Harry McFarlane (University of Abertay)

Harry McFarlane is an exceptional volunteer at Ballumbie Primary School, contributing 150 hours over the past 12 months while balancing full-time university study. He has led a wide range of programmes, including a P6 basketball club, a girls’ confidence and engagement programme, ESA 1 gym sessions, boccia, and multi-sport summer camps. Under his guidance, teams have achieved notable successes, including winning the December cluster basketball festival and are preparing for the Dundee finals. Harry has also mentored P7-S3 leaders, supported sports day, and led the P4-5 World Cup club. .

Jessica Scott (University of Abertay) & Mya Burns (University of Dundee)

Jessica and Mya are lead coaches for inline roller hockey at Dundee’s Daisy Ducks. Both have been pivotal in growing female participation in this niche sport, coaching players of all ages and acting as inspiring role models for women in sport. This year, they expanded the Daisy Ducks, Scotland’s only women’s roller hockey team, creating pathways for older juniors and opening sessions to girls from other clubs. Their work culminated in the 2026 Emerald Cup, where three Daisies, including Jess and Mya, represented senior Team GB, and two under-14 Daisies made their international debuts!

John Mitchell (University of Abertay)

John is a fourth-year student at the University of Abertay and a former Baldragon Academy pupil. John has volunteered at his alma mater for four consecutive years. Over the last year, John has dedicated two full days per week to volunteering. Each week, John is planning and delivering sports sessions, officiating primary school football matches, supporting various sports teams and helping at all holiday camps. Beyond Baldragon and the Strathmartine ward, John has also supported local community football initiatives across the city.

Ailsa Anderson (The Brae Riding for the Disabled)

Ailsa has made an exceptional impact at The Brae, volunteering for five hours every Saturday to support therapeutic horse riding for young people with disabilities. Ailsa’s dedication has helped to transform the lives of many young people. She tailors her approach to each individual rider, teaching learners how to form bonds with the horses as well as helping to develop their physical, social, and emotional skills. Despite her tender age, Ailsa supports new volunteers and contributes to fundraising events, demonstrating great leadership and initiative.

Ronan Howard (Harris Academy FP Hockey Club)

Ronan’s dedication and passion over the past year have helped to transform Harris FP Hockey club's junior section. He combines playing for the men’s 1st team with coaching the under 12 junior Harris Hawks team each week. Ronan also volunteers through umpiring at the Midlands youth matches, meaning his entire weekend is focused on playing, coaching and umpiring hockey! On top of this, Ronan volunteers with Active Schools to deliver coaching sessions for pupils at Blackness primary.

Ellie Vesey (Greenfield Academy)

Ellie is an S3 pupil at Greenfield Academy who has volunteered over 200 hours in the past year. At Ballumbie primary, Ellie leads the P3–7 girls-only multi-sports club on Friday evenings, volunteers at all Ballumbie holiday camps and played a pivotal coaching role at the successful ‘National Girls in Sport Week’ camp in October as well as the ‘Fit Friday’ initiative in February. Ellie is involved with every coaching, training and leadership program available through Active Schools. Out with school, Ellie volunteer coaches for four hours every Saturday morning with local community dance club ‘Dancilicious’.

Steph Kennedy (Eastern Primary School) 

Steph Kennedy from Eastern Primary School has shown extraordinary dedication to volunteering throughout 2025. Steph has coached the Eastern school netball team for ten years and devotes endless hours to developing the sport at her school, winning the city-wide netball league three times since its inception four years ago. This year, just two weeks after giving birth and still on maternity leave, Steph returned to coaching with baby Jude and led the Eastern primary school netball team to become joint league winners!

Andy Cameron (Clepington Primary School)

Andy is no stranger to the Active Dundee Sports Awards. He has demonstrated true dedication to sport at Clepington primary school over the years and is the key to sports participation at the school. As well as leading delivery of sports clubs this year, Andy has mentored Morgan senior pupil sports leaders, school staff and parent volunteers. Andy ensures that his school are well represented at sports events too, looking after teams at football, basketball and athletics festivals and led his school to a third consecutive FAWN cup win this year. As PEPAS lead and cluster chair, he promotes high-quality sport across the cluster.

