Drumchapel Table Tennis Club
The final item of business is a members' business debate on motion S3M-3622, in the name of Bill Butler, on Drumchapel is top of the table.
Motion debated,
That the Parliament congratulates Drumchapel Table Tennis Club on its 20th anniversary; notes that it is the most successful table tennis club in Britain, with over 400 members, and caters for all levels of ability; further notes that several of its players will be representing Scotland at the 2009 Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships to be held in Glasgow in May; acknowledges the valuable role that the club plays, with support from Drumchapel LIFE, Skyform, Culture and Sport Glasgow and Strathclyde Police, in promoting healthy lifestyles, tackling antisocial behaviour and developing young people's potential through its imaginative after-school programme; pays tribute to the hard work and dedication of its head coach and driving force, Terry McLernon; recognises the positive impact that sports clubs make in communities across Scotland, and agrees with Drumchapel Table Tennis Club that sport must be properly supported at grassroots level and looks to the Scottish Government and local authorities to facilitate such an approach.
It gives me great pleasure to bring this motion to Parliament. Quite simply, Drumchapel table tennis club has for nearly two decades been an asset to the area that I am proud to represent, and has proved itself to be consistently successful both on and off the court. It is more than a sports club; it has put Drumchapel on the map for all the right reasons. I am sure that colleagues will join me in welcoming members of the club to the gallery. [Applause.] Earlier today, several of us pitted our skills against club members on the table in the Parliament gym. On behalf of the Parliament, I thank them for going easy on us.
With more than 400 members, Drumchapel table tennis club is one of the largest—if it is not the largest—table tennis clubs in Britain. It also lays claim to being the most successful. In the past 12 months alone, it has qualified for the elite European Table Tennis Union cup, has seen head coach Terry McLernon win the Sunday Mail local hero award and—as last night's Evening Times reported—it took seven of the possible 13 titles at last weekend's Scottish national championships. The club will also provide several players for Scotland's squad for the Commonwealth table tennis championships, which will be held in Glasgow in May.
However, titles and trophies testify to only part of the club's success. Since it was set up in 1989, thousands of members have passed through it. Some have won national or regional titles, while others have found a sense of belonging and purpose, forged firm friendships, learned about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and experienced at first hand the advantages of working together with others in the community. The club's great strength lies in its commitment to catering for all players of all ages and abilities, and in ensuring that they get the most out of their participation in sport and membership of a club. Its facilities are available seven nights a week, and no one who walks through the door is left out.
The club's coaching structure enables more experienced players to gain a level 1 coaching certificate and to pass on their skills to the juniors. The west of Scotland table tennis league gives the club a grant for coaching, which is used partly to provide a training camp for the elite players with an experienced international coach.
The club also provides a safe and organised environment for its members. Over the years, very little—if any—trouble has been reported in the club because its members exercise an informal yet disciplined approach. Care is taken to ensure that young children and people who live outside the area are transported home late at night. In short, members look out for each other. Indeed, the success of the club's approach has been acknowledged by Strathclyde Police, which views it as a great asset in tackling antisocial behaviour not only in that area but in surrounding areas.
Just as important, the club serves as a vehicle for allowing its members to see the world outside Drumchapel. Visits to other clubs and competitions at home and abroad become events. Teams enjoy extended weekend visits, often staying overnight in a new city and learning something new about different locations and cultures. Over the years, the club has visited France, Germany, Holland and Belgium and its twinning with the Amiens table tennis club in France has resulted in regular exchange trips. Players who are unable to pay for their travel are supported by other members to ensure that they do not miss out.
In addition, the club has, in tandem with the Drumchapel LIFE—life is for everyone—project, rolled out its pioneering school programme and breakfast clubs to 14 schools in Glasgow's west end, bringing the sport and the advantages of a healthy lifestyle to a new generation.
The establishment of the only primary school league in the country has fostered a real sense of competition and pride, and is tapping into the enormous potential of the area's young people. Teachers frequently tell of the positive spin-offs of that involvement. For example, pupils who take part show improved attendance and attainment at school, are more alert in class and use the sport as a way of expressing themselves and their innate abilities.
