Latest news with #SDS
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Sport
- Scotsman
Scottish charity Enable launches ‘Access for All' to drive inclusion in sport and culture
Leading Scottish charity Enable has today (Thursday 10 July 2025) launched a new landmark programme, 'Access for All', championing the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in sport, culture and the arts. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The innovative partnership, inspired by Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), is being launched during Scottish Disability Sport's (SDS) 2025 Summer Camp, taking place this week at Badaguish Campsite near Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. The residential camp brings together young people aged 10 to 17 years old with physical, sensory or learning disabilities for three days of sport, connection and confidence-building. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Access for All, driven by Enable's purpose of creating an equal society for people with disabilities, will run as a three-year strategic programme aimed at increasing access to Scotland's cultural and sporting life. The first phase focuses on sport, beginning with Enable's sponsorship of the SDS Summer Camp 2025. This marks the start of a growing partnership between the two charities, with future plans to connect Enable's local branches with SDS's regional hubs to help create more inclusive sporting opportunities across the country. Scottish Disability Sport Summer Camp The scheme also sees a renewed partnership with inclusive rugby charity Trust Rugby International (TRI), beginning with the launch of the 'Bannockburn Clan', a new inclusive rugby team created with Enable Falkirk. Over the next three years, the partnership will also explore opportunities around skills development and wider participation in sport for people with disabilities. Enable CEO, Theresa Shearer FRSE, said: 'For over 70 years, Enable has fought for the human rights of disabled people to be active, connected and engaged in their communities. 'That means going beyond providing services. It means opening doors to friendship, networks, culture, and sport – the things that make life full and joyful. That is why Access for All, Enable's new multi-year programme, is built around Article 30 of the UNCRPD, which recognises the rights of people with disabilities to fully participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Access for All will be rooted in the rights and ambitions of our members and those we work for, aiming to open up meaningful opportunities for engagement across sport, culture, and the arts. We are proud to launch the programme at the SDS Summer Camp 2025, where young people are experiencing inclusion in action, and, through our partnerships with SDS and Trust Rugby International, we will continue building real and lasting opportunities for participation and inclusion in every aspect of life.' Kyle Stevenson, 17, supported by Enable Gavin Macleod, Chief Executive Officer of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) said: 'SDS is delighted to be working in partnership with Enable to co-ordinate the 2025 Summer Sports Camp for young people with disabilities. Both organisations are committed to developing opportunities that allow participants with disabilities to benefit physically, socially and psychologically from being involved in physical activity and sport. The camp has become an important addition to the SDS annual calendar and offers a wide variety of outdoor, recreational and social experiences.' Jamie Armstrong of Trust Rugby International (TRI) said: 'At a time when the world feels more divided than ever, this partnership is about bringing people back together. TRI Social Rugby gives us a powerful way to break down barriers, build trust, and remind communities what it means to truly belong, on and off the pitch.' Future phases of Access for All will focus on increasing participation in Scotland's arts and cultural life, and on influencing inclusive policy development, ensuring that the full breadth of Article 30 is reflected in everyday life for people with disabilities across the country.
Wales Online
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Inside Swansea City's pre-season as new boys in the building and absences explained
Inside Swansea City's pre-season as new boys in the building and absences explained The Swans players are being put through their paces this week Josh Ginnelly and Jerry Yates are among those to have returned to pre-season training this week (Image: Swansea City ) Swansea City's players have returned to pre-season this week to be put through their paces ahead of the new campaign, and there's already been plenty to take in from it all. As is customary at this time of year, fitness is the main order of the day for the squad, who are under the guidance of a new look coaching team this summer, with Darren O'Dea joining up with Alan Sheehan's backroom staff following his move from Celtic. There have been some older faces too, with legends Alan Curtis and Leon Britton both dropping in on the squad this week to see how things are going as the Swans click their preparations for the new season into gear. Sign up to our Swansea City newsletter here. The players have already been seen going the SDS running test, a fitness routine that was originally introduced by UEFA for elite referees. It's designed to replicate the sort of high-intensity runs seen during a real match, with participants making a single run of 60m, before then doing