Latest news with #LearntoLead
The Herald Scotland
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Judy Murray on females as leaders, and the Andy/Novak partnership
Murray has launched 'Learn to Lead', which aims to equip and empower young girls to become Scotland's next generation of sporting leaders and it follows on from her 'Miss Hits' programme, which, for over a decade, has been working to increase the number of women and girls involved in tennis. Murray has long been a believer that the best way to change things is to target kids in an attempt to form habits and foster enthusiasm at a young age. 'Learn to Lead' is in this mould and by aiming the programme at primary school girls, Murray is hopeful of making a meaningful difference in terms of the number of girls who become, and remain, involved in all areas of tennis. 'This programme is very simple, but it's done well - it'll develop leadership skills in girls aged between 10 and 12 and teach them how to deliver to younger girls,' Murray explains. 'Initially, 20 schools will be involved but the schools have to be in close proximity to a tennis club or tennis courts because we have to have an exit strategy for the girls and somewhere they can go to progress. 'We're not necessarily looking for them all to become top-level coaches, we're just wanting to keep them involved in tennis.' Judy Murray launched 'Learn to Lead' in Edinburgh yesterday (Image: Connor Mollison) Murray was prompted to develop this initiative off the back of the figures released by Women in Sport which found that 1.3 million teenage girls who had previously considered themselves 'sporty' drop out of exercise and activity when they leave primary school. It is, says Murray, a shocking statistic and it's a trend that, she believes, cannot be allowed to continue. 'The Women in Sport data is horrific and when I saw it I thought we really need to look at solutions instead of just keeping talking,' she says. 'A lot of the drop-out is to do with girls growing up so quickly these days - there's a loss of confidence and they become more aware of their body image around 11, 12 years old now so by developing something that empowers girls through the primary years and helping them go into high school with more confidence and a greater enjoyment of sport can only be a good thing. 'And the leadership angle in this programme is driven by my own experience of being a female in a very male-dominated world.' Murray is keen to emphasise to young girls that becoming a professional tennis player is not the only way to become and remain involved in the sport. And while so many roles within sport as a whole are currently occupied by men, Murray remains optimistic that, with the right support and strategies, this can change. 'We need to plant the seed earlier in girls that whether you play sport to a good level or not, there are plenty of jobs for you,' she says. 'There has to be a better understanding of how important it is to have women in the sporting workforce in all areas and by that I mean physios, trainers, event management and everything in-between. 'With this programme, it's about starting small but dreaming big because we have to aim towards full equality in coaching and leadership. 'I do think we can get to full equality eventually but it's about having more women in leadership positions in sport because men see the world with a male lens and that doesn't help us. 'It's about creating opportunity and if this programme can start to plant seeds, bear fruit at a young age and show girls how they can be the boss by giving them a little bit of responsibility then great.' Murray was, unsurprisingly, an interested observer in Andy Murray's coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic, which began last November and ended abruptly last month after just six months together. Andy's foray into the coaching ranks wasn't particularly unexpected but few had anticipated his first coaching job to be with the greatest player of all time. Andy Murray coached Novak Djokovic for six months before splitting last month (Image: Getty Images) Results-wise, the partnership was perhaps not as fruitful as either would have liked but few doubt that Andy has the skills and knowledge it takes to be a top-level coach. Judy is in complete agreement that Andy has the tools to be an excellent coach and while she's reluctant to make any predictions as to her son's next move, she seems fairly certain that he isn't champing at the bit to return to the coaching world in the near future. 'Andy had just retired and wasn't looking to go into coaching but he stepped in because Novak asked him. When they joined-up, I was certainly interested to see how he got on being on the other side of things and realising how stressful it can be,' she says. 'I don't think he's ready to jump straight back into coaching, though, because the tennis circuit is relentless. 'I can see him doing a consultant type role with young players and he's already done a lot of mentoring with the British players on the men's side who are coming through but I can't see him being a full-time tennis coach. 'There's more to life than jumping straight back into the tennis rat race after nearly 20 years as a player. I don't think he'll necessarily want to jump back onto that merry-go-round - not when you're someone who's got four kids to taxi around and you want to get your golf handicap to scratch. 'Whether he does it in the future, I don't know - that's for him to answer and I actually don't think he knows the answer either but my guess is not right now.'
