Disability Sport Fife is proud of the very talented coaching workforce it can call upon to support and develop its athlete members across a range of sports. One of the most recent additions to the coaching squad is Julie Hogg. Julie came on board initially to lead the Tuesday weekly badminton session at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre but then became involved in the GOGA in Fife schools session in partnership with Active Schools. Most recently Julie was approached to join the DSF multi sports team at Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre and not surprisingly she has comfortably settled into her new role. Not surprisingly Julie is a great favourite with all session participants. Julie is a superb coach whose commitment to inclusive practice is exceptional.
When you read this short bio you will understand why Disability Sport Fife feels privileged to have Julie as a member of its coaching team. Julie was a Junior international and member of the Scottish senior development squad. She was a Midland County player playing in GB Division 1. Among her significant badminton achievements are World corporate winner; Games mixed doubles; Gibraltar Open singles, level doubles, mixed doubles; Senior Open competitions in Scotland; Scottish Master International and National Champion in level doubles and mixed doubles. Such an impressive list of top-quality successes. In addition, Julie reached number 9 ranking in the sport of badminton.
In coaching and management Julie similarly has achieved an enormous amount. Julie was Scotland badminton manager at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi; Achieve 2014 badminton lead Coach at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow; Manager /Coach – World Juniors Thailand, U15 European Juniors, U19 European Juniors, U15 Quadrangular GB. Julie was Manager to senior Scottish team at World Championships, Women and Men’s Team Championships. Finally, Julie was Head Coach for National junior squad, Shetland Island for Island Games and for the Edinburgh Sports Academy.
It was Julie’s late husband Russell who did so much to encourage Disability Sport to prioritise badminton when he was a staff member with Badminton Scotland and then with Scottish Disability Sport. Russell would be delighted to know that Julie is now part of our development team. Para badminton is thriving in Fife under the guidance of DSF coaches Alex Bird and Julie Hogg plus a great team of volunteers and peer mentor volunteers. Julie’s enthusiasm, knowledge of the sport and interest in Disability Sport Fife members have made her an indispensable member of Team Fife within a short period. Thank you, Julie, for your commitment and we look forward to working with you for years to come.
Richard Brickley OBE MBE Chairman DSF (SCIO) Board of Charity Trustees