The next cohort of the sportscotland Young Ambassadors delivery team has been selected, with 32 young people aged between 15 and 20 from across the country set to help nurture Scotland’s next generation of sports leaders.
Usually the Young Ambassadors delivery team receive training to deliver several national conferences to help provide understanding of the role to other young people. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic this year’s conferences have been cancelled so part of the ambassadors’ work will be done remotely.
Over the course of lockdown, the group have been meeting regularly to share their ideas and will be tasked with developing tools and resources to influence new and existing Young Ambassadors for the year ahead, as well as supporting those delivering local sport.
What is the Young Ambassador Programme?
At the heart of the Young Ambassadors programme is the principle that their views, and those of other young people are heard and valued and can influence decision making. As role models and leaders for other young people, Young Ambassadors can have a pivotal role within their school and wider community.
Each year, two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are chosen as Young Ambassadors to promote sport and motivate other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.
The project is a key element of sportscotland’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport. Since the National Lottery-funded programme was launched in 2012 there have been over 5,000 Young Ambassadors in Scotland and around 650 new Young Ambassadors each year.
What they had to say
Delivery team member Paige, 15 from Aberdeenshire said: “I hope to ensure that the new YAs don’t just feel ready and motivated at the start of their role but they feel supported throughout their whole journey with the resources they need and a place where they can get some help to develop some of their ideas.”
Fellow team member Chloe, 17 from West Lothian said: “I want to help inspire the next generation of Young Ambassadors and encourage people to participate in sport, as well as promote the benefits that it can have on your mental and physical health.”
Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: “Congratulations to the 32 young people who have been selected for our 2020 delivery team.
“Clearly this has been an extremely difficult time for people across Scotland. But it is heartening to see so many young people coming together to try to help and inspire others.
“Becoming a Young Ambassador is a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people in sport, and wouldn’t be possible without the support from the National Lottery and Lottery players.
"We encourage our Young Ambassadors to motivate others to get into sport, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible sporting experience across Scotland.”
Find out more
- Get to know the YA delivery team
- Learn more about the Young Ambassadors programme