The National
18 hours ago
- Sport
- The National
Judy Murray on females as leaders, and the Andy/Novak partnership
And it's her personal experience as being one of only a select few females coaching at the highest level which has prompted her to set up her new initiative. Murray has launched 'Learn to Lead', which aims to equip and empower young girls to become Scotland's next generation of sporting leaders and it follows on from her 'Miss Hits' programme, which, for over a decade, has been working to increase the number of women and girls involved in tennis. Murray has long been a believer that the best way to change things is to target kids in an attempt to form habits and foster enthusiasm at a young age. 'Learn to Lead' is in this mould and by aiming the programme at primary school girls, Murray is hopeful of making a meaningful difference in terms of the number of girls who become, and remain, involved in all areas of tennis. 'This programme is very simple, but it's done well - it'll develop leadership skills in girls aged between 10 and 12 and teach them how to deliver to younger girls,' Murray explains. 'Initially, 20 schools will be involved but the schools have to be in close proximity to a tennis club or tennis courts because we have to have an exit strategy for the girls and somewhere they can go to progress. 'We're not necessarily looking for them all to become top-level coaches, we're just wanting to keep them involved in tennis.' Judy Murray launched 'Learn to Lead' in Edinburgh yesterday (Image: Connor Mollison) Murray was prompted to develop this initiative off the back of the figures released by Women in Sport which found that 1.3 million teenage girls who had previously considered themselves 'sporty' drop out of exercise and activity when they leave primary school. It is, says Murray, a shocking statistic and it's a trend that, she believes, cannot be allowed to continue. 'The Women in Sport data is horrific and when I saw it I thought we really need to look at solutions instead of just keeping talking,' she says. 'A lot of the drop-out is to do with girls growing up so quickly these days - there's a loss of confidence and they become more aware of their body image around 11, 12 years old now so by developing something that empowers girls through the primary years and helping them go into high school with more confidence and a greater enjoyment of sport can only be a good thing. 'And the leadership angle in this programme is driven by my own experience of being a female in a very male-dominated world.' Murray is keen to emphasise to young girls that becoming a professional tennis player is not the only way to become and remain involved in the sport. And while so many roles within sport as a whole are currently occupied by men, Murray remains optimistic that, with the right support and strategies, this can change. 'We need to plant the seed earlier in girls that whether you play sport to a good level or not, there are plenty of jobs for you,' she says. 'There has to be a better understanding of how important it is to have women in the sporting workforce in all areas and by that I mean physios, trainers, event management and everything in-between. 'With this programme, it's about starting small but dreaming big because we have to aim towards full equality in coaching and leadership. 'I do think we can get to full equality eventually but it's about having more women in leadership positions in sport because men see the world with a male lens and that doesn't help us. 'It's about creating opportunity and if this programme can start to plant seeds, bear fruit at a young age and show girls how they can be the boss by giving them a little bit of responsibility then great.' Murray was, unsurprisingly, an interested observer in Andy Murray's coaching partnership with Novak Djokovic, which began last November and ended abruptly last month after just six months together. Andy's foray into the coaching ranks wasn't particularly unexpected but few had anticipated his first coaching job to be with the greatest player of all time. Andy Murray coached Novak Djokovic for six months before splitting last month (Image: Getty Images) Results-wise, the partnership was perhaps not as fruitful as either would have liked but few doubt that Andy has the skills and knowledge it takes to be a top-level coach. Judy is in complete agreement that Andy has the tools to be an excellent coach and while she's reluctant to make any predictions as to her son's next move, she seems fairly certain that he isn't champing at the bit to return to the coaching world in the near future. 'Andy had just retired and wasn't looking to go into coaching but he stepped in because Novak asked him. When they joined-up, I was certainly interested to see how he got on being on the other side of things and realising how stressful it can be,' she says. 'I don't think he's ready to jump straight back into coaching, though, because the tennis circuit is relentless. 'I can see him doing a consultant type role with young players and he's already done a lot of mentoring with the British players on the men's side who are coming through but I can't see him being a full-time tennis coach. 'There's more to life than jumping straight back into the tennis rat race after nearly 20 years as a player. I don't think he'll necessarily want to jump back onto that merry-go-round - not when you're someone who's got four kids to taxi around and you want to get your golf handicap to scratch. 'Whether he does it in the future, I don't know - that's for him to answer and I actually don't think he knows the answer either but my guess is not right now.'
