#SALbelong! Cara Shearer is our new National Club Manager

Saturday 12th February 2022

Our staff structure (and contact details)

scottishathletics are pleased to confirm the appointment of Cara Shearer as our new National Club Manager.

Cara’s has been appointed after a strong recruitment process which followed Francis Smith’s move to a new challenge in a key role with the St Johnstone FC Community Trust at the end of 2021.

There was significant interest in the National Club Manager’s post and a number of excellent candidates were interviewed.

Now Cara is delighted to start work with us after previous sports development experience with her most recent role with Scottish Squash.

‘I am a passionate and innovative sport professional with considerable experience in developing sport, people, and partnerships at both local and national level,’ she said.

‘Having previously worked within another governing body (Scottish Squash) and third sector organisations, I am always looking to empower clubs to modernise, become more inclusive and connect with their local communities.

‘From what I have seen already, those principles fit firmly with the key development goals at scottishathletics.

‘I am really looking forward to meeting club folk across Scotland, attending events and helping with our programmes.’

Cara Shearer contact details

Head of Development David Fallon (photo by Bobby Gavin)

David Fallon joins us as new Head of Development (April 2021)

Cara’s role now is to support our clubs, working with committees, coaches, volunteers, and officials, to continue the recovery from the global pandemic, and build growth as we move on from a difficult couple of years for sport in Scotland.

‘We’re delighted to welcome Cara into the Development Team and look forward to working with Cara to support and develop our fantastic clubs and volunteers,’ said David Fallon, our Head of Development.

‘The National Club Manager position is crucial to supporting our ambitious clubs and programmes to grow the sport in Scotland.

‘Cara joins a very experienced development team and we’re sure she will be a great addition, providing close support to our clubs and volunteers to recover and build capacity in the coming years.’

‘I am delighted to be joining such an experienced and forward-thinking team that implement sustainable solutions while providing hands-on support to clubs across Scotland,’ added Cara.

‘I have previously connected with scottishathletics through the Changing Lives Champions programme, and I am proud to work for an organisation that is leading the way for inclusive practice in sport.

‘Sport is a massive part of my life – I play for my local woman’s football team ‘Airdrie Ladies FC’ where I strive to be an active and inspiring role model for all club members.

‘In my spare time I also volunteer with the International Physical Literacy Association, where I have recently been appointed as a Board Trustee.’

Cara has recently completed a PhD within the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Science- leading a project that investigated physical literacy and strategies to engage people in physical activity for life.

‘I hold a holistic view of sport and truly believe in using sport as a vehicle for social development and change,’ she added.