitches available at some local schools but the council have informed us that these are not available for let. The growth of the city and the shrinkage of sporting facilities is failing the residents of the region who require choice, whether that be for rugby or for any other sports and recreational activity. In a time when we all recognise the importance and need for exercise as a key contributor to our health and wellbeing, it is an absolute scandal. The fact that our city is now home to a state-of-the-art university facility that provides many sporting courses, and yet it was built with zero outdoor sporting facilities seems absolutely mind boggling. Be assured that we will continue to push for facilities for our players, volunteers and supporters. The fortitude of this club is remarkable and worth celebrating. We are sure that some in the Council hope we will just go away and cease to exist. They have clearly failed to understand and underestimate our resilience and determination. We love the game and have continued to thrive and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment despite all the challenges thrown at us over the years. Is the provision of one grass pitch and changing rooms too much?

#GroundsWeek, now in its fourth year, looks to raise awareness and recognise the work of grounds care volunteers and professionals in the UK, with a focus on inspiring new recruits to consider a career in the industry. Research carried out by the GMA, highlights that the industry is in need of new recruits to join the sector. Currently, 40% of the workforce is over 50 years-old and, without an influx of new recruits, this could result in a significant employment gap within 5 years. Sport simply could not take place without the contribution of grounds management and, without quality grass pitches, not only will our nation’s health and local communities suffer, but so will our talent offering when it comes to professional teams and leagues. We know that, if we improved existing grass pitches, almost 1,400,000 (1,376,252) more children could play rugby or football every week and 489,859 more could play cricket every season. That means 4,000,000 more children’s football matches could happen every year on existing pitches – this is why #GroundsWeek and encouraging more people to join the sector is so important. Activity and events taking place over the week are all aimed at introducing new people to the industry and improving the provision of grass pitches, so keep an eye on the #GroundsWeek webpage for information about the events when they’re announced. If you have any questions regarding #GroundsWeek and how you can get involved, please get in touch with us at communications@thegma.org.uk. Sign up for more information on #GroundsWeek and GMA activity by clicking here.

Dear All.. Your annual update on Croydon FC as we approach the start of the 2024/25 season and the England team out in Germany, continue to defy the critics! 2023/24 was a BIG season for Croydon - we won our first cup since 2009 (London Senior Trophy); as well as making another cup final appearance (Kent Senior Trophy); and we were just pipped at the post for a league play-off place. Scoring the World's Fastest Goal (unofficial) also brought a lot of media attention: https://lnkd.in/eU-C5yAn Meanwhile, our Youth teams also had a stellar season, with our u15s unbeaten(!!) while winning their league and cup; u16s getting promoted; and u10s also winning a cup competition. Off the pitch we have also been working hard to expand our reach in the local community, providing opportunities for a diverse range of groups to benefit from experiences at the club or by helping to promote their cause including: South Norwood Community Kitchen, Reedham Childrens Trust and Legacy Youth, Croydon and Coulsdon Colleges, The Children’s Book project.. and the list goes on. For 2024/25 we have ambitious plans to challenge even more aggressively for promotion to the Premier Division, with a young and hungry new manager and a stable group of players, keen to prove themselves. We have also been working hard behind the scenes to build the right infrastructure which will help us scale the club as initiatives to attract new supporters start to pay off. With the help of a local marketing company, we have undertaken a complete rebrand of the club, including an updated badge, recently launched HERE: https://t.co/OFLt7APfaR The Youth section is adding 4 new teams to the existing 6, filling in missing age groups and growing our junior section to 120 young people who will benefit from high quality, organised, affordable football with a pathway all the way to the Croydon First Team, via our partnership with local football inclusion charity Kinetic Academy and the Croydon FC u23 development team. Meanwhile we continue to partner with Croydon Women FC as they grow and consolidate their position in the football league with another FA Cup run hopefully beckoning! If this has caught your attention and you want to get involved there are many options.. our sponsor pack is attached (thanks for your support Kit Hollis !!); or if you have a talent you would like to share (anything from accounting to marketing to design to music!!) we would love to hear from you… or if you have a spare Saturday, just come down and support the team in action at Croydon Sports Arena – fixtures on the website when the season starts: www.croydonfc.com

