Schools key for sport: Judy Murray

Sep 25 2012

Scotland must invest in accessible, affordable facilities and quality coaching if it is to capitalise on the legacy of the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, Andy Murray's tennis coach mother has told MSPs.

Schools should be the starting point for children's involvement in sport, with close links forged with community clubs, Judy Murray told Holyrood`s Health and Sport Committee.

Ms Murray was joined at the committee by a panel of witnesses including former distance runner and Olympic medallist Liz McColgan, who also fired a warning shot over sports provision, describing current conditions as "a sad state of affairs".

The committee is conducting an inquiry into support for community sport, looking at the contribution of volunteers, the benefits of local sports clubs and the facilities which are available across the country.

Ms Murray, who is also captain of the British Fed Cup team, told MSPs: "We need facilities to be accessible and affordable.

"We have an enormous opportunity right now on the back of the Olympics and with the Commonwealth Games coming up to really capture the imaginations of the Scottish public. I don't just mean children, I mean the adults as well, because it is the parents who will enrol the children into sports classes."

Ms Murray talked about her own experiences as a parent and coach, and how she began by running local school teams on a voluntary basis.

She told MSPs that, during her time as Scotland`s national tennis coach, it had been the parents and volunteers who had helped deliver success. She added: "Facilities on their own will not get the job done. It has to be about people."

Ms Murray also emphasised the importance of sport and PE provision in schools.

"It is very important for kids to learn the co-ordination skills and physical skills at a young age," she said. "The best place for them to learn is at home and early years of school."