The Scottish Junior Sports and Health Trust was founded in 2006 by Mr Jan Collins and friends, who shared a passion for helping kids access tennis in Ayrshire. The Trust enjoyed great success attracting many kids into the game by providing funding to facilities, schools programmes, and coaching, especially for children who couldn’t afford to play tennis.
From around 2018, the Trust recognised that golf faced similar challenges. Focusing on making golf an educational, fun-filled, and affordable experience, the Trust helped some 28,000 kids access golf by funding an innovative educational programme.
In 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, Jan decided to “get off my backside and do something meaningful”. He infamously decided to play 1000 holes of pitch and putt in his garden in Troon, to raise £18,000 for the STV Children’s Appeal. He made it on to STV news at the ripe old age of 91.
A marvellous man who gave so much back to communities.
When Jan was aware that end of life was just around the corner, he handed the reigns of the charity over to a new board of Trustees, who now aim to honour Jan’s legacy by continuing to inspire children to become more active on and off the sports fields. Regardless of their demographics, the Trust aims to make golf and tennis affordable and accessible for all children.
- Encourage, fund and lead schemes that build every day physical activity into the lives of Scotland’s young people.
- Ensure that these activities are inclusive so that all children and young people are given the best opportunities.
- Identify talented youngsters and give them the opportunity to have their talent developed to its fullest potential.
Golf
The Scottish Junior Sports and Health Trust has provided curriculum based golf coaching to primary and S1&2 school children in Ayrshire. This coaching was delivered by PGA professionals who were funded by the trust. Pupils who were keen to further their golfing experience were invited to various golf clubs, where they received more coaching. The trust was also involved in encouraging golf clubs to reduce their junior section entry age qualification so that a playing path was created for those who wished to progress in the game.
Tennis
In conjunction with Tennis Scotland, the Trust provided funding for their tennis apprentice scheme at Prestwick Tennis and Fitness. On completion of their apprenticeships, each of these individuals has gained a career in tennis. The trust also supported individual players to enable them to afford coaching and to compete at a high level. The trust also helped fund Prestwick Tennis and Fitness’s disability tennis programme.