Jacqueline Anderson

Inspiring the next generation

Young basketball coach named as Role Model of the Year finalist

An inspirational coach from Glasgow has been recognised for her work in giving children a safe environment where they can enjoy sport for free.

Jacqueline Anderson has been involved with Active East and Twilight Girls Basketball, both Scottish Sport Futures (SSF) programmes, for five years.

The 22-year-old is in her final year of a sport degree at the University of the West of Scotland and does youth work for several charities.

Now her incredible dedication to the children she works with and coaches has been recognised after Jacqueline was named as a finalist in the Role Model of the Year category at sportscotland Scottish Sport Futures Awards 2019.

For Jacqueline, the rewards of providing support and guidance to the young people she coaches make all her hard work worthwhile.

She says: “It is really nice to be able to help provide opportunities for young people.

"It’s good because it’s not performance-based, the girls come in and they can just chat to us about their day or about what they are doing in school.

“It’s just a nice environment for them to go to. They trust us and we trust them, it’s a nice atmosphere and it’s all channelled through a sport.

Jacqueline Anderson

“They don’t necessarily want to become brilliant basketball players, they just want somewhere to go and something to do.

“You see a big difference in the young people who come, and they have someone to look up to. Unfortunately, some of them don’t maybe have that in their lives away from the club. Even just giving them compliments about school or anything, you see it really boosts their confidence.”

The sportscotland Scottish Sport Futures Awards 2019 will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow on 8 February and will showcase how sport can be used for positive social change, while celebrating the incredible commitment of the young people who engage in sport through SSF and those who have supported them throughout the year.

Changing lives

A group of truly inspirational young people have made the list of finalists for the 10 awards. SSF is a charity which has changed lives through sport. Over the past 18 years its work has supported communities where people are vulnerable or at risk.

SSF's local and national programmes provide tailored pathways to positive destinations, enabling young people to fulfil their potential and widening opportunities for all.

Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Scottish Sport Futures to celebrate the fantastic work being done through their initiatives up and down the country.

“There are some truly inspirational stories among the nominees, who through their hard work and dedication have shown how sport can be used for positive social change within their communities.

“At sportscotland we are committed to delivering sporting opportunities within communities to help young participants and athletes develop and learn. We continue to develop young leaders in sport through our Young People’s Sport Panel and Young Ambassadors programmes.

“As the national agency for sport we believe that young people should have a voice in sport and be able to access great opportunities to learn important skills as well as participate in sport.”

Kirsty McNab, CEO of SSF, said: “We are proud and excited to be showcasing our dedicated young people and their work at this spectacular event. We are committed to changing lives through sport and these awards give very deserved recognition for the most incredible individuals. It is a great honour for us to be lead-sponsored by sportscotland and we look forward to continued partnership working with them.”

Find out more

About the sportscotland Scottish Sport Futures Awards 2019

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