Champions in Schools is a programme run by the charity Winning Scotland Foundation that places some of Scotland’s most influential role models – its sporting heroes – in the classroom. Through a series of three inspirational workshops, these elite athletes encourage young people to set and achieve personal ambitions, pursue a healthy and active lifestyle, appreciate the value of hard work and adopt a positive winning attitude.  The programme was founded by Susan Jackson, a triple Commonwealth games medallist, and former Scotland rugby internationalist Gregor Townsend. They explored many similar role model programmes around the world and developed a new programme for Scotland.

Launched in 2008, the programme has been piloted in five local authorities. Athletes have visited nearly 100 Scottish schools, influencing approximately 2,000 children. The key aspect of the programme is the concept of ‘repeat visits’ to small groups of fewer than 30 children. This allows athletes to build a rapport with pupils, and move beyond the generic to offer a truly personal role-model experience.

So far, more than 25 of Scotland’s finest athletes have delivered workshops in schools, including 100-cap rugby hero Chris Paterson, double Olympic champion Shirley Robertson and world record-breaking expedition-cyclist Mark Beaumont. Results have been impressive: in a survey of participants, 74% of pupils said they had made a healthy change to their diet since the visit of a Champion to their school.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Ru and Mikey to represent Scottish Touch. We have no doubt they will make great role models for school children and will also learn many new skills themselves through the programme training and the experiences of presenting to school children. This will no doubt help them in their leadership roles within the National squad.

Good luck to Ru and Mikey.