The Academy...
Where it all began - The John Liddle Scout Hall
Yes folks! This is it, or at least this was how it looked just as work was about to commence on bringing the hall into the 21st century. However with an ever increasing list of tasks and jobs to do including plastering, fitting lights, sanding, varnishing and then stripping and painting walls and ceiling - It was a big job... a very, very big job!
So between the 88th Haymarket Scout Group Leaders, Head Coach Of the High Flyers (Gav Menzies) and a few friends / volunteers, we set about the challenge of giving the hall a new lease of life to provide a space and valuable services for groups and the community alike.
So between the 88th Haymarket Scout Group Leaders, Head Coach Of the High Flyers (Gav Menzies) and a few friends / volunteers, we set about the challenge of giving the hall a new lease of life to provide a space and valuable services for groups and the community alike.
And so the new and greatly Improved John Liddle scout Hall was developed!!!
Shown here is the hall set up to accommodate the High Flyers Basketball Academy
A big thank you to the many volunteers who helped with this project but none more deservedly than Archie Johnston and The Scouts, for without them the High Flyers would not have had such a great home for so many incredible years.
A big thank you to the many volunteers who helped with this project but none more deservedly than Archie Johnston and The Scouts, for without them the High Flyers would not have had such a great home for so many incredible years.
About "The Coach" - Gavin Menzies...
A message from Coach Gav...
Well what a fantastic success High Flyers has been. Going from what started as a local development project, to now having over 150 children and young people attending what started as 3 branches of the Academy and has now expanded to 6, really is an honour and something I am very proud of.
As you can see by the pictures of where it all began and what the Scout hall looked like before, it really is testament to what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. I will continue to include these values in every aspect of my coaching as I believe they are crucial not only to playing basketball but to each players personal development.
I look at myself as a role model to the players at the Academy not only for my contributions to sport, but also for providing something in the community and giving them the opportunity to make new friends and develop positively as basketball players as well as people.
My continued promise to the parents and the players attending the Academy, is that I will strive to provide fun, challenging and high quality coaching to children and young people from all walks of life.
Thank you everyone for your continued support!
Gav Menzies
Head Coach of High Flyers
As you can see by the pictures of where it all began and what the Scout hall looked like before, it really is testament to what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. I will continue to include these values in every aspect of my coaching as I believe they are crucial not only to playing basketball but to each players personal development.
I look at myself as a role model to the players at the Academy not only for my contributions to sport, but also for providing something in the community and giving them the opportunity to make new friends and develop positively as basketball players as well as people.
My continued promise to the parents and the players attending the Academy, is that I will strive to provide fun, challenging and high quality coaching to children and young people from all walks of life.
Thank you everyone for your continued support!
Gav Menzies
Head Coach of High Flyers
... and Nominated as one of Edinburgh's "Local Sporting Heroes"
Coach Gav was nominated as West Edinburgh's Local Sporting Hero and represented his constituency at the Opening Ceremony of the 4th session of the Scottish Parliament.
Gavin received the award after receiving the highest votes for both his contributions to basketball, currently playing as shooting guard at Pleasance Basketball Club and also for his various work with children and young people.
"To receive this award is a real honour and having the opportunity to take part in the Opening Ceremony of parliament really was an amazing experience. I'm very proud to come from and work in my community and I share this award with all the children, families and colleagues I work with. Thank You"
Evening News Article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Gavin-joins-great-and-good.6791835.jp
See the Gallery below for photos of the day along with various pictures of Coach Gav in action playing for Pleasance Basketball Club and some of his Community Projects...
Gavin received the award after receiving the highest votes for both his contributions to basketball, currently playing as shooting guard at Pleasance Basketball Club and also for his various work with children and young people.
"To receive this award is a real honour and having the opportunity to take part in the Opening Ceremony of parliament really was an amazing experience. I'm very proud to come from and work in my community and I share this award with all the children, families and colleagues I work with. Thank You"
Evening News Article: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Gavin-joins-great-and-good.6791835.jp
See the Gallery below for photos of the day along with various pictures of Coach Gav in action playing for Pleasance Basketball Club and some of his Community Projects...