Shinty, a traditional Highland sport that resembles hockey, has been enjoying a surge of popularity among women and girls in Scotland. However, some women have revealed that they played the sport in English schools as far back as the 1950s and 1960s.
Shinty allowed us to break hockey’s rules
Shinty is a fast-paced game that involves hitting a small ball with a curved stick. Unlike hockey, players can use both sides of the stick and raise it above their shoulders. The sport is mainly played in the Scottish Highlands, where it has a long history and cultural significance.
However, some women have shared their memories of playing shinty in English schools decades ago. Sue Elliott, from Ealing, London, said she played “shitty shinty”, as they called it, at her secondary modern in Bognor in about 1966. She said they were told it was Irish and that it was “shitty” because it was dangerous.
Margaret Astill, from Nottingham, said she also played shinty at her junior school in the 1950s. She added that her football club, Nottingham Forest, was founded by shinty and bandy players.
Women’s shinty on the rise in Scotland
The women’s recollections come as shinty is experiencing a “breakthrough” year for female participation in Scotland. According to the Camanachd Association, the governing body of the sport, there are now more than 500 registered female players across 18 clubs. The association also launched a women’s national league this year, which has attracted more than 100 players.
The association’s development manager, Graham Cormack, said the growth of women’s shinty was “phenomenal” and that the sport offered a “unique opportunity” for women and girls to get involved in physical activity and socialise.
He said the association was working to increase the visibility and profile of women’s shinty, as well as providing more coaching and training opportunities. He also said he hoped to see more female representation in the association’s board and committees.
Shinty’s future challenges and opportunities
Despite the positive developments, shinty still faces some challenges and opportunities for its future. One of them is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the suspension of all competitions and activities for most of 2020 and 2021. The association said it was working hard to resume the sport safely and support its clubs and members.
Another challenge is the sustainability and diversity of the sport, which relies heavily on volunteers and community engagement. The association said it was looking to attract more funding and sponsorship, as well as reaching out to new audiences and regions.
One of the opportunities for shinty is to showcase its heritage and culture on a global stage. The association said it was planning to host an international festival of shinty in 2024, which would coincide with Scotland’s Year of Culture. The festival would feature teams from around the world, as well as cultural events and exhibitions.
Shinty is a sport that has a rich history and a bright future. As more women and girls discover its appeal and benefits, it may become more widely recognised and appreciated beyond its traditional heartland.