two runs of 30m each and then finishing with another single 60m run. Hence the name, Single-Double-Single (SDS). The sort of heat seen this week clearly makes tests like this one far more of a challenge, with the likes of Josh Key, Josh Tymon and Zan Vipotnik all feeling the burn. Article continues below Content cannot be displayed without consent As too were some of the new boys. Ricardo Santos, for example, couldn't help but give out a exhausted puff of the cheeks by the end of it, while fellow new boys Bobby Wales, Melker Widell and Zeidane Inoussa could similarly be seen sweating it out before taking on some hydration in the Fairwood sunshine. Youngster Filip Lissah was could also be spotted in the background. The 20-year-old defender remains highly rated by insiders, but hasn't yet managed to make his mark on the first team set-up. Cameron Burgess, meanwhile, was nowhere to be seen, although his absence isn't any cause for concern. The Australian, who sealed a free transfer from Ipswich Town has been granted extra time off following his exploits for the Socceroos this summer. Melker Widell and Zeidane Inoussa have linked up with their new team-mates for the first time (Image: Swansea City ) The same goes for Ben Cabango, Ollie Cooper and Liam Cullen, all of whom were called up to the most recent Wales squad last month. Despite all the hard work, popular midfielder Goncalo Franco was all smiles on his return to south Wales. The Portuguese star enjoyed an impressive opening season in English football, one that has even attracted the interest of several sides on the continent. Eom Jisung, another still perhaps finding his feet in this league, will similarly be hoping to build on what felt and encouraging end to his first Championship campaign. Content cannot be displayed without consent As it turns out, the Korean has been working hard for the last couple of weeks now, focusing on his conditioning and agility, as well as his physicality, something that was arguably something of a weakness to his game last term. The Korean is clearly keen to add an explosive element to his game, and will be hoping his recent hard work gives him an edge as he bids to nail down a regular place in Sheehan's plans next season. Another man that's been doing plenty of individual work in the last few weeks is winger Josh Ginnelly. Well, not quite individual. Indeed, the 28-year-old was working alongside former team-mate and Swans hero Jamie Paterson last month in a bid to raise his sharpness ahead the next few weeks. The sight of Ginnelly involved in some gym work this week further suggests his injury struggles may, at long last, be in the rear-view mirror, and with one year left on his current deal, he may well feel this is a big season for him. It's understood he has been participating fully alongside the rest of the group. Content cannot be displayed without consent Ginnelly was snapped alongside another forgotten man in striker Jerry Yates, whose future at the club still feels uncertain ahead of the new season. Yates spent last term on loan with Derby County, and the club are likely to listen to offers over the coming weeks, although for now he has returned to be part of the group again. Andy Fisher, Cameron Congreve and Joel Cotterill are also back in the building following their own respective loan spells away. And there's plenty of hard work ahead for all of those in building. The squad are set to fly out to Spain later this month for a week-long training camp, which will culminate in a friendly with Stevenage at the Pinatar Arena on July 19. Leon Britton and Alan Curtis both dropped in on the squad this week (Image: Swansea City ) There are also likely to be a few behind-closed-doors encounters over the next few weeks, but supporters can still catch the Swans in action at Cheltenham Town on July 23 and at Exeter City on July 26. They are then poised to return to the Stadium to take on French side Lorient on August 2. It's very possible they may yet have a couple of new faces in before then, with the club still working hard on adding a couple more new faces over the coming weeks. After initially cooling their interest this summer, the City are believed to have once again put Leyton Orient's Ethan Galbraith on the table, although they haven't yet made any sort of concrete moves. Sign up to the Swansea City WhatsApp service to get breaking news and top stories sent to your phone. Gabi Kanichowsky is seemingly among the potential alternative options to have been sourced in recent weeks, although it's understood their interest remains tentative at this stage. Content cannot be displayed without consent Lewis O'Brien remains someone the club would love to bring back to the club following his sparkling loan spell last season, but the potential finances involved render a move unlikely. The same can probably said for striker Oli McBurnie, although interestingly a move hasn't yet been categorically ruled out for either player. There are likely to be a number of twists and turns before the start of the season and, as suggested earlier, there will surely be a couple of departures before the summer is out. Article continues below Finally, the club are still yet to offer up any suggestion on when their new kit will be released. Fans have already had the pleasure of viewing their heroes in a new training kit, with the Resin Co. recently announced as a new sponsor. However, there's no sign of the home or away kits as yet. For reference, the Swans had released last season's kit by now, so there could well be some details dropping very soon.
