Streetsport Stories: Stuart Adams

Stuart Adams has certainly earned his stripes after working with Denis Law Legacy Trust’s flagship programme Streetsport for an impressive six and a half years. The programme, which is run in partnership with Robert Gordon University, delivers free to access sport and creative activity sessions for young people living in deprived communities across Aberdeen city.

During his coaching career with the charity, Stuart has truly done it all. Now, he is moving on to focus on an exciting career in tennis coaching, a passion of his that has helped shape his Streetsport journey from the very beginning.

“While I was at College for Sports Coaching, Mark from Denis Law Legacy Trust came in and gave a presentation on Streetsport and I was really interested in getting involved.”

“Not long after, while I was on my sixth-year holiday, my lecturer got in touch saying there was a tennis coaching job with the charity. So, I wrote my application while I was away and then interviewed for the job. Unfortunately, I didn’t get it. But then I decided to throw myself into volunteering and shortly after they offered me one of the charity’s first ever coaching jobs!”

Despite being one of Streetsport’s longest serving coaches, Stuart says the time has flown by. A true Streetsport veteran, he has plenty of experience of sessions under his belt.

“Allan Douglas Park is my longest session, I did it for five years. I also worked at Cruyff Court Neale Cooper when it first opened, Cruyff Court Denis Law, Northfield and Mastrick too - before the Tesco Youth Hub.”

“Sessions are really rewarding as you do make a difference and build positive relationships with young people who remember your face and have a laugh with you. They really do let you into their lives and you build a strong community through Streetsport.”

Thanks to the dedicated work of staff, volunteers and coaches, like Stuart, the charity has come a long way, reaching new heights and milestones.

“I remember when we won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, we all did a big team photoshoot for that and it was a big deal for the charity.”

“But in my view, the real reward is seeing so many fellow coaches and volunteers moving up in the organisation and doing well. Also, the fact that we have so many young people who want to get stuck in, from new faces to those who we have seen grow up at sessions, is great and you get a good laugh with them. They really do brave all weathers to come out to Streetsport!”

During his time as a Streetsport coach, Stuart had the opportunity to meet and work alongside tennis royalty, Judy Murray.

“It was a great experience to meet Judy Murray as she has done so much in tennis and for the charity. Through Streetsport, I have been at a few tennis sessions and events where she has recognised me and we have had a bit of back and forth banter.”

Streetsport has undergone significant changes during Stuart’s coaching career, not only adapting to changing times but also having to contend with a global pandemic.

“Streetsport now is nothing like it is when I started. It has been a good change to see as the charity is getting bigger and doing more. The charity has put a lot of time and focus into supporting mental health, staff development and safeguarding young people.”

“Coming back from Covid, we looked at how we can revamp and continue to support young people’s mental health as they were coming out of isolation. Streetsport was really good for keeping on top of that. But it was great to see so many familiar faces coming back to Streetsport sessions, they didn’t grow out of it or forget about us and they still came running up to see the van.”

While Stuart’s Streetsport career is undoubtedly impressive, on top of that has also been a tennis coach for a staggering 9 years, currently working at Rubislaw Tennis Club and David Lloyd. Hoping to conquer Aberdeen’s tennis scene today, he is eyeing a coaching career abroad in future.

“Coaching abroad has been on my bucket list for years. My top four places would be Spain, Italy, France and of course Australia, anyone who knows me will tell you I have always wanted to go over there and coach.”

“For now, my focus is on growing my business in Aberdeen and getting word of mouth out there.”

Looking back on his experience, Stuart has no regrets.

“Way back in the day, I used to do a tennis session at Garthdee so I had to set up equipment and organise games, all of that kind of stuff. There is no doubt in my mind that Streetsport has helped prepare me and give me the skills to take that next step in my coaching career. No one session is the same. I have learned to adapt, work alongside a great team of volunteers and how to get young people more involved in sport.”

“I would definitely recommend being a Streetsport coach. It has helped grow my confidence, the hours are flexible and the team is incredibly accommodating. I’ve taken a lot from the experience and while you have to be able to learn how to adapt and have a thick skin, it is incredibly rewarding.”

“You don’t know it in the moment, but through coaching and being a role model you do make an impact young people’s lives and their outlook.”