On Friday, 18 September 2026, ClubSport Stirling celebrated five decades of supporting local sport with a special anniversary reception, marking 50 years at the heart of Stirling’s sporting community — connecting clubs, strengthening communities and championing opportunities for all.
Established in August 1976 with the creation of Stirling District Sports Council — one of the first sports councils in Scotland — the organisation’s aim was to support club sport, bring people together and help local communities access the benefits of physical activity. Evolving to become ‘ClubSport Stirling’ in 2006, the network now boasts a membership of nearly 100 clubs, comprising 40 different sports and more than 10,000 playing members.
[Guests at the event]
Held in the stunning MacLaren Suite at the Stirling Highland Hotel, the reception welcomed 80 attendees, including representatives from clubs and partner organisations, committee members past and present, as well as distinguished guests. The engaging programme toasted the past, recognised the present and looked towards a future of continued collaboration and a shared ambition to help clubs grow and excel.
Christopher McKenna, Community Activation Officer at Active Stirling and Secretary of ClubSport Stirling, delivered the opening address and compered the evening, which saw famous faces from Stirling’s sporting community and Sports Council take to the stage.
[Christopher McKenna, Community Activation Officer at Active Stirling and Secretary of ClubSport Stirling]
[Lord McConnell & Kieron Achara MBE]
The Rt Hon. Lord McConnell, who served as Vice Chair of Stirling District Sports Council for two years in the 1980s, delivered a compelling speech highlighting the outstanding role Stirling plays in promoting sport across club, university and community environments.
Kieron Achara MBE, fresh from a busy summer during which he was Games Director and a Baton Bearer for Glasgow 2026, took part in a Q&A, sharing his own experiences in club sport. He spoke about his journey as a child from the bowling green to the basketball court before delivering an impassioned call for clubs to continue being places that create a sense of belonging and enable pathways for people to enjoy sport and thrive throughout their lives.
[Maciek Kornobis, Chair of ClubSport Stirling]
True to its purpose, the reception featured plenty of networking and storytelling over refreshments, a light buffet and a stunning cake, which was piped in as a fitting conclusion to the proceedings.
Maciek Kornobis, Chair of ClubSport Stirling, delivered the closing address, giving thanks to those in attendance and looking ahead to the continued difference and life-changing impact that can be made in the years to come:
At ClubSport Stirling we believe our members can use the unifying power of sport to improve our communities. We will support our clubs to become safe spaces where locals of all ages, backgrounds, genders and abilities can become more active, find support, and connect with others.
[The Board of ClubSport Stirling]
The Board of ClubSport Stirling would like to thank the Stirling Highland Hotel for its exceptional service as host venue for the reception; Kieron Achara and Lord McConnell for their support and outstanding contributions; and everyone who was able to attend and celebrate with ClubSport Stirling.
If you would like to find out more about ClubSport Stirling and local club opportunities, please visit: https://www.clubsportstirling.org.uk
Photo credit: Bryan Robertson Photography