MUST READ: Play Our Way grant available until end of April in 2024: Following the respective successes of both the CommBank Matilda’s performance and Australia’s hosting abilities of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $200 million into the “Play Our Way” Grant Program. As the current biggest investment into Women’s sport across the nation, applications for the grant still remain open with the closing date on April 29, 2024. Working in conjunction with non-for-profit businesses, local government officials, and sport organizations nationwide, the overall aspiration of the program is to make sport for woman and girls 'more welcoming and equitable.'  The $200 million grant is available in funding over a three year period in which will be split into two streams: Participation and equipment: Funding will be placed into programs that inspire females of all ages to become involved within sporting and physical activity obligations. The employment of recruitment and commitment officers, coaches, officials and volunteers is crucial for the growth and sustainability of women’s sport. Further funding will be implemented into equipment to assist with the encouragement of women’s participation. There is nothing more off putting than using out dated, uninspired equipment hence the importance in which surrounds its necessary upgrade. Facilities: Much in the same vein as the previous entry, the establishment and improvement of facilities is another primary focus of the program. To encourage and inspire woman to be involved within sport, it is crucial that they are recipients of facilities in that are of a high-standard. The lack of adequacy within facilities can be a deterrent across all sporting codes for all of its participants, regardless of age, ability or gender. Clubs with all the relevant information are urged to apply for the grant in which can be completed upon the Football Australia website, as well as each state football website. The grant is assessed and determined by the Department of Health and Aged Care, in whom are transparent and impartial. Guidelines within the application process showcased a clubs eligibility, grant amount and time period, application process, and what the grant can be used upon. The game within Australia is on a trajectory, especially within the women’s cohort. The government backed program presents a monumental opportunity for current and emerging women’s football contingents across the state. The post Play Our Way grant available until end of April in 2024 appeared first on Soccerscene. #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

Associate Professor Geoff Dickson, Director of La Trobe’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact, has co-authored a Conversation article: ‘NZ Rugby’s big test: Can it select the right boardroom players for the modern game.’ At the end of May, a special general meeting of NZ Rugby, the game’s national organisation, decided on a future governance structure. It marked the culmination of an arm wrestle between the national board and key provincial unions, with the latter prevailing. The authors state that “behind the substantive issues of funding and board appointment models, deeper forces were at work.” “Since the game went professional in 1995, there has been a longstanding tension between two institutional ‘logics’.” “One is corporate, about commercialisation, professionalisation and efficiency. The other is community oriented, about the ‘grassroots’ voice and member representation.” Making that dual remit workable now falls to NZ Rugby and the provincial unions to progress at tomorrow’s annual general meeting. “Ultimately, the game’s top administration needs well-chosen representatives who can bring their individual experience and perspective to the table, but be capable of thinking and acting independently, without favouring any particular interests,” the authors write. “Rugby has been described as a ‘game for everybody and everybody’. The same applies to the NZ Rugby board, the stakeholder council and the appointments panel. They’re all on the same team, contributing their respective skill sets.” Read more: https://bit.ly/3S9SlAh #LaTrobeBusinessSchool #LaTrobeUniversity #Conversation