Jacqueline Bell (Greenfield Academy)

Jacqui is the driving force behind Greenfield Academy’s Slessor House (ASN) sports provision. Jacqui ensures that pupils attend every ASN festival and initiative available. Between April 2025 and March 2026, Jacqui volunteered over 150 hours to support lunchtime clubs for boccia, karate and dance. She delivers the ESA Sports Days, developed the Slessor Interhouse points program and has organized staff and pupil gym inductions at Slessor. Jacqui’s dedication has increased participation to record levels, with 54% of Slessor ASN pupils attending extra-curricular clubs and 74% taking part in city wide, regional or national ASN events.

Kevin Ancell (Dundee High School PF Cricket Club)

Over the past year, Kevin has been the driving force behind the rapid growth and development of the Dalnacraig Rocks, Dundee High School FP cricket club’s junior section. Kevin has built an inclusive, well-run programme that has reached around 900 children from the Coldside and Maryfield wards through school taster sessions, extra-curricular clubs, holiday camps and club sessions. Under Kevins guidance, the club have developed a great pathway from junior to senior cricket and have had 5 players selected for regional squads with one player debuting for Scotland under 15’s. Kevin helped to build a new female player section and introduced the club's new winter training sessions. Kevin also contributes on the club’s behalf to Caird Park Community Sport Hub and the new Women & Girls Community Sport Hub.

Ross Laing (Dundee West Community Trust)

Ross Laing has been involved with ‘The West’ for 15 years, initially taking his sons team from fun 4’s through to under 18’s. Over the past year, Ross has been instrumental in rebuilding a successful pathway between the U’18 boys' team and the Dundee West men’s amateur team. Ross is also the club secretary and coordinates fixtures for over 40 teams and 800 players. Ross’s other club secretary roles include managing adults working groups and developing a thriving new girl's football committee. On top of this, Ross is considered ‘The Head Groundsman’ due to his passion for helping with the club's facility developments including maintenance of the new 3G pitch and club pavilion. In addition, Ross is also the secretary for Dundee North West Community Sports Hub.

Heather Leadbetter (Lochee Amateur Boxing Club)

Heather has made an exceptional contribution at Lochee Boxing Club this year. Heather coaches at club sessions on Saturday mornings as well as serving as an official boxing judge for national competitions. Heather’s volunteer work over the past year includes delivering boxing and multi-sport sessions at numerous schools across the city, creating innovative opportunities such as ‘Walk and Box’, female-only fitness classes as well as coaching children with additional support needs. Heather also supports Community Sport Hub of the Lochee Area initiatives, delivering sports camps through the holiday periods, mentoring young coaches along the way. In addition, Heather contributes positively to the new ASN Community Sport Hub.

Stuart McGregor (Dundee West Community Trust)

Stuart McGregor is a dedicated coach for Dundee West Community Trust. Stuart is a father of SIX but he still manages to balance family and work commitments while coaching three of the Dundee West junior teams as well as coordinate the girls’ pathway and the small-sided games program at the club. Stuart also coaches the Downfield primary girls football team. Over the past year, he has dedicated more than 30 hours weekly to coaching and mentoring and recently completed the UEFA Children’s Licence.

Eva Innes (Tayside Jets Junior Netball Club)

Eva is a local netball guru who has masterminded the exceptional growth of netball in Dundee at her club, Tayside Jets. As founder, she has built the club from scratch to having over 150 players and nine new coaches, creating opportunities for pupils from primary 3 up to under 17’s. Eva delivers multiple weekly training sessions and manages several teams at junior fixtures in the Perthshire leagues. This season, Eva has introduced additional training sessions for advanced players and teams across all age groups are thriving, with several achieving top three league positions and some reaching the latter stages of national competitions.  