The Herald Scotland
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Careers advisers and parents have positive influence on Scots pupils
A survey of almost 3,000 recent school leavers from across Scotland shows that eight out of ten cited parents and carers as key influencers in their career decisions. More than half mentioned that their career adviser played a significant role. Almost two-thirds of young people from the most deprived areas in Scotland felt their careers adviser was a key influence. The research also revealed strong satisfaction with the careers advice young people received in school along with a desire for more support. The young people's career ambitions research from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) focused on recent school leavers. It provides insights on careers support; insights on school leavers' post-school preferences; influences on career decisions; future aspirations and expectations, as well as potential barriers. SDS runs the national career service with career advisers in schools across the country. Apart from SDS career support, young people are most likely to utilise online searches along with receiving support from teachers, lecturers, and guidance teachers at schools, colleges, or universities. The research also gathered views on the impact of the pandemic on career ambitions and the potential impact of artificial intelligence. On artificial intelligence, respondents gave mixed views with many saying it wouldn't affect their career choices or were unsure of its impact. Some expressed concerns about the artificial intelligence limiting job opportunities, providing inaccurate information or fostering a reliance on technology. However, others saw the potential to assist with tasks, generate ideas, and create new job opportunities. Pupils shared ambitions for careers across a range of sectors – with construction, engineering, creative industries and medicine or health coming out on top. Pay remained the most important factor for future careers, followed by job satisfaction, work-life balance, and learning new skills. Skills Development Scotland works with partners to understand the views of S1 to S6 pupils; parents and carers; and apprentices across Scotland. Partners who supported the young people's career ambitions research included Scottish Government, Developing the Young Workforce, Education Scotland, Association of Directors of Education in Scotland, College Development Network, Youthlink, Scottish Funding Council, Scottish Qualifications Authority, Edinburgh Napier University, Young Scot, and the Open University. Skills Development Scotland careers advisers work in partnership with every state secondary school in Scotland, delivering career information, advice and guidance to enable young people from S1-S6 to develop their career management skills. Throughout their time at school and beyond, pupils also gain information and support through My World of Work website, which is Scotland's online career information and advice service. There is also a dedicated area for parents and carers on My World of Work that offers information to help those career conversations with their young person, understand skills in demand from employers, and suggests ways to explore the different routes and pathways that young people can take. Beyond school, SDS advisers operate from a network of SDS centres and community locations nationwide, offering expert CIAG services to customers of all ages. Head of careers information advice and guidance at SDS, Dave McCallum, said: 'It's never been more important for young people to have expert and impartial careers advice. 'It's essential to understand the views of young people so that we can work together with parents and carers, schools and partners to provide the best possible support. The voice and experiences of young people are at the heart of everything we do. 'It is encouraging that young people have felt supported and motivated by the career services provided at school. We aim to continue building on this foundation.' Find out more about the Young People's Career Ambitions research within the Evaluation and Research area of the SDS website: Partnership gives Fife teens boost on the career ladder TWO female Fifers are building their construction careers thanks to a partnership between the local careers service and a major employer. Emily Morrison and Lara Montgomery were given the chance to gain work experience at the development site for the new Fife College Dunfermline Learning Campus, which has cemented their ambition to work in construction. The opportunities were created thanks to connections made between Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advisers in Fife and international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty. (Image: SDS Careers Adviser Emma Balfour; Lara Montgomery; Emily Morrison; Balfour Beatty's Bethany Welsh) Careers Adviser Emma Balfour knew the opportunity would be invaluable to both 17 year-old Emily and 16 year-old Lara, who she met as pupils at St Columba's High. Lara, now studying joinery at Fife College would get hands on experience whilst young carer Emily, who has just left school, was unsure about her future. Emma explained: 'In school, Lara came for advice and help around applying for college courses. Woodwork was the only subject she enjoyed and so she was keen to progress in that and we successfully worked together to get her a college place. After that, she visited me at the careers office to explain that, whilst she liked her course, she wanted to know if there were other options open to her within construction. 'Emily didn't feel like she fitted in at school. I would often meet with her at other locations and built up a good relationship with her, setting her up with a Young Carers Card and helping her apply for a part time job at McDonalds. Whilst she knew she would like to do something practical as a career, she didn't have any qualifications to apply for college. I thought the experience at the campus would give her a fantastic insight into construction careers.' Both teens jumped at the chance and Emily, from Kelty, gained two weeks experience on site while Lara, from Dunfermline, was able to fit in four days of work around her studies. Emily said: 'I was going to leave school with no plan. I was so confused and I didn't have a clue about my future until I spoke to Emma. She thought a hands-on job would suit me, but I'd never thought of construction before, even though my dad thought I would do well in that type of work.' Lara said: 'Getting this chance through Emma and Balfour Beatty was amazing and it has helped me to realise that I'm on the right career path.' During their time on site, Emily and Lara experienced the wide range of roles involved in the project to show the variety of jobs available within construction. Emily and Lara were accredited by the Engineering Development Trust, to acknowledge their achievements, and their efforts have also led to both getting offers of paid work experience from Balfour Beatty. Bethany Welsh, Balfour Beatty's Social Impact Advisor who oversaw the placements, said: 'We are proud to have supported the development of emerging talent through the Dunfermline campus project, providing valuable opportunities for young female professionals to grow within the industry. 