SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight | Kirsty Bell

Kirsty primarily coaches the U12 girls’ team at Strathendrick but she has also expanded the section to include U10 girls this year.  She also is involved in skills development for the U14 Girls alongside this she also plays for the Women’s Team and is a Club Committee Member.

Kirsty is passionate about the expansion of the girls’ section at Strathendrick which has seen the club be able to maintain an U10s team which trains weekly and play in festivals. She has been instrumental in recruiting and retaining other women coaches in for the U10 and U12 age groups through her positive attitude and leadership style.

Kirsty has been involved at Strathendrick after her daughters joined the club shortly after Covid. When she found herself standing on the sidelines most Sunday mornings supporting the girls, she decided to help out.

“I would never have believed how much Strathendrick Rugby Club would become part of mine and my families lives at that point and I am so grateful that I was given that opportunity to become part of this amazing community.” Kirsty said, “I am now part of a growing group of fabulous female coaches in the club and spend my time coaching girls in the U10, U12 and U14 age group.

“I work alongside amazing coaches and have the pleasure of supporting three girls’ section at Strathendrick continues to go from strength to strength.

“I am now working alongside two incredible and inspiring women to build our women’s team and ensure there is a full player pathway for every girl at the club. As a trio we have taken on all the team roles, from team manager, to player, to interim coach for the women’s team and we are on our own confidence building journey having never played contact rugby before.

“My ultimate goal is to keep playing rugby until I can be teammates with my daughters and some of the other amazing girls I have coached.

“I am so grateful to have had my journey recognised as part of the SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight. It’s given me the opportunity to stop and reflect on my journey so far, and to share my gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey and supported me on the way.

“SP Energy Networks Community Spotlight does an amazing job of showcasing what is happening in local clubs, where armies of volunteers are doing amazing jobs every day to give everyone the opportunity to play rugby and make the rugby community what it is.” 

Kirsty is known throughout the girls’ mini sections across Caledonia Midlands, West and South Glasgow regions. She was nominated by Tyler Stevenson, for the work she does within Strathendrick and the role model she is to the girls and women at the club and local community.

I am absolutely delighted for Kirsty to be recognised for the SP Energy Network Community Spotlight”, said Tyler, “She gives so much time and support to Strathendrick Rugby Club from a coach, mentor and administrator position.

“The recognition also highlights the work Kirsty contributes to the wider Caledonia region through her efforts to organise and support regional festivals and fixtures across age groups.

“This is truly well deserved, and Kirsty will be an excellent ambassador for the award.”

As part of this recognition, Kirsty will present the Match Ball on Saturday evening at Glasgow Warriors v Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium.  She is also shortlisted for the SP Energy Networks Community Hero Award in Memory of Jim Taylor MBE, which is presented at the Glasgow Warriors Awards Dinner in May.