Seventeen passionate and driven young people from across Scotland recently came together for a residential at the sportscotland National Centre, Inverclyde, to develop their knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to promote sport and physical activity in their schools and communities. As part of the nationwide Young Ambassador programme, these volunteers – aged between 15 and 18 – represent the next generation of sports leaders and role models and some of them will lead the national online conference in October.
The Young Ambassador Delivery Team, who travelled from across Scotland, have a wide range of backgrounds and experience and are united by a shared goal: to inspire other young people to get active, enjoy sport, and experience the benefits of sport and physical activity.
Building skills and confidence
The residential experience placed a strong focus on building key skills that Young Ambassadors need to be effective in their roles back in school. Over the course of the two days, they developed their confidence in public speaking, learned how to plan and deliver impactful messages, and explored the power of sport as a tool for positive change in schools. They were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the values of leadership, communication, and teamwork.
One of the standout sessions involved Ambassadors practising presentations in front of their peers. The YAs worked in pairs to prepare and deliver a short session, receiving supportive feedback from both facilitators and fellow Ambassadors. This exercise helped them build confidence in their delivery style, refine their messaging, and develop strategies to engage an audience – all essential tools for the work they will do in their schools to promote sport and physical activity.
Working together, leading together
While individual growth was a big part of the residential, teamwork and collaboration were equally important. The Young Ambassadors worked in teams to complete tasks that tested their problem-solving, creativity, and leadership abilities. This allowed the Ambassadors to learn from one another, gain insights into how different schools and communities approach sport, and make connections that they can take forward into their ambassador roles. The diversity of the group – in geography, experiences, and perspectives – helped create a positive learning environment!
Lights, camera, action!
One of the most exciting elements of the residential was the opportunity for the Ambassadors to be involved in filming content to raise awareness of the Young Ambassador programme. Guided by the sportscotland communications team, the young leaders took part in interviews, created social media content, and shared their personal journeys in sport leadership.
Some of this content will be used to inspire and inform other young people across Scotland, demonstrating the impact that Young Ambassadors can have in their schools and communities. The filming sessions gave participants an idea of the role that media can play in raising awareness and encouraging more young people to get involved in sport.
A national network of young leaders
The Young Ambassador programme is part of sportscotland’s commitment to young people as leaders in sport. Every year, schools across the country select pupils with a passion for sport to become Young Ambassadors – young people who encourage participation, support events, and act as role models within their school communities.
This year’s residential brought together 17 outstanding individuals who have already shown exceptional promise in their roles. Whether it's by organising school sports days, running lunchtime clubs, or leading campaigns to make sport more inclusive, these young leaders are helping to transform their school cultures and promote healthier, more active lifestyles.
Looking ahead
As the residential came to a close, the atmosphere was one of pride and energy. The Delivery Team left with new skills and knowledge and a sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead.
Bryony Sharp is one of two members returning to the Delivery Team for her second year. She summed up the impact of the programme and the residential experience:
"I used to be nervous about speaking in front of people, but now I feel confident to step up and take a lead.
"I had such an amazing time on the Delivery Team last year and knew I'd be eager to come back. It's been great to connect with and get to know the new team at the residential.
"I'm now feeling really positive about the year ahead!"
Others reflected on the friendships and connections they had made, describing the residential as a supportive and inspiring environment that brought out the best in everyone.
The 2025 Young Ambassador conference will take place on Thursday 2 October 10:00am - 12:00pm. mentors are encouraged to register their Young Ambassadors here.
Click here to find out more about the 2025/26 Delivery Team.