Chris Bonnar (Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club)

Chris Bonnar is an outstanding coach whose dedication has been central to the success of Grove Menzieshill hockey club’s men's first team. Over the past 8 years, Chris has developed several players through the U16 and U18 teams into confident senior athletes. Over the past season, Chris’s team won the Scottish Indoor Championship and will represent Scotland on the European stage. Several of his players have progressed to play for the current Scotland under 16 and under 18 squads, highlighting his influence and ability to turn youth to gold.

Mary Johnstone (Greenfield Academy)

Mary is a PE teacher, now based at Greenfield Academy who has dedicated 45 years to creating inclusive sporting opportunities across Dundee schools. This past year, Mary’s voluntary work includes leading two netball teams in the Scottish cup as well as delivering football, pickleball and girls-only fitness sessions. She has also mentored senior pupils through leadership qualifications and has integrated them into her extra-curricular club coaching sessions. As a former international footballer, her experience enriches her teaching and volunteer work, inspiring confidence, resilience, and ambition, particularly for girls.

Irene Morrison (Forthill Squash Club)

Irene has dedicated over 48 years to Forthill Squash Club as a player, coach and volunteer. She serves as committee member, membership secretary and treasurer, welcoming new members and supporting them from their first training sessions to league match play. Irene runs fundraising events, oversees club maintenance, coordinates fixtures for her team ‘Forthill Buddies’, coaches juniors and supports school lunchtime and ASN sessions. Irene also is a member of WISPS (Women in Scotland Play Squash). Irene also volunteers her time to Forthill Community Sports Hub initiatives. Her dedication was shown recently even after hand surgery, she continued her volunteer and coaching roles.

Derek Black (Dundee Rugby Club)

Derek has devoted over 60 years to rugby in Dundee and the surrounding area as a PE teacher, coach, committee member, and uniquely, president of three separate clubs—Morgan FP, Dundee High School FP, and now Dundee Rugby. His lifetime of volunteer service, including financial contributions when needed, has strengthened each club and inspired countless young players to take up the sport. Despite recent health challenges, Derek remains a respected figurehead and mentor, embodying dedication, leadership, and passion for rugby. His immeasurable commitment has shaped generations of players and clubs.

Claypotts Castle Primary School

Claypotts Castle Primary School has placed physical education, physical activity and sport at the heart of school life, embedding inclusion, wellbeing, and leadership. Between April 2025 and March 2026, 34% of pupils participated in 14 extra-curricular clubs. The school delivered targeted holiday camps, girls-only programmes, ‘Hot Meal Clubs’ and P6–P7 sports leaders programmes. The school achieved the Sport Scotland Gold School Sport Award and strengthened pathways into community clubs including Dundee Rugby and Dundee United Sports Club.

Ballumbie Primary School

Ballumbie Primary School has transformed their sports provision in recent years, creating inclusive, high-quality opportunities that engage over 200 pupils. This year, through their Active Schools Assistant, the school have focused on increasing opportunities for pupils with ASN’s and disengaged girls through target groups, extra-curricular clubs and holiday camps. The school had developed a sustainable leadership pathway, mentoring 25 pupils through Level 2 ‘HI 5’ and Level 3 Dynamic Youth Awards so they can lead whole school events such as ‘Fit Fridays’ and the ‘Girls in Sport October Camp’. Ballumbie’s innovative and inclusive approach helped them to obtain the Gold School Sport Award in April 2025.

Eastern Primary School

Eastern Primary School champions sport, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles, offering P1–P7 pupils a wide range of competitive and recreational opportunities. Over 200 pupils engaged in extra-curricular clubs this year, including football, netball, hockey, tennis, judo, and floor curling, with highlights including winning the P6/7 netball league for the third time. The school prioritises inclusion, ensuring pupils in enhanced provisions access tailored activities such as swimming, boccia, and play sessions. Eastern have developed strong community links with local clubs such as Panmure Panthers rugby club and Grove Menzieshill hockey club.

