A University of Strathclyde tutor has been appointed as a dedicated netball development officer in Glasgow.

Mhairi Patience, 27, takes on the role in order to help grow the sport across Scotland. She will spend three days a week enhancing education around the sport, developing new coaches and umpires, and attracting more schools into the netball network. 

Patience, who is also completing her PhD, said: “Sport development is important, and I am enjoying promoting netball within the Glasgow area. 

"I want to create netball opportunities for communities so that people can engage, volunteer, participate and compete in the sport. I have been involved in sport from a young age, specifically athletics and have seen first-hand the number of opportunities and benefits sport can provide.  

“I have a personal interest in equality and diversity, and believe netball can be for everyone, whether you are wanting to improve health and wellbeing, make friends or compete on the world stage."

Glasgow Times:

Mhairi’s appointment is part of a partnership with Netball Scotland and accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael. 

The firm provided a funding package worth more than £30,000 to help grow the sport after COVID-19 restrictions and school closures curbed young people’s ability to take up the game. 

The deal is also being used to fund Road to Region camps and pay for emergency grants to junior clubs with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training and competition.