Thursday 28th April 2022

It’s Awards Season again!! We are now accepting nominations for the 2021/22 SSS Awards! Read on for more information on the different award categories, the nomination process and where the winners will be crowned.

We are delighted to announce that the SSS 2021/22 Awards are officially open!

With a return to activity, this year the Executive Committee have decided that we should revert back to our usual set of awards. We are really looking forward to receiving all the fantastic nominations.

The Awards 

We are accepting individual nominations in the following five categories:

  • Female Athlete of the Year- Aimed at high performance female student athletes, whether or not they compete for their college or university. This will be awarded to a female individual for outstanding sporting achievement at the highest level during the 2021-22 season (April 2021 – April 2022) while making a tangible contribution to the institution.
  • Male Athlete of the Year- Aimed at high performance male student athletes, whether or not they compete for their college or university. This will be awarded to a male individual for outstanding sporting achievement at the highest level during the 2021-22 season (April 2021- April 2022) while making a tangible contribution to the institution.
  • Volunteer of the Year- Aimed at students and non-students who volunteer at a local level. This is not aimed at volunteers primarily in a SSS role (please see Dr Rob Macpherson Award); coaches (see Coach of the Year); paid staff going the extra mile (see Honorary President’s Medal). This will be awarded to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to student sport at a local level during the 2021-22 year. The contribution may be in many forms such as exceptional active or administrative services to a club, college, or university; as a faithful club servant, committee member, leader; official; or purely down to their love of sport. Volunteers purely in a coaching capacity should be nominated for the Coach of the Year award.
  • Coach of the Year- Aimed at those who coach student sport/ student athletes at any level of performance. They may be either volunteer coaches or paid coaches. Not aimed at professional coaches based in Higher Education for whom student athletes are not the main focus. This award will be given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to student sport by coaching during the 2021-22 season. Good quality coaching; innovative ideas; dedication to the sport; and a drive to continually improve their own skills are features of an outstanding coach.
  • Honorary Presidents Medal- Aimed at any individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to/lasting impact on student sport at a local, regional or national level. Nominees should be regarded as wonderful examples/ advocates of student sport and their behaviour should resonate with the above SSS values.

We are accepting group nominations in the following two categories:

  • Club of the Year- Aimed at the all-round best performing Club, on and off the field of play. Not aimed at clubs that have had a successful competition year only. This will be awarded to a club that can demonstrate impact in the 2021-22 season. Increasing memberships, upping participation, innovative projects, developing volunteers, promoting the role of officials; fundraising, community links and involvement in institution activity are just certain elements that would demonstrate excellence.
  • Team of the Year- Aimed at the most successful, high performing student teams in the country, whether within SSS/BUCS competition or further afield. Not aimed at a team that performs to the fullest of its potential in the lower levels of competition e.g. a third team that has a 100% season is still unlikely to win this award. This will be awarded to a team for outstanding sporting achievement at the highest level during the 2021-22 season (April 2021-April 2022). This can include international performances.
  • The final award is the Dr Rob Macpherson Award. This award differs slightly from the rest of our awards – there are no nominations, instead, the winner is selected by the SSS staff team as opposed to the Executive Committee. The award is aimed at any individual who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering with Scottish Student Sport.

Check out our 2020/21 award winners here! 🏆

The Details

  • Nominations for each category should be a maximum of 500 words.
  • Institutions can nominate in as many categories as they wish, but may only put forward one entry per category.
  • Past winners can receive the same award again.
  • Only member institutions can nominate. All member institutions have been sent login details to the online portal where nominations should be submitted.
  • Nominations close on THURSDAY 12th MAY at 18:00 and the Executive Council will then decide on the winners.
  • Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Wednesday 8th June, as part of the SSS Conference.
  • Please contact Totty with any queries.
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Wednesday 24th November 2021

In the latest networking event from the SSS Coaching Network we welcomed Anne-Marie Hughes to chat through her coaching journey and share some wisdom for other coaches in student sport.