Blackness Primary School

Blackness Primary School exemplifies a whole-school commitment to sport and physical activity. Over the past 12 months, the school have offered 30 different extra-curricular clubs with 62% pupil participation and a 50:50 gender balance. The school also offers targeted opportunities for pupils with additional support needs. Staff, parent volunteers and sports students support are involved, while strong links with local clubs and Ancrum Outdoor Centre provide pathways into community sport. Pupils have achieved success in hockey, basketball and dance and initiatives like The Daily Mile, Parkrun and Water Day promote health, wellbeing, and learning.

Grove Academy

Grove Academy has demonstrated outstanding commitment to sport, engaging over 200 pupils in local, regional, and national competitions across football, rugby, athletics, netball, swimming, basketball, hockey, and badminton. The school actively promotes inclusive participation, offering leadership opportunities through senior pupil led coaching and SCQF-accredited courses in football and fitness. Innovative programmes, such as the Sport Engagement Group and Fitness Industry Training Academy support learners with diverse needs, developing employability and life skills. Grove fosters strong community links, particularly with Panmure rugby club and Grove Menzieshill hockey club.

Morgan Academy

Morgan Academy has transformed its extracurricular sport offer, expanding from two to sixteen weekly clubs, engaging over 100 pupils at lunchtime alone. Participation now includes 20% of pupils with ASN, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusion. Partnerships with local clubs provide clear pathways into community sport, while senior pupils lead sessions, supporting both secondary and the cluster primaries. Participation has risen to 23% of the school roll, with individual pupils more than doubling from 134 to 279. Partnerships with local sports clubs provide clear pathways, while the schools dedication to city-wide competitions across multiple sports ensures opportunities for all abilities.

Greenfield Academy

Greenfield Academy has used sport to unite young people across Dundee’s East End, following the merger of Craigie High and Braeview Academy last year. Offering 30 extra-curricular clubs, including five ASN-specific programmes, the school engages with 30% of pupils through extra-curricular activity, the highest in the city. 28% of girls participate in extra-curricular clubs with the schools ‘Girls in Sport’ evenings being particularly popular. Partnerships with local clubs through the School of Sport and early evening cluster transition clubs have helped to create clear pathways into local football, rugby, netball, dance, volleyball and futsal teams. Multiple leadership programmes have enabled Greenfield pupils to lead or assist at sports clubs and support the delivery of cluster primary school festivals and community events.

Kingspark School

Kingspark School has transformed access to extracurricular activities for young people with complex health, physical and learning needs, overcoming long-standing barriers to participation. The school now offers a diverse programme of extra-curricular clubs including swimming, ice skating and ‘walk and box’ sessions to build confidence and skills. Kingspark Dance Club recently won the best Overall Star Performance at the Dundee Schools Dance Event, a first in the school’s history. Through carefully structured, supportive activities, the school provides life-changing experiences, fosters social connection and addresses accessibility gaps in Dundee, ensuring Kingspark pupils of all abilities can thrive, develop, and feel included.

Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club

Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club are based at Dawson Park and deliver an exceptional year-round programme for players of all ages and abilities. With five adult teams and youth squads from under 10’s to under 18’s, the club has up to 25 teams playing outdoor and indoor hockey. This year, the men’s first team were crowned Scottish Indoor Champions, while numerous youth players have progressed to district and national squads. Through partnerships with local schools and the Forthill Community Sports Hub, Grove Menzieshill hosts regular festivals, camps and coaching initiatives which help the club to grow continuously.

In a Pickle Pickleball Club

“In a Pickle” Pickleball Club in Dundee is a vibrant, inclusive community club, bringing together 168 members aged 20–80 across twelve weekly sessions. The club fields four competitive teams in the Tayside & Fife Leagues, with two unbeaten and members medalling in national competitions including the Scottish, French, Welsh, and English Opens. Grassroots development is central. Ten trained ambassadors and four volunteer coaches support novices through to elite players. Outreach includes schools, emerging clubs, and wellbeing programs for older adults, promoting physical activity, confidence and social connections.

