Scots tennis coach hopes ‘Learn to Lead’ will promote healthy, active lifestyles

Judy Murray has today (Thursday 5 June) launched an exciting new initiative to equip and empower young girls to become Scotland’s next generation of sporting leaders.

The Learn to Lead programme will see the tennis coach work with schools across Scotland to inspire and support youngsters to stay active and develop leadership skills.

Murray, a former GB Federation Cup captain and mother to two former world number one tennis players, Jamie and Andy Murray, believes urgent action is needed to turn around a worrying trend which continues to see millions of girls drop out of sports as they enter their teenage years.

Research conducted by Women in Sport found that 1.3 million teenage girls who had previously considered themselves ‘sporty’ are dropping out of exercise and activity when they leave primary school.

Learn to Lead looks to target youngsters ahead of their move to high school, giving them the opportunity not only to play sport, but to coach it too.

The programme will give p6 and p7 pupils (aged 10-12 years) the chance to develop basic leadership and organisational skills by empowering them to set up and run lunchtime or after school tennis clubs for p1 to p4 girls (aged 4-9 years).

The clubs, which can be run in school gyms or playgrounds, will incorporate fun-filled games and exercises in a playful environment, building on Murray’s successful Miss Hits programme, which was launched UK-wide in 2014.

Although a teacher will be required to supervise, Learn to Lead allows older primary pupils to take charge by planning, setting up, demonstrating and running activities for the younger girls, sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport.

Initially, Murray will partner with 20 schools across Scotland, targeting primary schools with a local tennis club or equivalent facilities nearby, ensuring girls have a convenient place they can continue playing should they wish to do so.

Learn to Lead has been piloted in Aberdeen city and Aberdeenshire, where dozens of youngsters have been introduced to both tennis and leadership, with many now progressing to play with local clubs.

Judy Murray said: “As a female tennis coach, I want to inspire the next generation of girls to learn to lead sporting activity so I can be confident that once I have retired, we have a well-trained coaching workforce in place and ready to continue growing the girl’s side of the game.

“I believe Learn to Lead will help us to not just get girls playing sport at a young age but keep them engaged throughout their lives and perhaps even provide a route towards careers in coaching or developing sport.

“My life has revolved around sport and as well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits that brings, the life skills you develop by being part of a sport really prepare you for what adulthood will throw at you. And of course, the friendships you form often last a lifetime.

“It worries me that so many girls drop out of sport in their teenage years. I hope this programme can help address some of the issues around this by providing a fun and friendly atmosphere with development options too.

“Whether girls go on to become competitive players, coaches or just develop a love for sport at any level, this is about growing participation and getting young girls active.

“I am really proud of what Miss Hits has already achieved, and hope that over the coming months we can build on this with our junior workforce leading the way.”

Sarah Fraser, lead active schools coordinator (projects) at Sport Aberdeen, said: “Learn to Lead has been a huge hit. From our initial work with the programme we have already seen huge benefits for the girls involved. For some of the younger girls this has been the first sports club they’ve been involved in, and it has given them a chance to try out tennis. For the older girls who are leading the classes, we have been struck by the confidence and leadership skills they have gained. 

“I would definitely encourage schools to get involved. Learn to Lead is easy to pick up and deliver, and it is a great way to support girls to not just try sports, but to continue playing and develop their skills as they approach their teenage years and beyond.”