In the first edition of From the Sideline the SSS Coaching Network heard from Anne-Marie Hughes who has over 30 years of coaching experience. Anne-Marie is also Assistant Head of Sport at the University of Strathclyde and has worked with student-athletes of all abilities for many years.

The network heard about “the good, the bad and the ugly” of coaching in student sport, and the life-changing opportunities that open up to those coaching sport. Anne-Marie has been to multiple World University Championships and has coached Olympic and Commonwealth athletes. Anne-Marie talked through some of the challenges around changes in technology and communicating with different generations of students that have required her to adapt her approach to coaching over her career.

She described the role of a coach in student sport as a “lonely position” at times but praised the enjoyment of working with young people on a regular basis. The SSS Coaching Network has been implemented to challenge that feeling of loneliness among coaches and create a support network that can share best practice and offer advice between different generations of coaches.

In the ensuing group discussion some of the key take-aways were:

Add value to taster sessions

During Welcome Week it can be more beneficial to make taster sessions more similar to regular coaching sessions. This gives a more accurate impression of what week-to-week sessions might be like and allows the teaching of skills so that students might feel more comfortable returning.

Regular wellbeing check-ins

Asking teams/individuals how they are feeling [mentally and physically] at the start of each session helps to manage expectations within the group. A simple 1-10 rating can help flag any concerns but also gives coaches the opportunity to manage the training load for participants.

Adapt your communication

We all have to adapt to new platforms for communication and finding the best way for your players takes time. Knowing your players is key to effective communication and building trust.

The SSS Coaching Network is open to all those coaching within student sport, and if you would like to join the network please click HERE. We’ll keep you notified of future events and opportunities.

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Wednesday 25th August 2021

SSS has launched it’s first ever forum specifically for those coaching in student sport. With a focus on Clean Sport and Coaching Young People the first session was a big success and you can read more about it here.

With ‘Learning & People’ being one of the key areas of development work for SSS as we move forward from the pandemic, the SSS Coaching Network has been launched to support the development of coaches at all stages of their coaching journey.

Student sport in Scotland is home to a huge number of coaches, whether that’s coaching intramural, recreational teams or elite performers on Olympic, Paralympic or Commonwealth pathways. Without this network of coaches student sport wouldn’t deliver the breadth or quality of opportunity that it does.

This introductory session brought together coaches from across the SSS membership. 11 different sports were represented on the call, demonstrating the diversity of experience available within the group. One of the key aims of the group is to allow coaches to learn different approaches, coaching methods and skills – having coaches from multiple sports has already proved beneficial to participants!

This opening session included a presentation on Clean Sport from Sarah Gandon, Player Development Manager at Netball Players Association and Netball Coach at the University of Glasgow. It was a vital reminder that coaches at any level hold some responsibility for educating athletes and ensuring they know what they are putting in their bodies.

We also gained insight on coaching young people from Andy Goldie, Academy Director at Dundee United. Andy talked us through the ‘Messy Middle’ in young players development journey, and we learned about the culture within one of Scotlands top youth academies. Andy praised the value of volunteering across a variety of sports and how that supported his own development.

There will be numerous sessions throughout the year as we look to provide support for all coaches within the Scottish Student Sport community. The next session on October 19th will look at Concussion and Mental Health. We’ll also offer the opportunity to participate in a mentoring programme for more experienced coaches to share insight and best practices with their less experienced counterparts.

If you would like to join the Coaching Network you can join our Basecamp group and get involved in the conversation by clicking HERE.

Miss the webinar? Re-watch all the action here! 💻 👇

 

 

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Wednesday 26th May 2021

We are now accepting nominations for the 2020/21 SSS Awards! This year we have revamped our awards line-up with six brand new awards up for grabs! Find out more here.

We are delighted to announce that the SSS 2020/21 Awards are officially open!

This year we are doing things a little bit differently. As opposed to our usual individual and club awards, this year our awards will be based on the SSS values! Given the unusual and challenging year that everyone has faced, we wanted to recognise the incredible work and many success stories across our sector and celebrate the amazing people involved in student sport in Scotland.

