Scottish Surfing has secured a landmark victory by winning the ‘Sports Governance Project of the Year’ at the Sports Governance Academy’s Annual Conference and Awards, the first time a Scottish National Governing Body of Sport (SGB) has ever been shortlisted for the accolade.
Paul Stark, CEO of Scottish Suring, accepting the award on 13 November at Headingley Stadium
The achievement represents a significant milestone not only for Scottish Surfing but for the wider Scottish sports sector, demonstrating that smaller and emerging sports can lead the way in modern governance, transparency, and organisational development.
An Historic Moment for Scottish Surfing
The award recognises outstanding leadership and innovation, with Scottish Surfing’s submission recognised above internationally recognised governing bodies and other UK and British organisations including the Football Association (FA) and British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS).
That Scottish Surfing prevailed over such heavyweight organisations underscores the strength of its governance reforms and its commitment to building a sustainable, accountable and person-centred future for the sport, demonstrating it’s commitment to ‘positively impacting lives through surfing’.
Leadership and Vision Recognised
Paul Stark, CEO of Scottish Surfing, accepted the award at the ceremony and highlighted the importance of strong governance in shaping the organisation’s future:
“This award is a testament to the hard work of our Board, staff, volunteers, clubs, members, athletes and partners who have all contributed to raising the standards of surfing in Scotland, and Scottish Surfing as an organisation. To be the first Scottish Governing Body of Sport to ever be shortlisted, never mind win, is an incredible honour.”
Dr William Watson, Chair of Scottish Surfing, praised the achievement:
“This national recognition shows how far we’ve come and the ambition we have for the future of surfing in Scotland. I’m incredibly proud of the team and the culture we’re building.”
In the last 18 months Scottish Surfing has undertaken a transformative journey, including organisational rebranding, modernising governance arrangements and, in partnership with sportscotland, undertaking a leading role in developing a new review and audit process for Scottish sport.
Raising the Bar for the Sector
The recognition by the Sports Governance Academy signals a shift in recognition of good governance within Scottish sport. It highlights that impactful governance work is not limited to large, well-resourced organisations but that smaller governing bodies can also set new benchmarks through dedication, collaboration and clarity of purpose.
As Scottish Surfing continues to grow its membership, develop competitive pathways, and build its performance and grassroots systems, this award stands as a symbol of its commitment to excellence both in and out of the water.