Dundee Rugby Club

Dundee Rugby Club has had a transformative year, with over 160 junior players, thriving men’s and women’s teams, and scores of dedicated volunteers driving growth and development. The Valkyries women’s first and second teams both won their respective leagues with the first team going unbeaten. While junior girls and boys teams achieved national league wins and cup successes, with several players selected for Caledonia regional squads as well as Glasgow Warriors Academies. The club have several weekly programmes embedded into local schools, including a successful ‘School of Rugby’ at Greenfield Academy and are a key participant in Caird Park Community Sport Hub initatives.

Aiden Downie (Dundee City Aquatics)

Aiden is an exceptionally dedicated young Dundee City Aquatics club swimmer, who trains up to eight times per week across multiple venues. Living with severe sight impairment does not hinder Aiden and over the past year, he has achieved remarkable success at regional and national level, earning multiple medals and personal bests in every swimming stroke. To top off an outstanding year, Aiden gained selection to the Scottish Swimming Junior Para Squad.

Cameron Millar (Dundee Boccia Club)

Cameron has enjoyed an outstanding year in boccia, achieving success at both regional and national levels. At the Scotland LD Games, Cameron captained his team to gold in the top tier of the competition as well as securing the individual gold medal. Cameron also won the Tayside Student Boccia Championship in a pairs event and was crowned Dundee Boccia Club Champion for accumulating the highest points this season.

Talija Reinholde (Dundee Madson's Basketball Club)

Talija is an exceptionally talented basketball player who trains at multiple sessions each week with the Dundee Madson's girls under-14 and under-16 teams. As a profoundly deaf athlete, Talija is excelling in mainstream sport. She overcomes communication barriers by relying on visual cues, determination and learned skills when she doesn’t have interpreter support. Her progress was recognised with a Dundee Madson’s award in May 2025, reflecting her effort and positive impact.

Gregor Anderson (Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club)

Gregor is an outstanding badminton player who has achieved exceptional recent success. Over the past year, Gregor has been a serial winner with multiple titles including the Discovery Games, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport and both the West and East Disability Championships. This year Gregor won the Scottish Disability National Championship in both the men's singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles within the wheelchair section.

Ksenia Mann (Menzieshill Whitehall Swimming & Water Polo club)

Ksenia, a member of Menzieshill Whitehall swimming and water polo club has had an exceptional year. Training eight times per week, she consistently pushes her limits. Her swimming achievements include selection for the Scottish National Swimming youth team, multiple national medals and qualification for the British summer meet. At water polo, Ksenia won the Scottish cup, represented Scotland at under 17 and under 19 age-group squads and earned selection for the Great Britain team.

Eve Fairbairn (Grove Academy)

Eve Fairbairn, an S5 pupil at Grove Academy, has emerged as one of Scotland’s most exciting young cyclists, delivering outstanding results across track and road disciplines. Eve claimed victories in the Points and Elimination races at the Inter-Regionals and secured second at the British Madison Championships. Eve is also Scottish Scratch Race Champion, a national Hill Climb winner, and part of a British Team Pursuit record-setting squad. Internationally, Eve won the Scratch Race at the NextGen Sola in Norway.

Findlay Duncan (Grove Menzieshill Hockey Club)

Findlay Duncan is an outstanding young Grove Menzieshill hockey club player. Over the past year, Finlay has represented Grove Menzieshill's men’s team and competed internationally with Scotland U18 at the European Cup, earning a call-up to the Scotland Men's Development squad. A defining moment this year came in the Scottish Cup Final, where he scored a last-second equaliser and two shootout goals to secure victory for the Grove Menzieshill men’s side.

Cerys Hawes (Kanzen for life)

Cerys has had another great year, establishing herself among the world’s leading senior Karate athletes. In 2025, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming Scottish, British, European and World Champion within a single year, demonstrating outstanding consistency against elite international competition. Cerys trains over 20 hours weekly while balancing employment, coaching and leadership responsibilities.