The awards will therefore be based on the SSS values and we are looking for nominations for the following categories: Ambitious, Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, Responsive, Sustainable, Honorary President’s Medal. An additional eight award, the Dr Rob Macpherson SSS Volunteer of the year award, will be selected by the SSS staff.

The Awards 

We are accepting nominations in the following categories:

  • Ambitious – Who is this aimed at? Unsung heroes – juggling multiple projects/things at once.
  • Collaborative – Who is this aimed at? Best online learning resource/best practice sharing, coaching and officiating,  Zoom webinars.
  • Inclusive – Who is it aimed at? An inclusion champion – someone who has made their sport more accessible and available to all.
  • Innovative – Who is it aimed at? Those who have been exceptionally innovative and creative – i.e using Zoom workouts, creating new podcasts, performance athlete finding new ways to train.
  • Responsive – Who is it aimed at? Examples of best practice in adapting to COVID, new ways of working and flexibility.
  • Sustainable – Who is it aimed at? Sustainability champions – people/groups that have incorporated sustainability into their clubs/work.

The above awards can be won by individuals or groups, so please feel free to submit nominations for both outstanding individuals and student sports clubs!

  • Honorary Presidents Medal – This award is for any individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to/lasting impact on student sport at a local, regional or national level. Nominees should be regarded as wonderful examples/ advocates of student sport and their behaviour should resonate with the above SSS values.
  • The final award is the Dr Rob Macpherson Award. This award differs slightly from the rest of our awards – there are no nominations, instead, the winner is selected by the SSS staff team as opposed to the Executive Committee. The award is aimed at any individual who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteering with Scottish Student Sport.

Check out our 2019/20 award winners here! 🏆

The Details

  • Nominations for each category should be a maximum of 500 words.
  • Institutions can nominate as many groups or individuals in any category as they like.
  • Only member institutions can nominate. All member institutions have been sent login details to the online portal where nominations should be submitted.
  • Nominations close on MONDAY 7th JUNE at 18:00 and winners will be announced in July as part of the SSS Month of Celebration.
  • Please contact Totty with any queries.
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Tuesday 27th April 2021

On Sunday 25th April, in the Glasgow sunshine, members of the SSS Tribe took part in the Jog Leaders training through SSS’ collaboration with Jog Scotland and Scottish Athletics.

The Leadership in Running Fitness course is delivered regularly by Jog Scotland and, through collaboration, individuals from SSS member institutions were able to participate at a discounted rate. The course comprises of a number of theory modules and a practical session, which in this instance was taken at Scotstoun in Glasgow. Having staff and students with this kind of qualification will allow institutions to be prepared to harness the increased interest in recreational running that we have seen over the past year.

jogscotland is Scotland’s recreational running network and is part of scottishathletics. It is made up of hundreds of jogging groups meeting in sports centres, community halls, parks and businesses, and jogging on their local paths, pavements and trails. The emphasis at every jogscotland group is on enjoying exercise and supporting one another in a friendly atmosphere. Groups are led by qualified Jog Leaders (mostly volunteers), who guide and inspire their members. Nobody is “too slow” to join jogscotland. Groups are available for walkers, joggers and runners of all levels, from complete beginners to long-distance runners.

Here’s what participants had to say:

I signed up because running is something that I enjoy and have an interest in. Having this training will help me to encourage and motivate others when I begin leading running groups in my local area with fellow students at New College Lanarkshire but also the wider community. The course was very informative and enjoyable, and the tutors on the day were fun and encouraging. Helping others to improve their fitness, health and wellbeing is important to me as an individual and as a student. 

Kellyann McGraith (HND Fitness, Health and Exercise @ New College Lanarkshire)

The course is ideal for us as it allows us to engage students at Glasgow in the new beginners jogging groups we are setting up.  We have noticed that our members are keen to exercise outdoors as much as possible and the social, physical and mental benefits of these activities is invaluable.

Calum Hill (Active Lifestyles Lead @ University of Glasgow)

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Monday 26th April 2021

Despite the lockdown, 18 students recently took the first steps in their basketball coaching career. In collaboration with Basketball Scotland, two ‘Make It Happen’ coaching courses were delivered, organised by the SSS Basketball Development Group.

