Sports Shorts

SFA plans meeting in aid of youth

Scottish Football Association regional club development manager David Drummond has invited a number of youth clubs to discuss the future of football at junior level.

The forum, organised in conjunction with the South East regional football partnership, will take place at Peffermill playing fields on 23 February. It aims to provide club representatives with an opportunity to discuss various issues with council officers regarding youth football in the region.

A presentation will also be made by representatives of PMR Leisure, regarding funding streams available to clubs.

Drummond will also be holding a child protection workshop on 16 February at Peffermill. The workshop will be free of charge to all coaches and volunteers from registered and accredited SFA Quality Marked Clubs.

Season looks promising for Edinburgh’s basketball sides

Scottish basketball league and cup holders, the Edinburgh Kings are in a strong position to retain their silverware this season, providing they succeed in defeating some of the league's lower teams over the coming weeks.

Despite the Kings’ impressive record this term, Glasgow Storm came close to causing the upset of the season when they narrowly lost to the capital side 69-67 in Portobello. Kings coach Danny Costello has warned his players against any complacency as they strive to retain Scotland’s basketball honours.

"We must beware of banana skins," said Costello, who has steered his men two wins clear of nearest challengers Falkirk Fury and three clear of St Mirren, with six league games still to play.

In the women’s league, the Edinburgh Kool Kats look set for glory following a comprehensive 75-55 defeat of champions St Mirren.

Ragazzi not amused as Edinburgh swoop in for Herley

Scottish volleyball side City of Glasgow Ragazzi have voiced their anger after Edinburgh pulled of a monumental transfer coup, snapping up Great Britain cap Jonny Herley from under their noses.

Herley, a former Ragazzi player, signed for the capital side just in time for last weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Kilmarnock, having trained with the Glasgow club throughout the week.

“We were under the impression that you could not sign players after December 31,” said irritated Glasgow coach Tommy Dowens.

“Had we known that, we'd have signed him ourselves. He trained with us three times last week and then played with City of Edinburgh on the Saturday.”