STV News
2 days ago
- Health
- STV News
Judy Murray tennis initiative helps primary-age girls Learn To Lead
Judy Murray is launching an initiative encouraging primary-age girls to participate in competitive sport and to mentor each other. Ms Murray, a former GB Federation Cup captain who raised her children, Sir Andy Murray and Jamie Murray, to be international tennis champions, has been campaigning to keep girls involved in sport since 2014 with her UK-wide initiative Miss Hits. On Thursday, she is launching Learn To Lead in Scotland, training older primary pupils to mentor younger girls by playing tennis. Research conducted by Women in Sport found 1.3 million teenage girls who considered themselves sporty at primary school dropped out when they started high school, and the project is designed to combat this trend. Learn To Lead is aimed at girls aged between ten and 12, encouraging them to become coaches at lunchtime or at after-school tennis clubs. Pupils in P6 and P7 will lead girls aged between four and nine, organising sessions and setting up in school gyms or playgrounds, teaching basic leadership and organisational skills in a bid to maintain participation in sport. Ms Murray will initially partner with 20 primary schools, targeting those with a local tennis club nearby to ensure a convenient place to continue playing. It follows a pilot in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which organisers say has already seen 'huge benefits' for pupils. Training sessions will be held in schools ahead of the launch of each club, and videos, lesson plans and equipment will be provided. A teacher will be required to supervise, but Learn To Lead allows older primary pupils to plan, set up, and run activities for younger girls, sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport. Ms 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 girls' side of the game. Launching my Learn to Lead (with Miss-Hits) programme for primary school girls to teachers next week @stgeorgesedin . Developing leadership skills in p6/7 and introducing starter tennis to p1-4. Big girls delivering FUN lunchtime clubs to wee girls. Perfect. ⬇️ — judy murray (@JudyMurray) May 27, 2025 '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 really prepare you for what adulthood will throw at you. The friendships 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, 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 co-ordinator (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 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Judy Murray tennis initiative helps primary-age girls Learn To Lead
Judy Murray is launching an initiative encouraging primary-age girls to participate in competitive sport and to mentor each other. Ms Murray, a former GB Federation Cup captain who raised her children, Sir Andy Murray and Jamie Murray, to be international tennis champions, has been campaigning to keep girls involved in sport since 2014 with her UK-wide initiative Miss Hits. On Thursday, she is launching Learn To Lead in Scotland, training older primary pupils to mentor younger girls by playing tennis. Research conducted by Women in Sport found 1.3 million teenage girls who considered themselves sporty at primary school dropped out when they started high school, and the project is designed to combat this trend. Learn To Lead is aimed at girls aged between 10 and 12, encouraging them to become coaches at lunchtime or at after-school tennis clubs. Pupils in P6 and P7 will lead girls aged between four and nine, organising sessions and setting up in school gyms or playgrounds, teaching basic leadership and organisational skills in a bid to maintain participation in sport. Ms Murray will initially partner with 20 primary schools, targeting those with a local tennis club nearby to ensure a convenient place to continue playing. It follows a pilot in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which organisers say has already seen 'huge benefits' for pupils. Training sessions will be held in schools ahead of the launch of each club, and videos, lesson plans and equipment will be provided. A teacher will be required to supervise, but Learn To Lead allows older primary pupils to plan, set up, and run activities for younger girls, sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport. Ms 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 girls' 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. Launching my Learn to Lead (with Miss-Hits) programme for primary school girls to teachers next week @stgeorgesedin. Developing leadership skills in p6/7 and introducing starter tennis to p1-4. Big girls delivering FUN lunchtime clubs to wee girls. Perfect. ⬇️ — judy murray (@JudyMurray) May 27, 2025 'My life has revolved around sport and as well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits that brings, the life skills you develop really prepare you for what adulthood will throw at you. The friendships 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, 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 co-ordinator (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 leading the classes, we have been struck by the confidence and leadership skills they have gained. 'I would definitely encourage schools to get involved.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Judy Murray tennis initiative helps primary-age girls Learn To Lead
Ms Murray, a former GB Federation Cup captain who raised her children, Sir Andy Murray and Jamie Murray, to be international tennis champions, has been campaigning to keep girls involved in sport since 2014 with her UK-wide initiative Miss Hits. On Thursday, she is launching Learn To Lead in Scotland, training older primary pupils to mentor younger girls by playing tennis. Research conducted by Women in Sport found 1.3 million teenage girls who considered themselves sporty at primary school dropped out when they started high school, and the project is designed to combat this trend. Learn To Lead is aimed at girls aged between 10 and 12, encouraging them to become coaches at lunchtime or at after-school tennis clubs. Pupils in P6 and P7 will lead girls aged between four and nine, organising sessions and setting up in school gyms or playgrounds, teaching basic leadership and organisational skills in a bid to maintain participation in sport. Ms Murray will initially partner with 20 primary schools, targeting those with a local tennis club nearby to ensure a convenient place to continue playing. It follows a pilot in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire which organisers say has already seen 'huge benefits' for pupils. Training sessions will be held in schools ahead of the launch of each club, and videos, lesson plans and equipment will be provided. A teacher will be required to supervise, but Learn To Lead allows older primary pupils to plan, set up, and run activities for younger girls, sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport. Ms 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 girls' 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. Launching my Learn to Lead (with Miss-Hits) programme for primary school girls to teachers next week @stgeorgesedin . Developing leadership skills in p6/7 and introducing starter tennis to p1-4. Big girls delivering FUN lunchtime clubs to wee girls. Perfect. ⬇️ — judy murray (@JudyMurray) May 27, 2025 'My life has revolved around sport and as well as the obvious physical and mental health benefits that brings, the life skills you develop really prepare you for what adulthood will throw at you. The friendships 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, 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 co-ordinator (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 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.'