The Make it Happen coaching course helps new coaches take their first steps on the coaching pathway. This can be attended by all students and is suitable for all ages and any level of basketball experience. The course offers that foundation level of coaching and no previous coaching experience is needed to complete the course.

The collaboration with Basketball Scotland meant student candidates were offered a reduced fee to participate, making it more accessible for more people. This key link with the governing body will allow the SS Basketball Development Group to deliver more courses for the student body. Going forward the group aims to deliver a minimum of one course per semester for all students. This will support those students who wish to take their coaching career further and work through the Basketball Scotland coaching pathway.

The course takes 3 hours so is perfect for those who are looking to test the coaching waters. By getting so many students through these courses it places students at the center of efforts to grow the game of basketball in universities and colleges, and in future roles with community clubs.

Chris Kindlen, Workforce lead for SS Basketball Development Group, said:

“The University & College community offers the perfect platform for developing as a coach, or indeed a table official or referee. This is the great opportunity to take advantage of easily accessible and affordable courses. Undertaking this type of training can lead to so many more opportunities. I did my coaching qualifications whilst at university and later got the opportunity to coach for country”

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Wednesday 12th February 2020

We recently caught up with Gemma Lumsdaine, a GB Wheelchair Rugby Athlete and advocate for both gender equality in sports and more provision for disability sport. 

SSS: Gemma, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule of studying and training to speak with us. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I am 22 year old wheelchair athlete who plays wheelchair rugby for the GB Talent Squad. This Squad helps athletes make the transition to the Paralympic squad and play at the highest level. I am also in my third year at Abertay University studying Sports Development and Coaching. So when I’m not playing, training and studying, I coach at Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club.

 

I believe at the moment you are traveling to Sheffield for a training session, tell us a little about your sporting journey?

From a young age I was involved in individual sports such as swimming and horse riding which I was advised to participate in as a form of physiotherapy. In 2013 I joined my local wheelchair sports club Dundee Dragons which has been life changing for me as at the time I struggled to accept my disability and had low confidence but seeing other people being independent and succeeding in life really changed my perspective of disability. When I first started at Dragons the club only participated in rugby league but through a whirlwind of events I ended up playing my first game of wheelchair basketball for my country with only two weeks practice! The Dragons then developed into a multi-sports club which includes basketball, tennis, badminton and curling. I continued to play basketball for Scotland for a few years and loved it. However due to my impairment level I struggled with some of the fundamental skills such as shooting so I was recommended to try Wheelchair Rugby as it is designed for people with impairments in three to four limbs and involves many transferable skills from basketball. I fell in love with rugby and have worked my way up within the Sport and now play for the GB talent Squad.

 

As you know Scottish Student Sport have partnered with Scottish Disability Sport with the aim to nationally improve the sporting experience of students with a disability. What do you think about that?

I think this a fantastic project as sport has so many mental, physical and social benefits which everyone should be able to experience no matter what their disability, gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexuality. I would like to see all students in Scotland with a disability being provided with the opportunity I have had. Without sport I do not know what my main motivation would be otherwise. One thing I do know is that I would not have the community feel around me like I currently do, I would be much more isolated.

 

As part of the national aim, SSS and Scottish Disability Sport are working alongside Abertay University in their working group which you are a part of. For other Universities or Colleges that might not currently be doing this work, can you share what being part of this conversation and what this development means to you as a student?

It’s such a privilege to be part of Abertay University’s working group and be able to represent students with a disability at the University. Helping to make a positive change which will improve the quality of students experience at University is pretty special. Not all students want to be involved in sport and that’s okay but the important thing is that opportunities and suitable provision are available if they wish to get involved.

 

SSS are lucky enough to have had you sitting on our Women in Sport Panel during last year’s Festive Gathering at Perth College. Can you tell us about the incredible work that you are currently involved in outside of University and athlete life?

I am delighted to be a member of the Scottish Government’s Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Advisory Board. The board aims to create equal opportunities within Sport and Physical Activity for Women and girls across Scotland. As part of the boards role we set recommendations and advise the Scottish Government and other key stakeholders on how best to make a positive difference in sport for Women and Girls and as a result the group have recently released their ‘Level the Playing Field’ report, please have a read if you have not yet had the opportunity to do so.

