Junior Achievements

Evan's Contribution to Sport - MFR Award - April 06

More honours for Reay's Junior coach

Evan Sutherland (see below for FULL picture)

EVAN Sutherland, Reay Golf Club's junior convener and clubgolf volunteer coach, has been honoured for his efforts to help make golf accessible to every child in Caithness by winning the MFR Contribution to Sport award.

Three years ago Evan was one of the first of the Highlands' 100-plus recruits to step forward for the PGA Level 1 volunteers' course operated by the national junior golf strategy, clubgolf.

Now, not only is he imparting skills to local youngsters - he has helped dramatically increase the club's junior membership since he began coaching - but, as one of only two golfers in the UK to earn clubgolf's Level 2 coaching qualification, he is responsible for helping to train the next generation of would-be volunteer coaches. He is also a driving force behind the recently-formed Caithness and North Sutherland Junior Golf Partnership.

'It was a very nice surprise and I had a marvellous day,' Evan said after receiving the crystal Contribution to Sport trophy. He added: 'I would like to thank everyone who took the trouble to contact MFR and nominate me.'

Evan has spent the past three summers building his club's junior membership and imparting the game's fundamentals to children who have experienced firstclubgolf at school.

His duties are not limited to the golf course. As a firstclubgolf tutor he helps train teachers to deliver this introductory game to children, and also teaches the youngsters in school himself.

'I teach all aspects of clubgolf, from Level 1 to Level 2, for two-and-a-half hours on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays,' explained Evan, who discovered his coaching talents by accident when the club's committee asked if he would be prepared to attend a clubgolf coaching course.

'The coaching is one part but the preparation work takes time. It's important to be ready to start before the children arrive. Going around the schools doing firstclubgolf is a different part altogether but I'm thoroughly enjoying it.'

When the in-school firstclubgolf course finishes the children will be given the opportunity to enrol for clubgolf's Stage 1 programme, hosted by the four golf clubs - Reay, Lybster, Thurso and Wick - which make up the Caithness and North Sutherland Junior Golf Partnership.

Reay's captain and the partnership chairman, Graeme Dunnett, commented: 'Having come through the junior ranks myself, you appreciate the enormous effort that people like Evan put in.

'People who help on committees or work behind the scenes don't do it for the glory, they just want to contribute in some way. For every hour Evan spends on the course he probably spends another two to three making sure everything is ready and prepared.

'The club has been fully behind Evan and his team since the start and it means a lot to us that he has won this award. We are a small club in the Far North, which emphasises that through the novel approach we have taken to the coaching, and by forming the partnership, a small fish can actually compete.'

Reay is planning a junior open night in the near future for sponsors, helpers, parents and children to attract more young golfers. Expanding its coaching infrastructure is keeping pace with absorbing new junior members. Evan and Lynne Whitelaw are both qualified Level 1 coaches. A further two members are part-way through their PGA clubgolf Level 1 training. Two more members will begin the course this summer.

Willie MacKay, the Highland junior golf development officer, said: 'Evan fits exactly the role model we are looking for in our volunteer coaches. The way he assists with delivering the training and firstclubgolf to the children shows them how to behave, conduct themselves and learn good manners and patience - in keeping with the traditions of golf.

'He is thoroughly organised, plans meticulously, approaches everybody with consideration, and is a perfect role model for children and other staff he's helping to train.

'Being one of only two Level 2 trained coaches in the UK demonstrates the depth of study and commitment he is willing to put in to continue his coaching development. He thoroughly deserves this award.'

Evan enjoyed his brief spell in the limelight - but for him, and Scotland's other thousand clubgolf volunteer coaches, the true benefits take a different form.

'It's a lot of work but to see the little sparkle in their eyes when they hit a good shot is an enormous reward,' he said.

Evan Sutherland (centre) receiving his award with John Gibb, managing director of Debenhams in Inverness (left), and Charlie Christie, manager of Caledonian Thistle FC. Photo: Heather Nelson.

Thanks to Alan Hendry, Editor at North of Scotland Newspapers, for providing the report and picture.

End-of-Document