ClubSport Stirling have bid a fond farewell to two longstanding committee members at this years annual general meeting (AGM) held at the Bannockburn & Eastern Villages Community Hub on Monday 24 April 2023.
With over 40 years combined service to ClubSport Stirling (and formally Stirling Sports Council), both Ian Cuthbertson and Blair Prentice have given an astonishing contribution to supporting the growth and development of sports clubs in Stirling's communities.
ClubSport Stirling is a voluntary organisation with nearly 100 member sports clubs. The organisation is run by a Management Committee who meet monthly with the vision that 'ALL sports clubs in Stirling are exceptional in what they do so that the life changing impact of sports activity benefits everyone who lives here'.
Active Stirling supports ClubSport Stirling with dedicated officers to help implement their initiatives and develop the club network. This support includes priority access to facilities, coach education, funding administration, engagement and consultation with clubs, community/school links, and club planning.
Ian and Blair were recognised with a gift as token of appreciation at the meeting from the management committee on behalf of all member clubs for their service. Although he could not attend the meeting, the pair also received a video of thanks from Active Stirling's Dougie Porteous (Sport, Physical Activity & Inclusion Manager), who recapped their incredible journey and work.
It has been a pleasure to be able to work with Ian & Blair on the Management Committee of ClubSport Stirling. Although I have only experienced their final years of a much longer term, their passion and commitment has been the embodiment of what makes local club sport such an integral part of communities across Stirling. As an officer within Active Stirling, I have learned a great amount from them about how to best support clubs that will help me for years to come. I would like to thank them for their outstanding efforts and wish them a happy retirement.
Ian was the longest standing member of the ClubSport Stirling Management Committee and even pre-dates ClubSport Stirling itself. He initially signed up as a volunteer, 28 years ago with Stirling Sports Council, the forerunner to ClubSport Stirling. He's been on the Club Development sub-group and Vice Chair of ClubSport Stirling for many years. He's also represented ClubSport Stirling on the Board of Active Stirling for a time as well. Ian's passion for local sports clubs has seen him involved in a variety of club development initiatives including cluster club meetings, Charter Club recognition and associated development of criteria and of course investment into clubs through club development funding. Ian's supported hundreds of thousands of pounds of investment into local clubs to aide their development and his scrutiny of applications has ensured quality initiatives have developed in our local clubs. Beyond his role with ClubSport Stirling Ian has also fulfilled voluntary roles at his beloved Stirling County RFC. Although he retires from his committee role, he continues to keep involved in local club sport, recently being involved producing some videos as part of the club's Rugby Memories programme.
I enjoyed my time on the committee and enjoyed being able to help our local sports clubs. Over the years Club Sports Stirling has been of great benefit to Clubs in the Area.
Blair joined the Management Committee of ClubSport Stirling in 2008, initially as a general member and later took on the Treasurer role in 2011. He was initially involved in the club development sub-group but switched to the coach development sub-group in 2011 where he has remained since. Literally hundreds of coaches across Stirling have Blair to thank for support with their qualifications and over the years he has truly helped improve the quality of coaching in local clubs. In the early days, ClubSport Stirling mostly funded Level 1 or equivalent qualifications but that progressed to Level 2, 3, 4 and some elite qualifications.
Blair has always encouraged that development and pushed Active Stirling Officers to find coaches who are keen to develop in their coaching. Blair's primary role over the last 12 years has been as Treasurer and he's committed many hours to fulfilling this role. Most weeks he'd spend time in the Active Stirling offices working through an update to the accounts, keeping track of funding and making payments on behalf of ClubSport Stirling. In addition to his work with ClubSport Stirling Blair also volunteers with Scottish Swimming, a role he continues to support through mentoring.
I was glad to have the opportunity to make a small contribution to help develop sport in Stirling District.
Find out more
You can find out more about the work of ClubSport Stirling on their website: clubsportstirling.org.uk
L-R - Blair Prentice, Ian Cuthbertson, and Jillian Gibson (Chair of ClubSport Stirling).