ICYMI: Play Our Way grant available until end of April in 2024: Following the respective successes of both the CommBank Matilda’s performance and Australia’s hosting abilities of the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $200 million into the “Play Our Way” Grant Program. As the current biggest investment into Women’s sport across the nation, applications for the grant still remain open with the closing date on April 29, 2024. Working in conjunction with non-for-profit businesses, local government officials, and sport organizations nationwide, the overall aspiration of the program is to make sport for woman and girls 'more welcoming and equitable.'  The $200 million grant is available in funding over a three year period in which will be split into two streams: Participation and equipment: Funding will be placed into programs that inspire females of all ages to become involved within sporting and physical activity obligations. The employment of recruitment and commitment officers, coaches, officials and volunteers is crucial for the growth and sustainability of women’s sport. Further funding will be implemented into equipment to assist with the encouragement of women’s participation. There is nothing more off putting than using out dated, uninspired equipment hence the importance in which surrounds its necessary upgrade. Facilities: Much in the same vein as the previous entry, the establishment and improvement of facilities is another primary focus of the program. To encourage and inspire woman to be involved within sport, it is crucial that they are recipients of facilities in that are of a high-standard. The lack of adequacy within facilities can be a deterrent across all sporting codes for all of its participants, regardless of age, ability or gender. Clubs with all the relevant information are urged to apply for the grant in which can be completed upon the Football Australia website, as well as each state football website. The grant is assessed and determined by the Department of Health and Aged Care, in whom are transparent and impartial. Guidelines within the application process showcased a clubs eligibility, grant amount and time period, application process, and what the grant can be used upon. The game within Australia is on a trajectory, especially within the women’s cohort. The government backed program presents a monumental opportunity for current and emerging women’s football contingents across the state. The post Play Our Way grant available until end of April in 2024 appeared first on Soccerscene. #Football #Soccer #FootballNews

Increase in the presence of Australia in Papua New Guinea Australia's involvement in the National Rugby League (NRL) plays a significant role in promoting democracy in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. By utilizing sport as a tool for social development, Australia aims to nurture democratic values and enhance community cohesion in the region. Through NRL programs, Australia facilitates opportunities for cultural exchange, leadership development, and social inclusion. By engaging with grassroots initiatives, Australia promotes democratic principles such as respect, equality, and teamwork. These programs also contribute to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and empower communities to take charge of their own well-being. Moreover, Australia's support for NRL in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific fosters a sense of unity and common purpose. By encouraging participation in sports, Australia helps to build bridges between diverse communities, transcending cultural and social barriers. This inclusive approach fosters a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, which are essential components of a thriving democracy. Additionally, Australia's investment in NRL programs demonstrates a long-term commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the Pacific region. By leveraging the popularity of rugby league, Australia leverages the sport's ability to bring people together and inspire positive social change. This not only strengthens bilateral ties with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations but also contributes to the broader goals of regional stability and sustainable development. In summary, Australia's engagement in the NRL serves as a vehicle for promoting democratic values, fostering inclusive communities, and nurturing positive social change in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. By utilizing sports diplomacy, Australia contributes to the advancement of democracy and the well-being of the region.

Volunteering is an essential resource in the world of sports! Especially on the local level, #SportClubs heavily rely on volunteers. They help to engage more people in doing sports. It means that the involvement of #VolunteersInSports is a key factor to the success and long-term sustainability of sport clubs, sport organisations, and sport events. This is exectly where our currrent V-Sport project comes in! The #Erasmus supported initiative supports you to promoting voluntary activities in sports and to developing awareness towards such involvement. Our objectives are: 👉 To promote volunteering in sports through extra-curricular activities and courses in view of increasing innovation capacity of sport clubs’ delegates and other related target groups to involve volunteers. 👉 To embed innovative approaches towards volunteering in sports, through mainstreaming the development of awareness towards volunteering actions in sports. 👉 To encourage sport clubs to stimulate volunteering in sports in view of developing such mindsets among their members. 👉 To stimulate sport clubs on how to better engage volunteers in their activities. 👉 To enhance the volunteering spirit among young people in sport practice in general. 👉 To demonstrate the benefits of multidisciplinary educational approaches. 👉 To encourage the development of a multi-level cross-sectorial system that fosters learning through direct involvement in volunteering in sports activities. 🥅 One of the results will be to develop a “Training module and training guide on enhancing volunteering in sports”. Just click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/ddWRtUjC #volunteering #sportvolunteering #spin #sportinnovation #sporteducation #enhancingvolunteering #erasmusplus #erasmussport Thanks to a great collaboration with Mundus (Bulgaria), REGIONALNE CENTRUM WOLONTARIATU (Poland), BIDERBOST BOSCAN and ROCHIN (Spain), PANNONIAN (Croatia), SPIN Sport Innovation (Germany), WORLD UNIVERSITY SERVICE - OSTERREICHISCHES KOMITEE (Austria), and ASSOCIATION SPORT FOR ALL VOJVODINA (Serbia). Plus thanks for the support from the #EuropeanUnion.