Why This Funding Matters

The Taskers Funding will benefit Nottinghamshire by supporting and expanding the County Junior Coaching Programme. Most importantly, this funding enables us to provide a coaching programme which will:

• Increase and maintain junior numbers
• Ensure enjoyment and social interactions
• Motivate and encourage entries into local, regional, and national events

Junior golf is about more than just the game. It is about creating opportunities for young players to develop their potential through coaching, motivation, dedication, and commitment from them and us.

Building on Previous Success

Last year, the majority of Taskers funding supported the Nippers Tour and the Mini Ryder Cup. Boys and girls played seven events over seven different courses (U8s up to U12s play 9 holes, and U7s play 6 and 4 holes). The Ryder Cup is played at the end of the season against Shropshire and Herefordshire Pee Wees. The balance of the funding was used for the coaching programme detailed above.

How We Will Use the Funding

The funding will be used to deliver a comprehensive year-round coaching programme:

• Autumn/Winter Coaching Sessions
  22 x 2-hour sessions for boys
  10 x 2-hour sessions for girls
• Spring/Summer Coaching Sessions
  7 x 6-hour sessions for boys
  5 x 6-hour sessions for girls
  3 x 3-hour sessions for Nippers

The coaching programme covers course management, putting, swing analysis, long and short game, chipping, and bunker play. Coaching professionals set skill exercises for practice, and results are recorded and analysed to track progress.

Who Will Benefit

We estimate around 80 juniors will benefit from this programme, including:

• New players
• Novice handicap players
• Low handicap players
• County players

Our support runs from Nippers into County Squads, covering U12, U14, U16, and U18 age groups.

Measuring Success

Our measurable outcomes include reductions in handicaps and increased participation. For example, in 2024/2025:

• Boys U18: -21.3%
• Boys U16: -32.6%
• Boys U14: -28.4%
• Boys U12: -37.3%
• Girls U18/U16: -2.8%
• Girls U14: -0.05%

Success is also measured by how many new players join clubs, obtain handicaps, and enter events. Over the past ten years, Nottinghamshire has had four boys who started as Nippers reach international status, and four more now in England regional squads.

Looking Ahead

Our objective is clear: to provide the opportunity for all boys and girls to play golf and help them develop their potential. With the continued support of Taskers Trophy, we can ensure that Nottinghamshire juniors have the coaching, motivation, and opportunities they need to succeed.

Gordon Bruce, Treasurer - The Nottinghamshire Union of Golf Clubs