Andrinne Craig

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week 2019

Leadership in Women and Girls in Sport: Leaders Behind the Leaders

Andrinne Craig is Sport Aberdeen’s Healthy Communities Manager. She heads up a team of people who deliver the Active Lifestyles programme across several venues throughout the city.

The Active Lifestyles programme is designed to benefit older adults and people living with long-term health conditions. Andrinne and her team work to provide over 100 activities every week, offering something for people of all fitness levels, from walking groups, sports, dance and swimming to specialist exercise classes which help people live well and reach their own goals.

Andrinne began her career in sport as a student when she worked as a sports coach. She then went on to move into a full-time role as a Development Officer with Sport Aberdeen’s Sports Development team. In a time where there is such a huge public awareness and understanding of health, wellbeing and leading an active lifestyle regardless of age, Andrinne’s role has never been as important.

It is safe to say that Andrinne takes great pride in her work. She commented saying:

“It always fills me with pride to see the real difference that our Active Lifestyles programme makes to the lives of everyone who takes part. Friendships are formed and there’s a real feeling of community and wellbeing combined with the many benefits that come from feeling fitter and healthier.”

However, Andrinne’s involvement in sport is not just a career. In her spare time she volunteers with the Scottish Boccia programme where she takes great pleasure in helping Scottish Disability Sport lead in an innovative new project to engage girls and women in the sport of Boccia.

Her role as a coach educator with the Scottish Boccia programme has meant Andrinne has played a part in training and encouraging new coaches as far afield as India.

Speaking about the girls and women she has worked with, she said:

“There are so many exceptionally talented women and girls involved in all aspects of Boccia; as players, supporters, coaches, officials and leaders and they are wonderful role models for the next generation of girls getting involved.  Showcasing and celebrating the impact they make will, I hope, inspire others.

“I’ve been influenced by many amazing women throughout my time working and volunteering within sport, and I think Sport Aberdeen has real ethos of encouraging career progression for everyone from volunteering to paid employment and there’s equal opportunities for all.

“From the Active Girls Committee to our team of Golden Games volunteers, it’s inspiring to see women and girls across the City are encouraging others to enjoy the many physical, emotional and social benefits of sport.”