Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2024

Thursday 3rd October 2024

It’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week and we are shining a light on some of the amazing women leading the way in our sport.

Nichola Crawford from Aberdeen AAC shares her journey in the sport from athlete to coach.

How long have you been involved with athletics and when did you become a coach?

I joined Aberdeen AAC in 1988 aged 10 and spent most of my evenings training, initially in all disciplines, and focussed more on middle distance from age 13.

In 1994, aged 16, I completed my Level 1 coaching qualification and began assisting with club sessions. I went on to complete my Level 2 In 1996, before going to Manchester University to Study PE and Science, returning to Aberdeen in 2000.

What made you want to become a Coach?

I’ve always loved sport from a young age, and especially athletics, and decided I wanted to be a PE teacher. I thought the more experience I gained the better teacher I would be.

I had always had a positive experience with sport and wanted to give back to the younger generation.

What is your favourite thing about being a Coach?

Watching athletes develop through their athletics journey, not only as an athlete but in confidence. I’m fortunate that some of my current athletes I’ve had since they were 12 years old and they are now 21 and still training and competing.

For me, Athletics is not just about training and competing, it helps with one’s wellbeing, creates social circles and builds transferable skills which are essential in day-to-day life such as resilience, commitment, organisation, leadership, perseverance and confidence.

Why is it important to have women & girls in leadership positions?

I think it’s important to have women and girls in leadership positions as it provides visible role models for them aspiring to work in sports.

I am all for having the best person in the role, but it shows that sport is not limited by gender and I feel it encourages them to pursue their dreams of careers in sport.

I believe it is essential for fostering diversity, equality and progress within the whole sports industry.

What would you say to someone else thinking about becoming a Coach?

For anyone who is thinking about becoming a coach, I would highly recommend it. I feel very privileged to be a coach and have the opportunity to be part of my athlete’s journeys not only in Athletics, but life.

I believe that all clubs would benefit from having more qualified coaches to support their coaching network. We’re a friendly bunch and I’m sure that there would be many coaches willing to support new coaches on their journey.

+++

Para athlete Lidya Woldeselassie (Shettleston Harriers) represented Scotland at last year’s Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the recent U20 Manchester International. She is also a member of our Young People’s Forum (YPF).

How long have you been involved with athletics and what do you love about it?

I have been involved in athletics for around 9 years competitively, but started my athletics journey when I was 5 years old at my club’s run, jump, throws group.

I love that there is a sense of community, enjoyment, love and encouragement.

What made you want to be part of the YPF and why do you enjoy it?

I wanted to be part of the Forum to engage with young athletes like myself and share our views and opinions of how to help our sport expand with our clubs in our area and ultimately to enhance my understanding and appreciation for athletics.

It’s a great place to meet new people, learn new skills to help you within your life and to have different opportunities, like what goes on behind the scenes and all the people who help our sport to become what it is today.

Why is it important to have women & girls in leadership positions?

Women and girls in leadership positions are important because they bring different perspectives and inspire others.

It shows that anyone can lead, creating a more inclusive environment in sports and beyond.

What would you say to other women & girls thinking about getting into athletics?

I’d encourage them to follow their dreams and pursue athletics because it’s a great way to build confidence, make new friends, learn new skills and stay healthy.

It’s empowering to challenge yourself, and there’s a supportive community ready to help you succeed. Remember, nothing is impossible if you work hard for it.

Learn more about our Young People’s Forum

+++

Technical Official Moira Nisbet is the scottishathletics Head of Field Discipline. A member of Edinburgh AC, she also officiates for the Glasgow Jaguars.

How long have you been involved with athletics and what made you want to become an Official?

I’ve been involved with athletics since my daughter Jayne joined Edinburgh AC over 21 years ago. When taking her there and back, my husband and I would offer to help the coaches – putting the high jump bar back on, raking the pit or helping with timing.

One evening, we were asked if we would consider helping further and become officials as they needed licenced officials at some of their league matches to help gain valuable points for the club. The rest is history – I’ve been an official for over 20 years now!

I decided to move forward through the grades thanks to encouragement from my fellow officials. It also gave me a sense of pride as at every match I attended.

What is your favourite thing about being an Official?

I get such a sense of pride pulling on my purple top, knowing that when I am out on that field of play I am making a difference and helping others, both athletes and fellow Officials.

I always strive to encourage people to do their best and to be kind, as you never know what someone has left behind after they close their front door. On the field of play life can be stressful at times, but having your fellow officials there supporting and guiding helps to relieve that stress.

Why is it important to have women & girls in leadership positions?

I think it is very important to have women and girls in leadership positions to ensure they can understand the trials and tribulations that women and girls can go through. For girls going through menstruation and women going through menopause these are difficult times and it’s important for leaders to understand these issues and support.

In leadership you need a balance of all types of people to get views from all different backgrounds. In our field peer group we have a mix of men and women, all with a wealth of different experiences of life and athletics to share.

What would you say to someone else thinking about becoming an Official?

Don’t think about it, just do it! You’ll never look back.

You could be helping the next budding Olympian, as without officials there would be no competition for the athletes. Without the athletes and officials there would be no athletics and the world would be a sadder place.

Interested in becoming a Technical Official? See our upcoming courses.