 

If there is anything you could tell a student who is struggling to get engaged in sport at College or University, what would your advice be to them?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. Everyone has been a beginner at some point!

 

Thanks again to Gemma who took out time from her busy schedule to talk to us. Keep up the good work! We look forward to continuing to provide more opportunities to students with a disability across Scotland. If you wish to hear more about the Partnership contact your SSS Regional Development Coordinator or if you wish to seek advice for a student, contact a SDS member of staff in your area.

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Wednesday 18th December 2019

Read all about the highlights from our annual Festive Gathering which took place at Perth College, UHI. A fitting way to end an incredible year of Scottish Student Sport.

For the first time, the SSS Tribe descended on Perth College UHI for our annual Festive Gathering. We were delighted to welcome our members, colleagues and friends from across the length and breadth of the country to participate in a number of forums, workshops and discussions – giving everyone the opportunity to learn, collaborate and innovate the world of Scottish Student Sport going into the new year.

Stew the COO and SSS Chair, Pete Burgon kicked things off with a SSS update and overview of the accounts before we were treated to a practical session delivered by our friends at Scottish Disability Sport (SDS).

SSS has a strong partnership with SDS and this partnership has flourished with the number of events across our member institutions greatly increasing over the last few months – highlighting the appetite for disability sport in both Colleges and Universities in Scotland. Heather Lowden and Gavin Macleod, from SDS, were joined by wheelchair athlete Gemma Lumsdaine to deliver practical skills and theoretical insight into disability sport.

As well as learning more about the disability sport landscape, participants had the opportunity to test their practical skills; activities included visually impaired running,  Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball and mastering the art of Boccia. For a number of participants this was the first exposure to disability sport and raising this awareness is an integral element of the partnership between SSS and SDS.

After a hearty lunch,  we were treated to a panel discussion on Women in Sport and a keynote workshop on organisational sustainability. The panel was chaired by University of Stirling’s Cathy Gallagher who guided the conversation on a range of topics from participation in student sport to career opportunities and the role of the media in women’s sport.

Cathy was joined by Shelley Kerr, Head Coach of Scotland Womens National Football Team, Gemma Lumsdaine, Wheelchair Basketball coach and Wheelchair Rugby Player, and Laura McGhie, Sports Journalist at BBC Scotland.

With a wealth of experience on the panel we explored some of the barriers to participation but also the hurdles that women potentially face/faced in beginning their career in sport. With fantastic role models on the panel some of the topics discussed included how we celebrate achievements, encourage leadership and promote careers in sport for young women. One of the key actions to come from the discussion is to look for ways to better communicate and promote what we are achieving in the world of Women’s sport, and the importance of collaborative working to achieve this.

Following the panel discussion we were treated to a keynote workshop from Jen Curran. Jen works for Wren & Greyhound, a consultancy supporting the not-for-profit sector in working toward organisational sustainability. Jen delivered fascinating insight on a number of topics relevant to the SSS Tribe including income diversification, workload management and the importance of relationships.

To finish the day the Tribe had the opportunity to hear from Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal at UWS and recently elected Chair of BUCS. Craig’s background in sport makes him a great candidate to succeed Professor Sir Ian Diamond in leading BUCS forward and supporting the work of SSS.

Special thanks to the staff at Perth College UHI for playing great hosts and making us feel warmly welcomed. Thanks to our guest speakers, the Women in Sport Panel, SDS and all our members who attended, contributed and participated in what was a great day and a fitting way to end a hugely successful 2019. Here is to 2020…

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Wednesday 27th November 2019

We are excited to launch our brand new Scottish Student Sport Podcast! Episode 1 is now LIVE and available on Spotify! Find out more here.

We are excited to announce the launch of the brand new Scottish Student Sport Podcast!

In its debut series hosts Gavin Rittoo and Stew Fowlie will be joined by a variety of guests from across the Scottish Sporting world and beyond to discuss their journey and how student sport has shaped it along the way.