Partner agencies such as Drumchapel LIFE, Glasgow City Council and Culture and Sport Glasgow have all realised the club's potential and have come on board with sponsorship and support. Praise must also be given to local business Skyform Ltd and its owner Jim Campbell—who is himself a Drumchapel boy—for their long-standing financial commitment to the club. That support has allowed the club to push on to European level and is a fine example of a business putting something back into the communities in which it operates.
It must be said that none of that success would have been possible without the drive, commitment and infectious enthusiasm of one individual—the head coach, Terry McLernon, who joins us in the gallery this evening. He eats, sleeps and breathes table tennis and, in particular, his club. He possesses that rare ability to see potential in even the most difficult of situations. The club could have no better or more passionate advocate.
I am pleased to inform Parliament that, impressive though the club's résumé may be, it has no intention of resting on its laurels. With the 2009 Commonwealth table tennis championships almost upon us and the Commonwealth games heading for Glasgow in 2014, it is imperative that both local government and the central Government ensure that thriving and highly successful clubs such as Drumchapel table tennis club continue to grow and prosper. If we are serious as a Parliament about ensuring that communities are able to take advantage of the legacy of such sporting events, we must ensure that such clubs are at the very core of Parliament's strategy.
I hope that the minister will agree that Drumchapel table tennis club ticks all the boxes in respect of social inclusion, sporting achievement, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing value for money. It stands as a model of genuine community engagement, so there is a strong case to be made for Government support to allow it to roll out its schools programme across the rest of Glasgow and beyond.
I also hope that the minister will give serious consideration to coming along with me to visit the club and to witness at first hand the life-affirming work that is being carried out in Drumchapel. Let us look together at how the Scottish Government can support a genuine Scottish success story.
I once again commend all those who are involved in the club for all their hard work and achievements. I thank them, on behalf of Parliament, for putting Drumchapel at the top of the table.
I congratulate Bill Butler on having secured a members' business debate on Drumchapel table tennis club and its celebration of 20 years as a focal point for sport in north-west Glasgow.
Drumchapel sports centre has been an exemplar for the sport of table tennis in Scotland. Players travel to it from throughout Scotland because of the first-class coaching at the club. As Bill Butler said, that has been due in great part to the dedication, hard work and passion for the sport of Terry McLernon. He has worked since the 1980s to ensure the development of table tennis as a core activity in Drumchapel. People like Terry have driven sport throughout the country over the years—often without the level of support that their dedication has deserved. I believe that we all want that situation to be addressed sooner rather than later.
The legacy of Glasgow's 2014 Commonwealth games will come into its own in combining established coaching, such as Terry McLernon provides, with a robust infrastructure for sport at the local level. That can be achieved by developing a network of community sports hubs throughout Scotland, as has been proposed, which will bring sport in Scotland fully into the 21st century. Drumchapel table tennis club is an example that should be followed.
We cannot and do not all aspire to be Commonwealth games champions. However, at whatever age and at whatever ability level, Drumchapel table tennis club has shown that the taking part is what it is really all about. If someone happens to become a champion due to their inherent skill and the sheer hard work that that takes, they will also be a role model for others in their community. That in itself is a reward worth seeking.
I recently visited the sports centre at Scotstoun, which is near my home, and was impressed by the on-going developments that are taking place there with a view to the Commonwealth games in 2014. I was even more impressed by the friendly and hard-working staff and by the high level of usage by fellow Glaswegians. I do not use the centre as yet, but I intend to. Many of those people have been greatly encouraged by champions from local clubs such as Drumchapel table tennis club.
The Commonwealth games will come and go, as such events do, but their legacy should be facilities that ensure that Scotland loses the sick-man-of-Europe tag as a result of our citizens, young and old, taking regular exercise. If that is in the form of organised sport, such as that provided by Drumchapel table tennis club, so much the better. The approach that we should aspire to is about taking part and doing our best. I believe that all Scots will support that approach, which is demonstrated by Drumchapel table tennis club, for which I thank it.
I, too, congratulate Bill Butler on bringing the matter before the Parliament. His comments were encouraging—perhaps even inspiring would not be too strong a word. We know that there have been problems over the years in Drumchapel. I know from experience—I come from an area that had its problems—that in one's youth diversions such as physical activity or sport can help a great deal. Drumchapel table tennis club provides such a diversion. The figures on the throughput of members over the years are frankly spectacular and it has a current membership of 400, which in itself is a significant achievement. I congratulate the club on the trophies that it has won, but the service that it provides in a progressive and professional manner to the youth in the Drumchapel area is much more important.
