From Sunday 16^th until Thursday 20^th July 2023, a record 92 of the country’s brightest young shinty prospects, from 25 clubs across Scotland, descended upon Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire for the 2023 Macdonald & Cameron National Player Performance Camp.

Each player, aged between 14 and 17, had been nominated by their youth or senior club to take part in the camp, designed to offer the very best in the technical, tactical, physical and psychological aspects of the game.

Throughout the week, the young players received specialist training from Camanachd Association coaches and International players based around all the key skills, techniques and tactics of the game.

Elanor Cormack a Sport Psychologist delivered an interactive session with the budding shinty players on the mental side of the game, working on coping strategies when dealing with pressurised game situations. Garry Reid, Scotland’s senior international manger was also present and delivered an excellent session on the tactical side of the game. He also discussed in depth the attributes he looks for in players when selected the international team.

A number of awards were presented at the end of Thursday’s session. The award winners were: Player of the Camp: Shane O’Rua (Kilmallie); Most Committed Player: Logan Adam (Aberdour); Most Improved Player: Alex Knotts (Strathglass).

East Region Regional Development Officer and Camp Organiser, Alaina Maclennan said: The National Performance camp continues to go from strength to strength. To have a record number of participants this year shows how important a role the camp players in the youth shinty player pathway. I would like to thank all the players, coaches, guest speakers and sponsors who all played their part in a fantastic week of shinty.

Camanachd Association’s Youth Director, Kirsty Deans commented: “The National Player Development Camp has once again proved a great success. Since its inception over 28 years ago, the camp has helped hundreds of young players from across the country to improve all aspects of their game from the technical to the physical elements of the sport. This year saw a record number of participants.  The camps are also a great way for the participants to meet other aspiring shinty players, forging ties and friendships throughout the sport.”

I would also like to say a huge thank you to Macdonald & Cameron for their continued sponsorship of the camp.

Camp Sponsors, Macdonald & Cameron said: We are delighted as a company to have had the opportunity to sponsor the event again and are pleased to hear it has been such a success for all those involved. We wish all the participants the best in the future with their shinty careers.