THE wife of the late Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Russell Hogg is to lead a new weekly badminton programme for players with a disability in Cowdenbeath.

Scotland international Julie Hogg will work with Disability Sport Fife (DSF) to deliver coaching sessions to participants of all levels of ability who have a physical, sensory or learning impairment.

She will head the initiative at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre on Tuesday afternoons from 2.30-3.30pm, beginning on September 20, as part of DSF's drive to grow the number of weekly sessions that they offer.

An ex-junior and current senior and master international player, Julie was Scotland's senior team manager for six years from 2004, where they competed in three mixed team championships, one world team championship and the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Delhi.

Richard Brickley, DSF president, said: "Julie brings a wealth of experience to DSF as a high performance coach, top player and team manager. She is one of Scotland’s most respected badminton coaches and her record with Scottish junior players at home and overseas is exceptional.

"DSF is privileged to have Julie on board as a coach working with players with additional support needs. The new afternoon Cowdenbeath session will compliment the Monday evening session in Glenrothes and the standard of coaching available in both will be of the highest order."

Julie has worked closely with DSF in her role with the Russell Hogg Trust, a charitable fund set up in memory of her husband.

Russell, who lost a brave battle with cancer in September 2012 at the age of 44, won 117 caps for Scotland and bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

He worked for Badminton Scotland as its national development officer from 2004-2010 before moving to Scottish Disability Sport (SDS), where he supported and developed grassroots programmes for athletes and players with a disability.

The Russell Hogg Trust was set up by Julie and members of his family to support disabled athletes of all ages, as well as aspiring young badminton players from the ages of six to 16.

Participants interested in attending the sessions should visit the DSF website at www.fifeleisure.org.uk/index.cfm/health-and-wellbeing/disability-sport-fife/ to download a form.