When youngsters get involved in sport, they do not get involved in other activities that would probably have me, wearing another hat, in full condemnatory flow. That can only be a good thing, as it gives youngsters the opportunity to work off the high spirits that they inevitably have and to meet friends and associates. Some of those friendships probably last for many years, if not for all their lives, which must be a good thing. Such organisations add greatly to the social cohesion of an area. I, too, offer my congratulations and thanks to people such as Terry McLernon, who through their commitment and dedication do so much for some of Glasgow's young people who otherwise might not have had the opportunity to engage in sport.
This afternoon I had the pleasure of joining youngsters from the club for a brief table tennis session. That was one of life's more humiliating experiences—although at least I was not quite as bad as Frank McAveety—but it was thoroughly enjoyable nevertheless. From speaking to some of the youngsters, it was obvious that they really enjoy their table tennis. They are also rather good at it, as various members discovered to their cost. I do not think that too many members are likely ever to be table tennis champions, although possibly I speak for myself and perhaps you, Presiding Officer, have knowledge and abilities in that direction that I do not have.
The chair cannot express an opinion on those matters.
That is very wise.
The youngsters were extremely good and sociable, which at the end of the day is what the club is about.
Through you, Presiding Officer, I say to those who are involved, "Carry on the good work." I ask those who provide the leadership to continue doing that, and I ask those who simply enjoy the activities to look to the years ahead so that, in time and in turn, they can contribute that leadership and give back to the Drumchapel community what has been given to them.
We have heard from three Bills in a row, but I will break that duck with my speech.
Bill Butler and the other members who have spoken have acknowledged the strong work that Drumchapel table tennis club has done in the past 20 years in response to the challenges that peripheral estates such as Drumchapel face. I acknowledge the work that people have done in coming together and developing something from a small idea. I am sure that, like many organisations, the club started in small premises, but it has grown to such an extent that it has now realised some of its aspirations and made significant achievements.
Bill Butler mentioned three or four important themes, and other members echoed what he said. I will focus on three lessons that we can all learn, and I hope that the Minister for Public Health and Sport will take them forward in relation to the emerging sports strategy in Scotland.
First, we should encourage as much access as possible to whatever sports are available. The Drumchapel example illustrates a willingness to accept that all children have talents and all young people have a contribution to make, whether that involves just the sociable fun of a sport or the development of talents for particular activities. As was mentioned, a number of us tested our skills this afternoon. I asked Terry McLernon whether he observed among the parliamentary group any skills that were worth developing, but I realised from his knowing look that none of us will be getting a call from him in the next 24 hours. However, he told me that he can spot a talented youngster quickly. They might just come along for an evening with their friends, but when he spots a talented youngster, he can fast track them through a development programme.
My second point is that good coaches matter. We can all testify to that, whatever sports we have been involved in. Individuals who show leadership, innovation and a willingness to be patient and supportive can make a difference and develop youngsters' potential. Again, the Drumchapel example shows that. Sometimes that leadership is put in place by accident rather than design, or regardless of whether there is enough support from the local authority, various sports agencies or other Government agencies. That will always be a debatable point, but the fundamental point is that we should try to put in place good coaching opportunities so that people can develop.
The third lesson is clearly visible from what Terry McLernon and his team have done over the years. They have not just hoarded their knowledge. We can see in the experience of other sports that some individuals hoard their knowledge because they think that, in that way, they can continue to be successful. If they move on, their skills and expertise are lost to their organisation or club. From the discussions that I have had, and from what Bill Butler said, I know that Terry McLernon and the other individuals who are involved in the Drumchapel table tennis club develop experience in young people, so that when the young boys and girls come through into adulthood, they have a level of skill and experience that they can develop in their own innovative ways.
In the Drumchapel club, we have good coaching, a willingness to let go when that is required, and, more important, recognition that young people have every possibility of succeeding if they are encouraged to do so.
We are all committed to ensuring that the 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow are successful. Recently, Terry McLernon's staff and youngsters came across to the east end of Glasgow and demonstrated their expertise at an event in Tollcross. That energised people and created enthusiasm in other parts of Glasgow that perhaps do not have the infrastructure that has been painstakingly developed in Drumchapel in recent years. I am sure that Terry and his staff will continue to encourage people to endeavour to develop the infrastructure throughout Glasgow. I welcome what Bill Butler said about trying to roll things out to other schools in Glasgow and even beyond.
