Young shinty stars shine at national player development camp
FROM Sunday until Thursday, July 17 to 21, 58 of the country’s brightest young shinty prospects descended upon Strathallan School at Forgandenny, Perthshire, for the 2016 national player development camp. Each player, aged between 14 and 17, had been nominated by their club to take part in the camp, designed to offer the very best in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game.
Throughout the week, the young players received specialist training from Camanachd Association coaches based on all the key skills and tactics of the game.
Ex-shinty player and former Hearts footballer Donald Park, currently head of coach education at the Scottish Football Association, attended one day to deliver a practical session and an inspiring talk to all the players and coaches.
Scottish rugby’s national under-18s coach and former performance development manager, Andy Henderson, also attended to deliver a fascinating talk on the psychological side of the game to the budding shinty stars.
Shinty development manager Ronald Ross commented: ‘The national player development camp has once again proved a great success. Since its inception over 19 years ago, the camp has helped hundreds of young players from across the country to improve all aspects of their game, from the technical to the physical elements of the sport. The camps are also a great way for the participants to meet other aspiring shinty players, forging ties and friendships throughout the sport.’