Former Menzieshill swimming and water polo club coach Frank Jordan has expressed his disbelief that four Dundee girls selected for their country are having to pay £600 each for the privilege.
Sara Thomson, Susan Johnstone, Hannah Edwards and Laura Mathewson, who all play for the Menzieshill Whitehall Club, will represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Water Polo Championships which start this Saturday in Aberdeen.
However, Mr Jordan is furious that the foursome are having to fund their stay in the Granite City out of their own pockets and he has issued a plea to businesses and organisations for financial help.
He said: “I cannot believe that the four lassies are being charged £600 to compete for their country. I have had it explained to me that it is because hotels are expensive up in Aberdeen but this is ridiculous.
“The girls put in a huge amount of effort training and competing to get to the level they are at, travelling to Edinburgh, Dunfermline and Stirling to do so.
“To be honest, if it was me being asked to fork out this money, I would probably say forget it, I’m away to play dominoes. Families will look at water polo and just think it is too expensive. The sport could lose some great prospects.
“A family friend is in the Round Table and he is trying to get the girls some help. When I coached the Menzieshill women to the British Championship in 1984, we could never have done it without the help of businesses in Dundee.
“It would be good if we could drum up some financial help from companies today. I am not asking for £600 but the girls deserve something to ease the financial burden.”
When contacted by Courier Sport, Forbes Dunlop, Scottish Swimming CEO, issued a statement reading: “Scottish Swimming has made an additional £20,000 available for the training and competition costs associated with the men and women teams competing in the Commonwealth Water Polo Championships.
“In addition Scottish Swimming has increased our Water Polo Development Officer from part-time to full-time, to ensure we achieve a longer-term impact of hosting these Championships.
“As with many sports, players are required to contribute to the costs of training and competition. Scottish Swimming would be delighted to hear from any businesses that would like to sponsor or support the teams during what will be a fantastic event in Aberdeen’s new Aquatic Centre.”
Meanwhile, Mr Jordan, who turns 81 next month, received an early birthday present this week when he discovered he has been chosen as one of the people to carry the Commonwealth Games baton through the streets of Dundee.
He added: “The club secretary, Susan Mathewson, who is Laura’s mum, nominated me and it is a great honour. However, at my age, I was relieved when I was told I would only have to carry it for 200 metres or so.”