Anastasia Vaipan Law and Luke Digby (Dundee Ice Skating Club)

Anastasia Vaipan-Law and Luke Digby have cemented their status as Britain’s leading pair skaters, claiming a fifth consecutive national title and setting a new British record. Their 2025-26 season included podium success at the Warsaw Cup, strong Grand Prix and European performances and the achievement of competing at the Olympic Winter Games in both team and individual events. Despite injury setbacks that limited training, they delivered season-best performances on the sport’s biggest stage.

Sheli McCoy (Cross Fit Dundee)

Sheli has had an outstanding year, excelling as an elite Olympic weightlifter while inspiring her community as Sabre on Gladiators. Over the past year, Sheli qualified for the British Championships, represented Scotland on the world stage and delivered a strong performance at the World Championships. Alongside her sporting success, she is a passionate advocate for health and wellbeing and is a powerful role model and champion for girls and women in sport.

Change Centre Dundee

The Change Centre is a transformative initiative using sport to engage and support some of the city’s most vulnerable individuals, including those affected by addiction, homelessness, mental health challenges and unemployment. Through its focus on reducing risk, creating opportunity and building positive communities, it provides a safe, inclusive environment that fosters meaningful personal development. Reaching over 70,000 people annually, it has created pathways into employment and education while revitalising a community facility into a thriving, sustainable hub for connection, participation and positive change.  

Dundee West Community Trust

Dundee West had another excellent year, delivering multiple targeted programmes addressing mental health, engagement, gender equity and poverty. Their mental health football initiative supports over 50 men weekly. Young people from SIMD 1 & 2 areas benefit from 30 free lunchtime and 10 after-school football sessions, promoting physical activity and healthier lifestyles. The women’s wellbeing club offers hard-to-reach parents' weekly activity. The Extra Time programme tackles food poverty and school attendance, providing transport, breakfast and after-school meals for up to 30 children daily.

Greenfield Academy

Greenfield Academy has utilised sport as their vehicle for opportunity and inclusion. With five ASN lunchtime clubs, 28% of girls engaged through the ‘Girls in Sport’ sessions and 56% of the participants from SIMD 1 & 2 backgrounds, the school provides free access to sport for all pupils. Strong partnerships with Kit 4 All, ‘No Boots, No More,’ Robertson and ‘Dundee Bairns Tea’ provide the school community with free sports kits, footwear, equipment and healthy meals, removing financial and practical barriers. Several local clubs are now based at the school to create seamless pathways into community sport, removing the added barrier of travel.

Dundee Schools Music Theatre

Dundee Schools Music Theatre is a vibrant, inclusive company that provides young people from Dundee City Council, High School of Dundee, Angus Council and North East Fife secondary schools with the opportunity to engage in musical theatre—entirely free of charge. Since its inception in 1999, Dundee Schools Music Theatre has positively impacted the lives of over 6,000 young people, fostering creativity and collaboration through workshops and live performances.

This year, Dundee Schools Music Theatre proudly presents The SpongeBob Musical, an enchanting production based on the hit Nickelodeon cartoon. The show will run at the Gardyne Theatre from 3rd-6th June 2026, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of these young performers.

Simon Briggs

Simon Briggs is an elite British figure skating coach and ISU Technical Specialist based at Ice Dundee. Coaching alongside his wife, Debi Briggs, he supports high-performance single and pair skaters competing at European, World, Grand Prix, and Olympic levels, and was named 2025 High Performance Coach of the Year. Simon has been involved at the past 5 Olympic Games!

From a distinguished skating family, Simon competed internationally for Great Britain across singles and pairs earning multiple British Championship medals and NISA golds. A NISA Level 5 free skating coach and Level 4 pair skating coach, he has guided British Champions to major championships, including the Olympic Winter Games. Simon has also served as Coaching Director for NISA, leading coach education across the UK.