Power of People: Delegates relish learning at our National Conference

Tuesday 31st October 2023

David Ovens interviews Zoey Clark at the National Club Conference (photo by Bobby Gavin)

scottishathletics were delighted to deliver our 2023 National Club Conference in Glasgow last Saturday – with a terrific and inspiring response from our clubs.

There was a very strong turnout and engagement with 70 delegates from 30 of our clubs gathered for a day of inspiring speakers, networking and collaboration.

The theme of the day was ‘The Power of People’ and focussed on the extensive, mainly voluntary workforce that make our world-class training, competition and participation opportunities possible. Everyone in our sport contributes to those podium moments and we wanted to celebrate that.

David Fallon, our Head of Development, expressed his thanks to a number of presenters, staff who made the event possible and, of course, our delegates who will take their learning and experience back to the clubs.

‘I think you could have head a pin drop when James Stewart shared his incredible and emotional story,’ said David.

‘James challenged us all to think about what drives us and how to bring others with us. Great messages for our club community.

James Stewart was one of our key presenters at the National Club Conference (photo by Bobby Gavin)

‘We then had five of our clubs at the forefront of the agenda in Shettleston, Springburn, Bellahouston Road Runners, Costorphine AACand Cumbernauld AAC presented.

‘We’re very grateful to these clubs giving their time to share their best practice and their innovation. This working together and open approach is so often what drives athletics clubs to the forefront of Scottish sport.

‘With our partners Club Development Consultancy (Dr Andrew Jenkin)we launched our ‘Role Specific Training’ programme to support the inevitable turnover of our massive club workforce, and to support the knowledge and skill set of existing volunteers.

‘SAMH (Robert Nesbitt) presented with our clubs on how we embed mental health and wellbeing awareness and training into our club practices using some key SAMH programmes and resources.

David Fallon (photo by Bobby Gavin)

‘And Zoey Clark, Olympian and multiple medallist, topped the day off with a fireside chat with our Chair David Ovens.

‘David skilfully drew out a revealing insight into Zoey’s training, challenges and future aspirations. Thanks to Zoey for her time and to our clubs for some excellent questions.

‘Finally, I would like to thank the the wider team that made the day possible.

‘Countless hours of preparation made it another sold-out annual club event, so many thanks to Colin Hutchison, David Ovens, Jamie McDonald, Lindsay McMahon. Erin Gillen, Pamela Robson, Jo Stevens, Steph Mclean, Chandler Richardson and Francesca Snitjer.’

Yesterday was an amazing day with our Club conference followed by the Annual Awards dinner. We have so many incredibly dedicated people in the athletics community in Scotland. It feels really special right now. @scotathletics https://t.co/yKbdJx2guW

— David Ovens (@OvensDavid) October 29, 2023