Category: Sports

 

The North Lanarkshire Gymnastics Competition, held in the Ravenscraig on Friday the 8^th of December, was a roaring success for the St Aidan’s gymnastic girls. Emma McConville, one of the successful young gymnasts played a role in securing first place and gold medals for her team at level 3. Individually she placed 3^rd overall and was delighted to discover it meant she received an A band 1 for her national 5 PE prelim.

 

Emma Commented saying “It gives me and my teammates a good reputation within the department and it shows we can work well in a team. I think it really benefits the school and its image.” Additionally she commented on her teacher and in school coach saying “Miss Cairns is over the moon! She’s a very good coach and is always so supportive.”

Miss Cairns commented herself saying “Hard work definitely pays off. I’m a proud teacher and coach, these girls are talented and great role models within the school.”

 

The girls were joined at the event by family and friends and the gymnastics team at St Aidan’s has always received overwhelming support from staff and students alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The boys Under-13 football team secured an overwhelming 10-4 victory against Lanark Grammar. The first half of the match was a hard fought contest and was poised at four-each. However, a dominating second-half performance by the Saint Aidan’s squad sealed an emphatic victory for the home side. It was a great performance by all the young Saint Aidan’s players but special mention goes to Nicholas Wells who netted a double and helped set up two more goals to be recognised as the man of the match.

Edited by Reece Larkins.

Mr Craib interview S1 football trials final.

Was it difficult to pick the pupils that are through to the final stage of the trials?

“It is difficult because actually the pupils were of very high standards, there’s a lot of very good players so we actuall`y had a second trial to make sure we picked the right people for the final stages. Yeah, it was quite a difficult decision.

What will the competition be? Will there be a league?

“So they play in both a league and they also play in a cup. We’ve actually managed to get a buy in to the third round of the cup which is quite good. We will play against either Bishop Briggs or Larkhall for the third round of the cup. Yeah the league games, we will probably start off with a friendly against one of the local schools, then we will play against the others in the league.

Do you think any of the players will have a promising future in football?

“Well there’s a couple already that play pro youth we’ve got one who plays for Hamilton Accies so we’re keeping a wee eye on that, but yeah there’s some really good players in there with some really good potential. So we’re looking forward to see how that goes.

Third year pupil Vivian Duruh, of St Aidan’s High School, recently competed at the Scottish Nationals under 15 category, for the athletic shot put. Duruh successfully threw the 3 kilo shot an impressive 11.8 metres resulting in her placing first. Vivian has been involved in athletics from a young age. Vivian was introduced to the sport whilst a primary school pupil, she was recognised for her outstanding performance in athletics, excelling in shot put. The talented teen then began training 2 times a week at both the Ravenscraig and Wishaw Sport Centre, for an hour and a half to 2 hour sessions each time. Duruh also enjoys training in the comfort of her own back garden. She has also taken part in other competitions across the UK, such as in Grangemouth and Aberdeen, adding to her ever growing collection of medals and helping her continue to break records. With her family, friends and school communities continued support she hopes to be as successful as her idol, Olympian, Valerie Adams and one day place at the Olympics herself. Good luck Vivian!

5^th year student Catherine Watt is an upcoming coach for the St Aidan’s girl’s football team. Catherine’s love of football stems back to the age of 13 she was inspired by her mother’s previous involvement within primary football teams. Catherine’s commitment to the team is clear as she is developing her skills in hope of receiving the Scottish Football Association coaching badge. She trains a team of a dozen driven young women with a passion for the sport, in the high schools games hall.

Catherine believes that female football teams should receive more recognition for their talents and skills. Catherine claims “Female teams within the school don’t usually get much attention unlike male teams who have sponsorships and new kits handed to them… we had to raise money to buy new kits.” The young coach believes that “Mixed teams should be introduced as long as they are of the same ability.”

Catherine thinks women’s football should be of a higher profile as she points to her role model Gemma Fay, Scottish international goalkeeper, who is popular within the girl’s team. They have worked closely with another Scottish female footballer, Sarah Crilly. Sarah is an ex pupil of St Aidan’s and has went on to play for the Scottish Women’s Premier League and Celtic. Crilly has coached the girl’s team occasionally and is popular amongst the girls on the team.

Miss Donnelly, previously involved in the team, says she is “Delighted that girls wanted to form a team and that they have had lots of success and fun in the past.” She is extremely proud of the team and would like to thank all those involved, especially Mr Robert Nimmo who has been involved in the parent’s council for many years.