Aired monthly, the podcast will feature a chat with one of the sports sabbatical officers from our member institutions – getting to know them a little bit better and the exciting work they are doing this year. There will also be a ‘competitions corner’ segment which will round up all the latest results and reaction from our competitions and events across the country. Alongside this the show will round up all the latest news, updates and discuss all the hot topics in the exciting world that is Scottish Student Sport.

Episode 1

00:00 – 08:00 – Intro and Welcome with Stew & Gav

08:00 – 24:30 – Interview with Georgia Moran, Edinburgh Napier University

24:30 – 28:00 – Live musical performance from Georgia Moran

28:00 – 31:00 – Competitions update and reaction

31:00 – 50:30 – Interview with Malcolm King from the Big Sleep Out, previewing the event in December which SSS will be participating in

50:30 – 53:00 – Round up and upcoming events with Stew and Gav

How to listen:

You can find us on spotify, stitcher, spreaker and all other good podcasting sites.

Listen to “Episode 1 | Georgia Moran & The Big Sleep Out” on Spreaker.

Get in touch

If you have listened to the podcast then we want to hear from you!

Tweet us your thoughts on the podcast using the hashtag: #SSSPOD. Whether its praise, criticism , support or if you have a great idea then let us know! We will read out the best tweets on the next episode…

If you would like to appear on the podcast then drop as an email: info@scottishstudentsport.com 

If you are interested in joining our SSS Sleep Out team on Saturday 7th of December to help raise money and fight homelessness in Scotland then all the sign up information can be found here.

 

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Thursday 6th April 2017

A partnership towards future personal development

It may go without saying that students and young people are at the heart of everything we do at Scottish Student Sport, but to bring this to life it is worth considering this phrase a little more closely…

Not only are Scotland’s students the focal point for the events we deliver – over 200 days of sports competition and development per year – but they also help to drive our vision and decision making, shape and lead our activities, and help us to be effective and responsive to our membership.

Indeed it is the energy, imagination, dedication and gumption of our people that allows SSS to progress and to innovate, to create and to achieve.

As we enter our new strategic plan it is hugely exciting to be able to team up with a new partner that places just the same emphasis on the importance of people, and to providing opportunities that will shape their futures. An organisation that understands the transformational power that young people bring to sport and that sport brings to young people. That organisation is International Exchange of North America (IENA).

IENA is a leading provider of international exchange through the summer camp experience and work placement opportunities in and from USA, Canada and over a dozen other countries and territories worldwide. Through a network of over 3,000 destinations IENA is uniquely placed to provide meaningful and life-shaping experiences for young people to travel, coach, lead, learn and discover.

SSS and IENA will be combining forces throughout 2017 and 2018 to provide new and better opportunities to students from Scotland to develop themselves through sport and recreation. Through a vibrant partnership built on creative and collective ambition we will create routes that will allow young people to gain experience as leaders and deliverers, engage their peers, and further themselves through sport.

‘International Exchange of North America (IENA) is so pleased to partner with SSS.  SSS is a key national organisation in Scotland that delivers opportunities and pathways for students and young people to sport and physical recreation, and to personal and professional development and growth.  IENA strongly supports the goals of SSS, and seeks to contribute to them by providing opportunities for international travel and employment, particularly within summer camps and employment and internship programmes in USA, and other countries Worldwide.

Key to IENA’s partnership support is the provision of resources towards SSS work in the areas of coaching, volunteering and club development within education and its community.  We look forward to future conversations and achievements.’

– Lawrie Randak, IENA Programme Manager Scotland

‘It is hugely exciting to be able to team up with a new partner that places just the same emphasis as SSS on the importance of people, and to providing opportunities that will shape their futures.  All of us at SSS look forward to working with IENA to create unforgettable personal development opportunities for Scotland’s students.’

– Stew Fowlie, COO Scottish Student Sport

For more information about the amazing work of IENA, please click their logo at the foot of the page. To learn more about bespoke opportunities within Scotland then please get in touch with the SSS office via info@scottishstudentsport.com or on 0131 650 9654.

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