The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) have announced the appointment of Steve Hammond as the new Area Youth Coordinator for North Scotland. The role mainly involves the development of climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering for children and young people, including organising a number of climbing competitions.
Steve lives in Aviemore and is no stranger to the climbing scene in the north, having spent nearly 4 years involved in coaching young children at Extreme Dream Climbing Wall. Steve has also helped the outgoing Area Youth Coordinator (AYC), Ruairidh Mackenzie, with the youth competitions and so is already up to speed with what is required in his new role.
Ruairidh Mackenzie acted as AYC for 10 years and stood down this year after the Youth Climbing Series 2010 finished to concentrate on coaching and on his own climbing. He said, “Steve is the perfect man for the job. His knowledge of climbing is extensive and he has the local contacts, and knows many of the parents and children already involved in the north region. He will inspire a new generation of rock-jocks.”
Steve will be on hand to offer advice to parents, climbing wall clubs, MCofS Kids Clubs and MCofS Member Clubs and novice young climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers on a range of issues including MCofS recommended safety and good practice, practical help on the use of MCofS guidelines for events, local climbing and hill walking opportunities for young climbers, information on MCofS events, support and training opportunities. Steve will also sit on relevant MCofS Advisory and Working Groups and help formulate MCofS policy and Operational Plans.