Scotland’s next generation of sporting talent is once again in focus as the Team Scotland Achieve programme continues to nurture athletes and coaches with Commonwealth Games aspirations.
Supported by the Team Scotland Youth Trust and sportscotland, Achieve is designed to identify and develop individuals with the potential to represent Team Scotland on the international stage. The initiative not only supports athletic performance but also equips participants with essential life skills to thrive both in and beyond sport.
The 2026 Achieve programme is once again well represented from the Scottish Judo community. This year’s cohort includes:
Coen Gilbert (Pro Judo)– Athlete
Jocelyn Callaghan (Judo Club Esprit) – Young Coach
Samuel Ingram – Mentor
Leading the group as mentor, Samuel Ingram, a three-time Paralympian and current JudoScotland Club Support Officer, Ingram brings a wealth of elite-level knowledge and leadership as a mentor.
Speaking about his role, Ingram said: “I’m very pleased to be involved in the Achieve programme as a mentor and to have the opportunity to support some of Scotland’s talented athletes of the future. Having benefited from the guidance of experienced athletes throughout my own journey as a judoka, I understand the value of having strong role models and support networks around you. I hope to share some of the lessons I’ve learned from competing, help participants develop both on and off the mat, and support them as they work towards achieving their ambitions.”
The Team Scotland camp on the 1st of July provided a valuable opportunity for athletes and coaches to strengthen connections across the wider Scottish sporting community. Achieve athlete Coen enjoyed catching up with several fellow cohort members he had previously met at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), highlighting the lasting relationships that can be built through multi-sport environments. Meanwhile, coach Joss played an active role in the camp programme as a panel speaker, sharing her aspirations and experiences as she looks to progress along the performance coaching pathway. With women still under-represented in high-performance coaching roles, the opportunity for coaches like Joss to access additional support, development opportunities and networking experiences is particularly important, helping to build greater female representation and inspire the next generation of coaches.
The impact of the programme is already evident. In 2022, judo athletes Sunny Doig and Gregor Miller, alongside coach David Scobbie, were selected as part of the Achieve cohort. Since then, their progress has underlined the programme’s value.
Both Sunny and Gregor have gone on to secure selection for Team Scotland at this year’s Commonwealth Games, a significant milestone in their careers. Meanwhile, Scobbie has progressed into a JudoScotland Support Coach role, highlighting the programme’s dual investment in athletes and coaching talent.
Reflecting on her experience, 2022 Achieve alumni Sunny Doig said:
“The 2022 Achieve Programme gave me an incredible experience in a multi-sport Games environment. It was a hugely valuable opportunity, and the mentors played a pivotal role in our learning throughout the programme.”
“My biggest takeaway from the Achieve Programme was learning how to deal with pressure. What I learned during that experience continues to shape my preparations as I get ready to step onto the tatami in Glasgow.”
“It’s fantastic to see young judoka involved in this year’s programme and benefiting from a similar experience.”
For emerging talents like Coen and Jocelyn, the opportunity represents more than just recognition, it is a stepping stone towards elite performance and national representation. By investing in both athletes and coaches, the programme aims to strengthen Scotland’s sporting ecosystem ahead of future Commonwealth Games cycles, ensuring sustainable success.