I express one word of caution. I recognise the aspiration that we all have to ensure that the 2014 Commonwealth games work, but I am not convinced that either the games or the activities that will lead up to them and take place afterwards will necessarily address the fundamental health inequalities in the city.
I do not want the debate to be solely about such matters. It should be about the intrinsic worth of sport and the intrinsic value of participating in sport. In my experience with those who are involved in the table tennis club, they have shown that they genuinely believe that youngsters can enjoy table tennis, that many youngsters can access it, given the right opportunity, and that many youngsters can continue it into adulthood. If we get those three aspects right, we will start to make inroads into tackling the health issues in the city, which Bill Kidd—understandably—identified. That would be a testament to the work that has been done.
As the people from the club have heard, we commend their work. We hope that many other Terry McLernons run other such clubs throughout not only Glasgow, but Scotland. As a nation, Scotland benefits from the activity and commitment of such people day in, day out. I wish the club and all who are involved in it good luck for the future.
I, too, congratulate Bill Butler on securing the debate and Drumchapel table tennis club on its 20th anniversary and its tremendous success over many years.
I start on a somewhat sour note, because I take issue with Bill Butler's comments about the parliamentary team's performance. If I did not have a dodgy shoulder and had not hurt my leg a couple of days ago, I am sure that I would have delivered the decisive victory on behalf of my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament. I consider what happened this afternoon to be but a tactical setback, rather than the humiliation to which Bill Aitken referred.
It is clear that Terry McLernon is the driving force behind the club. He told me something that is almost so obvious that it has probably escaped some members. Table tennis is a fantastic sport for Scotland because it can be played in all weathers—it is an indoor and inexpensive sport. One wonders why more people do not play table tennis. I am pretty sure that, with modest support—whether from the Scottish Government, local authorities or agencies—table tennis could and should take off much more in Scotland than it has in recent years. Of course, it is a growing sport. North Ayrshire has clubs in Beith and Dalry and, just a few short weeks ago, I took my two sons to a club in West Kilbride.
I hope that the sport will develop and continue for the future. We have heard some of the reasons why that should happen. Table tennis gives young people a tremendous opportunity to engage with one another and with adults in a way that is positive for their health and their lifestyle.
Frank McAveety touched on the intrinsic value of sport, which is an important point to develop. Sport has a value in itself—it is not just something that is done for other reasons.
Another great aspect of Mr McLernon's work is how he has encouraged other organisations, such as Drumchapel LIFE, Skyform, Glasgow City Council and Strathclyde Police to get behind the club. We look for that multi-agency and co-operative approach when we try to encourage clubs.
As we saw today in room M1.22, a table tennis table can fit into one small corner. My two assistants—James Stewart from Millport and Katie Tanner from California—had a go at playing. Katie did pretty well, but she explained that she has a table tennis table in her house, which was somewhat cheating in comparison with the rest of us. However, she did California no harm as part of our effort.
Although the Drumchapel table tennis club went easy on us, the club members are serious about their sport. They want not just to participate, but to bring back glory for themselves, their club, Glasgow and Scotland. I wish the club all the best for the future. It is a tremendous asset to Drumchapel and to Glasgow and it is the kind of organisation that we want to encourage for the future and the present. As Mr McAveety said, what matters is not just 2014, but the here and now and giving people something to indulge in and enjoy regularly.
I thank Bill Butler again for his energy and enthusiasm in dragging us all down for this afternoon's table tennis and for making the debate happen. Of course, I also thank Terry McLernon and all the young people who are in the public gallery and who did so well this afternoon.
I thank Bill Butler for bringing the debate to the chamber. I agree with him that there is no better example of the impact that a sports club can have on its local community than Drumchapel table tennis club.
As members have said, any reference to the club must be made in tandem with mention of Terry McLernon, who is undoubtedly the driving force behind its immense success. His tireless work to improve the lives of young people has rightly received nationwide recognition, most recently at the Sunday Mail Scottish sports awards 2008, where he picked up the local hero accolade—and quite rightly so.
I am sure that we all agree that the club can be proud of its achievements since 1989, including for the number of champions that it has produced and its remarkable success in competitions not only in the United Kingdom but in Europe.
