New Innings For Lawsy
The packed school hall at Breadalbane Academy on ‘Prize Giving’ days for both Secondary School and Primary School pupils gave Andrew Lawson a tumultuous cheer in recognition of his popularity and his outstanding dedication to sports coaching in the local communities of Highland Perthshire.
Andrew Lawson, originally from South Africa, has been the Highland Perthshire Sports Trust (HPST) Development Officer for the past three years, coaching rugby in the autumn/winter months and cricket in the spring/summer months.
A former first class cricket professional and a Level 3 High Performance Coach, is arrival in Scotland did not go unnoticed and very quickly he has risen to the rank of Assistant National Coach with the Scottish National Cricket Team. |
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He has now been appointed to a new role of Cricket Development Officer for the whole of Perth and Kinross.
Way Forward
HPST is now reviewing the best way forward. As Robin Yellowlees, the Trust’s secretary is quick to admit: “Finding someone who can coach both rugby and cricket, so we have maximum activity throughout a full year, is not easy. We may have to look to make seasonal appointments or choose to concentrate on only one of these sports.”
HPST has now opened discussions with both Atholl RFC and Perthshire RFC as to partnership roles and the best way forward, and is looking to do the same with the two cricket clubs in the area – Breadalbane CC (Aberfeldy) and Glendelvine CC (by Dunkeld), as well as with Perthshire Cricket Club with whom the better junior players play with in the Regional Under 13 and Under 15 league and cup competitions.
Huge Loss
According to Robin Yellowlees; “We knew it was only a matter of time before Lawsy moved on. There is no doubt he is a huge loss. However, with him moving to a Regional post, Highland Perthshire shall still benefit from his new role so there is a definite silver lining in the cloud.
“He has left us with a great base to build upon and create a new chapter in sports development here in Highland Perthshire’.
“There is so much more going on than there was four years ago when we were planning the start of the Sports Trust. We now have lots of children playing the likes of mini rugby and kwik cricket and we hope that shall become the responsibility of the local clubs. I think our emphasis may shift towards trying to assist the talented players to progress.
“The big hurdle that children face in this area is accessing intensive high level coaching and competition. To provide this for children growing up in small rural communities is a major challenge.”
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