Sophie' Story

Step by Step, Stronger Every Time: The Story of Sophie Mcfee 

Sophie Mcfee, from Perth, is an athlete whose journey shows how determination, support, and opportunity can transform potential into achievement. 

Sophie was born with hypotonia, a form of cerebral palsy affecting the left side of her body. This impacts her mobility, coordination, and fine motor skills. She also experiences developmental delays that affect her numeracy, reasoning skills, and long-term memory, which can make it harder to process instructions quickly, manage multiple steps at once, or work through new situations without clear structure and repetition. 

Despite these challenges, Sophie has built a sporting journey defined by steady progress, resilience, and pride. 

Her introduction to sport began in 2018 with Perth Strathtay Harriers, when coaches Nancy Davidson and Jim Hunter visited her primary school to deliver athletics sessions. That moment marked the beginning of something that would grow far beyond a brief sporting experience - it opened the door to a new sense of belief in what she could achieve. 

Jim Hunter added “It's wonderful to see and play a wee part in Sophie’s development in the world of athletics. Her confidence and physical ability have grown over the years with the club” 

Sophie soon began attending weekly sessions with the Harriers, where she was supported by coaches Jim, Nancy an Ailie. From the beginning, they created an environment built on patience, structure, and encouragement. Instructions were broken down clearly, routines were consistent, and Sophie was given the time she needed to learn at her own pace. 

That approach made a real difference. With the right support around her, Sophie began to grow in confidence—not only in her ability, but in herself. 

Coach Nancy told us “Sophie’s confidence has grown so much. She now sits on the Harriers athletes sub-committee, contributing views from athletes with a disability to shape future plans for the club.” 

She quickly discovered a love for running and long jump. Progress came gradually, shaped by repetition, trust, and determination. Over time, Sophie began representing her club as part of the disability inclusion group at local, regional and national competitions, improving her personal bests and earning medals along the way. 

One of her highlights came at a Red Star event in Glasgow, where she ran her first 400m race. The conditions were extremely challenging, with heavy rain throughout, and mid-race her shoelace came undone. For Sophie, moments like this can be especially difficult when there is a lot to take in at once.  

 “I was so proud of myself for trying the 400m for the first time… it was pouring with rain and my lace came out, but I kept on going.” 

That race reflects the heart of Sophie’s journey—determination in the face of challenge and the ability to keep moving forward no matter what happens. 

Through Perth Strathtay Harriers, Sophie met Graeme Doig, Branch Coordinator at Perth & Kinross Disability Sport, who introduced her to boccia and wheelchair sports. With his support, she joined Perth Eagles Wheelchair Sports and Boccia Club, where she was welcomed by coaches Stewart, Catherine, Graeme, and player mentor Duncan McIntyre. This marked the start of a new and exciting chapter in her sporting life. 

“Since meeting Sophie all these years ago, we have been on an amazing journey together across a number of sports. The key has been getting to know each other and how to get the best out of Sophie to make it work for her. Sophie is very coachable and takes it all on board in her own way and at her own pace. She is starting to get more and more success at competitions as we piece all her training together. Sophie has a very caring nature and approach and I can see her not only performing in sport, she will be an amazing coach and mentor in years to come” Graeme Doig, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport 

Through the Eagles, Sophie discovered wheelchair basketball, which quickly became a major passion. Her commitment and progress led to selection for the Basketball Scotland National Wheelchair Basketball training academy, where she now trains monthly under coaches Mark Stevenson and Anne Mailer. She has also been selected as a reserve for the Nations Cup in 2025 and is awaiting team selection for 2026. Sophie also competes in the Scottish development league—recognition of her hard work and willingness to improve. 

A key milestone in her journey came when she received a custom-made sports wheelchair, supported by Graeme and the Cauldwell Trust. This had a major impact on her development, improving her independence and performance. Being involved in the design process—choosing colours and shaping how it looked—also gave Sophie ownership, pride, and a stronger connection to her sport. 

Alongside wheelchair basketball, Sophie has developed her Boccia skills, a sport that requires focus, accuracy, and decision-making. She trains weekly with Perth Eagles and has achieved strong results, including silver medals at the Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Championships and Pairs competition in Angus along with a bronze medal at the Scottish Disability Sport National Junior Championships. 

More recently, Sophie discovered table tennis at the Scottish Disability Sport Tayside Parasport Festival. She immediately enjoyed it and through support from Graeme, began attending weekly sessions with Pat Duffy at Saints Table Tennis Club. Now, she is preparing for her first competition, showing how quickly she embraces new challenges when given the opportunity. 

Sophie also attends Kinfauns Riding School weekly, where she has been horse riding since 2022. Riding has helped her improve coordination, build strength, and develop confidence in a calm and supportive environment. 

Despite her achievements, Sophie is open about the challenges she faces. She can find it difficult when too much information is given at once, and she relies on routine, repetition, and clear, structured guidance to perform at her best. With understanding coaches and consistent support, she continues to thrive across multiple sports. 

What defines Sophie most is not just what she achieves, but how she approaches every opportunity—with patience, effort, and the courage to try. 

Her message is simple but powerful: “Don’t be scared to try all sports to find the ones that works best for you.” 

Looking ahead, Sophie’s ambitions are clear. She hopes to win a gold medal in Boccia and one day become a coach and referee, helping others develop confidence and discover their own path in the sport, 

Sophie has developed a number of strong friendships through her sports groups, which has significantly improved her confidence in social situations. Although she continues to find this challenging within the school environment, these experiences have helped her to recognise that there are many positive and supportive people around her. Sophie now spends time with her friends outside of the groups, which has had a very positive impact on her social life and overall confidence. 

Sophie's mum, Lisa told us “As well as helping Sophie's confidence and improving her social skills, Sophie has benefitted physically. The different sports have strengthened her muscle tone in her legs and helped her fine motor skills. She has learned how to work as part of a team and above all to have fun with like-minded young people.” 

Sophie's story is a reminder that progress is not always immediate, and success is not always straightforward. But with the right support, belief, and determination, every step forward matters—and every step builds to something greater. 

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