However, I am sure that Terry McLernon and other club stalwarts are most proud of the impact that the club has had on local kids. As the motion suggests, Drumchapel table tennis club is to be applauded for its work in promoting healthy lifestyles, tackling antisocial behaviour in a supportive and positive way, and helping youngsters to fulfil their potential in an area that was once associated with social problems and economic hardship. We are talking about a real success story.
I understand that the club's schools programme, which began in 2006 with six local primary schools and 300 children, now involves a dozen primary schools, a local high school and more than 800 participants. The value and potentially life-changing aspect of such a programme cannot be underestimated. Together with its equally important partner organisations, the club deserves national recognition for that work. I add my admiration to that expressed by other members in the debate. I would be happy—delighted—to take up the offer of a visit to the club to see the good work for myself.
The final part of the motion addresses the role and impact of sports clubs and how Government, sportscotland and local authorities can facilitate support for sports at the grass-roots level. The Government recognises the valuable and important role that local sports clubs can play in galvanising a community and developing the sporting potential of tomorrow. In Scotland, we are fortunate to have an army of volunteers and coaches who are tireless in dedicating their time and energy to the development of sporting talent and imparting their skills, experience and passion to that end—the giving something back that Bill Butler and Frank McAveety mentioned. It is only right for us to build on that talent and expertise while also supporting and recognising the valuable contribution of those volunteers and coaches.
That is why "Reaching Higher: Building on the Success of Sport 21", the national strategy for sport, provides a renewed focus on investing in club development and improving coaching education. It also provides a wide range of sporting opportunities from an early age—the access issue to which Frank McAveety referred. "Reaching Higher" also provides a renewed focus on additional support for parents, teachers, coaches and volunteers and strengthening the links between local authorities, leisure trusts and sports governing bodies through the sharing of resources, knowledge and expertise.
Naturally, the implementation and ultimate success of "Reaching Higher" is dependent on the Scottish Government, local authorities, key agencies such as sportscotland and other partners fulfilling specific roles. Sportscotland recognises that sports clubs and community opportunities are absolutely vital if we are to provide a full and diverse range of sporting opportunities. There has to be something for everyone. Sportscotland's community regeneration programme will strengthen the impact that local authorities can have in supporting clubs. That focused investment, coupled with strong relationships with local authority partners, will support directly the development of clubs and sporting opportunities in Scotland's most deprived communities, where opportunities are fewer.
Glasgow City Council provides an excellent example of how community regeneration funds can be used to build capacity in local clubs. Its project aims to target 50 voluntary sports clubs and community organisations that promote partnerships and provide programmes to support sports participation and development opportunities. The principal aim is to build capacity within organisations so that increased and sustained opportunities are created for children and young people to take part in sport in their local community at an affordable cost. In order to realise the potential of sport, all local authorities and community planning partnerships will want to consider the development of the local sporting outcomes, indicators and actions that have the greatest impact on local communities and which, ultimately, will contribute to the Scottish Government's national performance framework.
Frank McAveety raised the sporting legacy that will emerge from the 2014 games. The focus of the legacy is on building on infrastructure for sport at the local level and implementing a network of community sports hubs across Scotland.
Although a number of local authorities have established community sports clubs in their areas, community sports hubs are a new, fresh idea that builds on existing good practice, maximises the use of existing resources in new ways and will gain impetus and momentum from the staging of the Commonwealth games in Glasgow. However, the games will last only 11 days. Frank McAveety was right to make the point that what we do before and after the games to galvanise talent in Scotland and to encourage young people into physical activity and sport will be the legacy that we want to leave behind. The approach that we are taking will ensure that we are able to replicate the success that has been achieved at clubs such as the Drumchapel table tennis club by building stronger community clubs and increasing opportunities for participation in sport across all ages, abilities and ambitions.
It is right for the Parliament to take the time to acknowledge and highlight the sometimes unsung work that a great many people, organisations and, in this instance, an important sports club undertake in communities throughout Scotland. There are many more clubs that do sterling work across Scotland. I thank Bill Butler for lodging his motion, which has given us the opportunity to recognise the valuable work and shining example of Drumchapel table tennis club. I hope that the club will keep up the good work, and I look forward to visiting it and seeing more of its work. I wish club members the best of luck in the future.
Meeting closed at 17:36.