Shinty star Kirsty Deans lines up to play part developing iconic sport with new Camanachd Association role
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A FACE familiar to shinty fans will play a role planning a return to playing and supporting the evolution of a successful development programme.
The Camanachd Association, the governing body for the game, has appointed Kirsty Deans to its board of directors.
The Camanachd Association goal is to protect and enhance shinty’s iconic status in the landscape of Scottish sport and sustain it as a vibrant and integral part of Scottish life.
Ms Deans, the current Badenoch ladies captain, was integral to her side pipping Skye ladies to the Mowi National Division title in 2019 as well as being a regular Scottish internationalist and one of the most recognisable players in the modern game.
The keen traveller balances her shinty and football training with full-time work as a PE teacher.
She will offer insight into how the game can be developed at junior level ,having worked in both Kingussie and Forres High Schools over her six-year career.
She said: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to join the board and one of the main reasons I was keen to take on this role was because of the opportunity it gave me to try and help improve and move the game forward.
"As a player I am passionate about the sport and thoroughly enjoy all aspects from training and playing to coaching. This role adds another dimension and a chance for me to learn more about the game but also work to improve the experience of those currently playing.
"I feel I can provide a fresh perspective as a younger member of the board but also as someone with a football background and an occupation working with young people.
"Shinty has progressed massively in recent years and this has been really encouraging to see and I hope that this is something that I can help support and this will hopefully be furthered by the development of the school programs.
"I think this is a really challenging time for all sports, however, I have embraced these challenges so far and I hope I can keep contributing positively and support a return to youth and adult shinty in the near future.”
Keith Loades, Camanachd Association president, said: “Kirsty is an exciting addition to our board of directors who will add a great deal to what is an already very strong and multi-talented group of people. We look forward to working with her more closely as we aim to return our sport to some kind of normality and her expertise in schools within the Highland region can only help us further the School of Shinty programme.”
