Firm’s sponsorship deal will boost access to the sport
An Edinburgh sports graduate has won her dream job as a netball development officer thanks to leading independent accountancy and business advisory firm, Johnston Carmichael.
Correen Davies, 27, will be responsible for training new coaches and umpires, increasing the volunteer network, and being a visible point of contact in Edinburgh for the sport.
Originally from Orkney, Correen moved to the city to study Sports Development and Coaching at Edinburgh College before gaining a degree from Edinburgh Napier University. A longstanding netball fan and player, she had always hoped to secure a job in netball after graduating.
She said: “When asked by a lecturer on our first week, ‘what job do you hope to get after this qualification’ my answer was, ‘the job doesn’t exist yet, but other sports have development officers, and I’d love to do that for netball’. Four years later and now I am in a full-time position where I can help to realise the potential of the sport in my local authority.
“I’d like to thank Johnston Carmichael for its generous contribution towards funding my dream job. I am lucky to work with some wonderful partner organisations where I hope to progress netball across its full pathway. From grassroots to high performance, there are opportunities for everyone regardless of your route.”
Correen’s appointment is part of Johnston Carmichael’s new partnership with Netball Scotland.
The firm provided a funding package worth more than £30,000 to help grow the sport after COVID-19 restrictions and school closures curbed young people’s ability to take up the game.
The deal, which will additionally support new development officer posts in Glasgow and Dundee, is also being used to fund ‘Road to Region’ camps and pay for emergency grants to junior clubs with critical needs linked to participation, accessibility, training and competition.
Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is extremely rewarding for Johnston Carmichael to be involved in such an exciting partnership with Netball Scotland.
“Supporting the appointment of development officers is crucial to improving access to netball. Their work will help to engage the new players, coaches and umpires required to grow the sport and enable new generations to participate.
“Sports such as netball play a vital role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of future generations, building their confidence, and providing them with experience in working within a team, as well as other vital skills needed to thrive both personally and professionally.
“As a firm, we are committed to leaving a legacy in the communities we serve, and we hope to make a tangible difference to the aspirations and achievements of young people across Scotland with this partnership.”