Eric Liddell Foundation: Jamie Murchie’s contribution

In this case, Jamie’s cause has been for the past nine years getting pupils from Largs Academy involved with rugby in his capacity as a school rugby champion. This is on top of his day job as a PE teacher at the Academy.

Jamie was one of over 30 people recognised for their contribution to rugby during the Eric Liddell Foundation’s programme celebrating 100 years since Liddell’s historic 400m Olympic triumph.

That programme will this year recognise 100 Scots who have contributed to athletics, rugby and community.

Thanks to Jamie’s efforts at the school, 40% of the young players involved with his initiatives go on to get involved with the Ardrossan Accies Rugby Club, with an additional 10% joining other clubs in the area.

Jamie works closely with the club, and the school is the largest contributor to Ardrossan Accies, which offers full playing pathways. To support this transition, Jamie regularly attends the rugby club to ensure there is a familiar face to help players feel more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that they will continue with the club.

Jamie said the idea started with him wanting to bring rugby opportunities to the school, but it quickly evolved.

“It started about nine years ago. It’s an idea that I’d had with the rugby development officer at Ardrossan Accies about bringing a little bit more rugby opportunities to the school, and it just kind of grew on year and year from there.

“Every year we’ve got four groups, and usually it’s about over 80 to 90 pupils every year that take part.

“The kids obviously love coming down, getting that extra period of rugby. They love going away to the games and fixtures, the likes of today, getting out of school and playing, playing rugby with their friends,” he said.

Scottish Rugby’s schools rugby officer for Glasgow South, Stephen Main said Jamie was a worthy recipient of the Foundation’s award.

“It’s the simple things (he does) like booking buses, organising kids together, classes, and just the amount of communication it takes within the whole school and the backing within the schools that these rugby champions get.

“The reason we’ve selected Jamie is the amazing work he does within the school. He’s such a humble person. I just gave him his award there, and he’s not shouting about it – he doesn’t look for any of this recognition.

“But you see his numbers here today, we’ve got four teams, boys, girls, an S1 team, and boys and girls under-14 teams, and then they’ve got more teams through the school that Jamie looks after. The work he puts in, it all follows the principles that the foundation covers – passion, compassion, integrity, that just kind of sums up Jamie all in one as well,” Stephen said.

Jamie said: “It’s really nice to be recognised, but a wee bit strange in a way. It’s kind of just part of your job. You just kind of get on with it, and we do it to just basically, get kids out of school and get them playing rugby. So, anything that goes with that is always a wee bonus.”

Other worthy recipients of rugby awards from the Eric Liddell Foundation include:

• East – Kevin Brown:

Kevin Brown has been a dedicated advocate and volunteer for extracurricular sports, with a particular passion for rugby, over many years. His commitment spans both Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, where he has made a significant impact in the past eight years. Kevin’s enthusiasm for rugby and its potential to shape young lives has been the driving force behind his numerous roles, which range from teaching and coaching to leadership and program development at Kelso High School.

Beyond the classroom, Kevin has volunteered countless hours as an extracurricular coach, guiding school teams with dedication and expertise. His commitment extends to driving the minibus to events and matches, ensuring that his students have every opportunity to compete and experience the camaraderie of sport.

• Glasgow North – Graham Calder:

Under Graham’s watchful eye, Dalziel High School are becoming a great example of what’s possible in state school rugby, adding strength and conditioning to the school programme as a means of driving constant progress. Graham’s passionate about connecting the club and school and represents the school and Dalziel Rugby Club on the War Memorial Trust that runs Dalziel Park, while also successfully taking over the running of the Dalziel Youth Festival which over a two-day period attracts nearly 1500 kids.

• Caledonia Midlands – Michael Charlton:

Michael has been the driving force behind the resurgence of rugby at Grove Academy, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the sport within the school. Initially supporting the local development officer in running a lunchtime club, Michael has now taken the lead. As the school librarian, his dedication to the pupils and his passion for rugby are evident in the way he collaborates closely with the PE department and local rugby club, Panmure RFC, to ensure that pupils have the opportunity to thrive.

Michael’s commitment and investment is reflected through his presence at every training session, where he not only coaches but also takes the lead in organizing off-pitch activities. His efforts have transformed rugby into a key part of school sport, providing students with the opportunity to engage in the sport and develop their skills, knowledge and understanding.

Caledonia North – Mark Penny:

Mark’s passion for school rugby shines through in his personality. He is always upbeat and encourages pupils to give rugby a go. Mark runs an after-school rugby programme every Monday without fail, and numbers have flourished since he has started, where previously there was no rugby in the school.

Mark has organised a rugby event at his local club for several schools and pupils with additional support needs, even putting on food and water at the event, showing his desire to provide for the local kids. Often putting himself second, Mark always has time for children who may be experiencing problems at school.