Athletes and coaches selected for Achieve 2026
Scotland's next generation of athletes and coaches have been selected for the Achieve 2026 programme where they will gain a unique insight into life at a major multi-sport Games during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The programme provides aspiring athletes and coaches with the opportunity to experience the Team Scotland environment first-hand, learning from experienced mentors and coaches while developing the knowledge, skills and confidence to support their future sporting careers.
Participants will take part in workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences with opportunities to observe Team Scotland in action in the lead up and throughout Glasgow 2026 to help them better understand what it takes to perform in a Games environment.
Supported by the Team Scotland Youth Trust and sportscotland, the programme was first launched ahead of the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.
Since then, Achieve has supported more than 200 emerging athletes and coaches, with many participants going on to represent or coach Team Scotland at subsequent Commonwealth Games.
The programme is led by Achieve Director Emma Brunning and supported by Lead Mentor Bob Easson and an experienced mentors team drawn from across Scottish sport.
Emma Brunning, Achieve Director, said: “We're delighted to welcome this year's Achieve participants as they begin what promises to be a memorable and rewarding experience.
“Glasgow 2026 offers a unique opportunity to learn from experienced athletes, coaches and mentors while experiencing the excitement of a home Commonwealth Games.
“We hope everyone leaves the programme with knowledge and confidence that will support them throughout their sporting careers.”
Jon Doig OBE, Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive, said: “I'd like to congratulate all of the athletes, coaches and mentors selected for Achieve 2026.
“Achieve has played an important role in preparing many future Team Scotland athletes and coaches and we're delighted to continue supporting the next generation as we look ahead to Glasgow 2026 and beyond.”
Gavin Hastings OBE, Chair of Team Scotland Youth Trust, said: “The Team Scotland Youth Trust is proud to support initiatives that help young athletes and coaches fulfil their potential, and Achieve continues to play an important role in developing the next generation of Team Scotland representatives.
“We wish everyone every success over the coming months and look forward to seeing the impact the experience has on their sporting journeys.”
Athletes
Athletics: Emma Clark
Badminton: Brooke Stalker, Matthew Waring
Basketball: Alexandra McIntosh, Nino Satha
Boccia: Alex Medley, Layla McCloskey
Bowls: Stewart McAlees, Ross Noble, Natalie McWilliams
Cycling: Lottie Wardrop, Micah Myles
Diving: Jameelah Eakin
Gymnastics: Indira Hope Williams, Mitchell Cargill
Judo: Coen Gilbert
Netball: Hannah Proudfoot, Onomen Ibhanesebhor
Squash: Robyn McAlpine, Rory Richmond
Swimming: Nikolai Sisnett
Weightlifting: Rhys Deeley, Jorja McNaughton
Coaches
Archery: Olivia Kendal, Kristin Ward
Athletics: Angela Young
Badminton: Sarah Sidebottom
Basketball: Rachel Simpson
Cycling: Jenny Holl
Gymnastics: Lucy Orr
Judo: Jocelyn Callaghan
Netball: Savannah Antoine
Squash: Kylie Lindsay
Swimming: Laura Bowie
Triathlon: Ailsa MacArthur
Volleyball: Rachael Gunn
Weightlifting: Ava Walsh
Achieve Director: Emma Brunning
Mentors: Bob Easson (Lead Mentor), Cameron Brodie, Michael McArdle, Chris Martin, Jenni Davis, Samuel Ingram, Paul Bell, Fiona Jordan, Megan Richardson, Derek O'Riordan, Fiona Crowden, Scott Murray, Jodey Hughes.