'Through close collaboration with our team, Lara and Emily have demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and adaptability, seamlessly integrating into the workplace. As we near the project's completion, we remain dedicated to fostering future opportunities and supporting the next generation of talent in the sector.' Pupils can speak to their SDS careers adviser at school and, for careers support at any age, visit or call 0800 917 8000 to find out about support in your area
Scotsman
20-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Partnership gives Fife teens boost on career ladder
Two female Fifers are building their construction careers thanks to a partnership between the local careers service and a major employer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Emily Morrison and Lara Montgomery were given the chance to gain work experience at the development site for the new Fife College Dunfermline Learning Campus, which has cemented their ambition to work in construction. The opportunities were created thanks to connections made between Skills Development Scotland (SDS) careers advisers in Fife and international infrastructure group Balfour Beatty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Careers Adviser Emma Balfour knew the opportunity would be invaluable to both 17 year-old Emily and 16 year-old Lara, who she met as pupils at St Columba's High. L-R - Emily Morrison and Lara Montgomery Lara, now studying joinery at Fife College would get hands on experience whilst young carer Emily, who has just left school, was unsure about her future. Emma explained: 'In school, Lara came for advice and help around applying for college courses. Woodwork was the only subject she enjoyed and so she was keen to progress in that and we successfully worked together to get her a college place. After that, she visited me at the careers office to explain that, whilst she liked her course, she wanted to know if there were other options open to her within construction. 'Emily didn't feel like she fitted in at school. I would often meet with her at other locations and built up a good relationship with her, setting her up with a Young Carers Card and helping her apply for a part time job at McDonalds. Whilst she knew she would like to do something practical as a career, she didn't have any qualifications to apply for college. I thought the experience at the campus would give her a fantastic insight into construction careers.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Both teens jumped at the chance and Emily, from Kelty, gained two weeks experience on site while Lara, from Dunfermline, was able to fit in four days of work around her studies. L-R SDS Careers Adviser Emma Balfour; Lara Montgomery; Emily Morrison; Balfour Beatty Social Impact Advisor Bethany Welsh Emily said: 'I was going to leave school with no plan. I was so confused and I didn't have a clue about my future until I spoke to Emma. Emma thought a hands-on job would suit me, but I'd never thought of construction before, even though my dad thought I would do well in that type of work.' Lara said: 'Getting this chance through Emma and Balfour Beatty was amazing and it has helped me to realise that I'm on the right career path.' During their time on site, Emily and Lara experienced the wide range of roles involved in the project to show the variety of jobs available within construction. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Emily and Lara were accredited by the Engineering Development Trust, to acknowledge their achievements, and their efforts have also led to both getting offers of paid work experience from Balfour Beatty. Bethany Welsh, Balfour Beatty's Social Impact Advisor who oversaw the placements, said: "We are proud to have supported the development of emerging talent through the Dunfermline campus project, providing valuable opportunities for young female professionals to grow within the industry. "Through close collaboration with our team, Lara and Emily have demonstrated outstanding commitment, enthusiasm, and adaptability, seamlessly integrating into the workplace. As we near the project's completion, we remain dedicated to fostering future opportunities and supporting the next generation of talent in the sector."
Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
'Sharky'-led SDS win first Baller League UK title
LONDON - Six-a-side team SDS FC, managed by online infuencer "Sharky". won the UK's inaugural Baller League on Thursday, beating MVPs United 4-2 in the final at London's O2 arena in a burgeoning new tournament that shakes up soccer's traditional format. SDS dominated the first half, roaring into a 4-1 lead in the game, which includes special rules such as "Plus One" that briefly cuts the teams to one-versus-one plus goalkeepers. TV host Maya Jama's MVPs cut the deficit by one goal in the second period, but were unable to mount a serious comeback in front of thousands of fans inside the arena and many more watching online, including 100,000 on YouTube. "It means everything ... I always believed," said "Sharky", whose real name is Sharmarke Mohamud, in a pitchside interview. "Being a champion just feels amazing," added SDS player David Marques Castanho, who got on the scoresheet. SDS reached the final by defeating Deportrio while MVPs overcame Yanited FC in 30-minute games played earlier on Thursday in the UK's "Baller League Final Four". The tournament was founded in Germany in 2023, where games were first played in an airport hangar, expanded to the UK this year and is also set to launch in the United States. A Spanish-founded similar format, called the Kings League, is also growing rapidly, even though traditionalists scoff at the games as a gimmicky distortion of pure football. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
