October 2009 - News Stories

Samantha bounces her way to success

Picture: Samantha Stewart

An East Neuk secondary school pupil was jumping for joy after turning in an outstanding sporting performance at the weekend.

Samantha Stewart, a Year 9 (S2) student at St Leonards in St Andrews, bounced her way into a top ten finish at the Scottish National Trampolining Championships on Saturday.

After qualifying by virtue of some impressive performances in local competitions, the 13 year old from Upper Largo placed tenth when she went up against the country�s top 20 young trampolinists at the event which was held at Bell�s Sports Centre in Perth.

Samantha, who is a member of the Flyers Trampolining Club in Glenrothes, said, �I�ve been trampolining for about 18 months.

�We�ve got a trampoline at home and I used to be able to do a lot of tricks on it so my mum wanted me to go and try it a bit more seriously.

�I went along to the Club and really enjoyed it.

�It was great to qualify for the Nationals. I didn�t expect to!�

Young birdie maker joins elite squad

Picture: Ally McDougall small

A young St Andrews golfer is celebrating after being given the opportunity to take his blossoming game to the next level.

Alasdair McDougall, a pupil at St Leonards School, has just earned a place in the Scottish Golf Union�s coaching academy and, with it, the chance to benefit from regular and intensive expert instruction.

Alasdair�s selection was very much a case of serious dedication and hard work paying off.

�Over the summer I just practiced and practiced every day,� he said.

Alasdair has had support from SALJGA (St Andrews Links Junior Golf Association) and has been part of the coaching programme offered by Steve North and the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.

The 12 year old from Drumoig, who plays off a handicap of nine, came through a demanding selection process to win his highly sought after spot.

He said, �At the trials I had to hit golf balls on the driving range, do some chipping drills and then some putting too.

�Four players were selected out of my trial so I�m really pleased to be one of them.�

Alasdair is well known in St Andrews junior golf circles having recently graduated to a full time spot on the highly competitive SALJGA Challenge Tour after previously enjoying great success on the Mini Tour.

Long term, he is aiming to lower his handicap even further but at the moment Alasdair is just looking forward to getting started with the Squad.

�I can�t wait!�, he said.