The Sporting Aces is a people-led sports-based charity working with children and young adults with a range of physical, learning and communication difficulties. The project is based in Kirkintilloch and surrounding local areas.

Our aims are to:

  • Promote good health, fitness and wellbeing through sporting and social activities.

  • Encourage public participation in sport, enabling participants to be successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors, and responsible citizens.

  • Advance citizenship and community development through the delivery of volunteer programmes for both young people and adults ensuring we have strong, resilient, and supportive communities where people take responsibility for their own actions and how they affect others.

What is The Sporting Aces?

Meet the coaching team

Our experienced coaches, multi-sports assistants and volunteers create inclusive, fun sessions that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and communication for all participants.

Dion (Head coach)

My name is Dion and I have been with The Sporting Aces since 2018. As Head Coach I lead the coaching team, overseeing training and fostering strong relationships. I focus on mentoring our participants, tailoring our approach to their unique needs to help them thrive. Additionally, I serve as one of two Child Protection Officers, ensuring a safe environment, and as one of four Walking Leaders, promoting physical activity in our community. My commitment to our participants' growth and the charity's success drives my passion for coaching.

Emily (Coach)

My name is Emily and I have been with The Sporting Aces for 5 years. I started out at as a volunteer as part of my University degree in Sports Development before becoming a coach in 2022. As a coach, I prepare, deliver and evaluate the sessions run for our participants in a variety of sports while promoting social development. Outside of the Aces I work in a sport shop as a sport advisor in the Water Sports and Team Sports department. I’m also a big sports fan and enjoy climbing/bouldering up rocks, playing badminton, playing 5s or going to the gym as well as being a massive Liverpool FC fan.

My name is Lachie. I have been with the Sporting Aces for 6 and a half years. My main duties are supporting the coaches in running their sessions, leading the warm ups/cool downs, and helping the volunteers by encouraging and supporting them in fulfilling their role with confidence. Outside of Sporting Aces, I am studying for an HND in Sports Coaching and Development at City of Glasgow College and I hope to pursue a future career in this area. I enjoy lots of sports including basketball, badminton, tennis, mixed martial arts, and running.

Lachie (Assistant coach)
Brad (Multi-sports assistant)

My name is Brad and I have been with The Sporting Aces for 5 years. My role at the charity is multi-sports assistant. I enjoy helping the participants improve their sporting ability in a variety of sports and clearly being able to see the participants progress week after week is very rewarding. Outside Aces I am a third-year undergraduate, studying Pharmacology at the University of Glasgow. In my spare time, I enjoy playing football for my local junior team and I like to keep active by playing a variety of different sports.

My Name is Robbie and I have been with The Sporting Aces for 5 years. I joined the charity as a participant, then volunteer, and then multi-sports assistant. I work alongside the coaches, volunteers and participants helping to take drills and warm ups, supporting the participants and giving volunteers feedback on how to help and support the participants. I love helping and supporting people and this is what I love about working at the charity, supporting all the young participants/adults every weekend.

Robbie (Multi-sports assistant)
Jay (Multi-sports assistant)

My name is Jay and I have been with The Sporting Aces for over 6 years. As a Multi-Sport Assistant, the most rewarding aspect of my role is introducing participants to new sports and helping them to develop new skills, build confidence, and discover activities they’re passionate about - all while having fun. At university I study Aeronautical Engineering, so to me sport is a welcome break from having my head in textbooks. I have recently started running again and alongside this I go to the gym and play football. 4. I enjoy watching most sports (except baseball!) but my favourites to watch are football, MMA and gymnastics.

We also have a brilliant team of volunteers and trainee volunteers who make sure our sessions are fun and fully supported

Meet our board of trustees

We also have a busy and committed Board of Trustees who are responsible for the day-to-day running of The Sporting Aces as well as applying for funding to make sure we can keep providing our services free of charge.

Paul (Chairperson)

My name is Paul and I am the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. My role is to work with the trustees to secure funding, and to ensure that all our activities comply with our policies and are conducted safely and to a high standard. I am extremely proud to lead such a wonderful charity! My own sporting prowess is limited, but I do enjoy playing tennis and other racquet sports.

Yvonne (Secretary)

My name is Yvonne and I have been the Secretary of The Sporting Aces since 2019. I manage meetings, prepare agendas and minutes, provide resources for the trustees to help with informed decision-making, and oversee our social media. I also volunteer at Saturday sessions and participate in social events to ensure a positive experience for all involved.

My name is Lorraine and I am the treasurer, which means I look after the finances of the club. I started in July 2019 when we were known as The Tennis Aces. I was involved in The Tennis Aces becoming a charity and changing its name to The Sporting Aces in November 2019.

Lorraine (Treasurer)
Glenda (Board member)

My name is Glenda and I have been involved with The Sporting Aces for 3 years. As a trustee I attend board meetings and provide input to letters, policies and funding applications. I also provide adult support on outings, festivals, and parties. I enjoy all racquet sports and at the moment I play pickleball weekly.

My name is David and I first became aware of The Sporting Aces when I brought my son to sessions in 2021. I became a Trustee in 2023 and, in particular, support our Head Coach in the development of our staff and volunteers. I try to stay fit through running and enjoy watching all sports from football and rugby to tennis and cricket. As I used to live in the USA I also enjoy American Football, basketball and baseball.

David (Board member)

Join The Sporting Aces

We always welcome new members so if you or your young person would like to join The Sporting Aces then please get in touch here or at office.thesportingaces@yahoo.com