The Scottish Sports Futures Awards 2024, in partnership with sportscotland, took place on Thursday night (22 February) where the success and dedication of young people in sport across Scottish communities was celebrated.
Scottish Sport Futures (SSF) use sport as a catalyst to enable young people to be healthier, more confident, and more resilient, so they are better prepared to combat the effects of poverty, trauma and adversity. Supporting Young people, living in challenging environments to fulfil their potential and become forces for good in their communities.
The awards night is seen as one of the highlights of the year by the young people, partners and funders across the organisation and is an inspirational reminder of what can be achieved through partnership working and putting young people at the heart of everything.
Throughout the evening, seven awards were presented to young people, coaches, and organisations who have changed the lives of young people through the power of sport. The winners were selected in recognition of their work across SSF programmes and projects.<
Spirit of the Year - Billie Fitzpatrick
Unsung Hero of the Year - Erynn McGrath
Inspiring Journey of the Year - Junior Fitzpatrick
Coach/Youth Worker of the Year - Zara Kirkwood
Positive Destination - Zak Simpson
Changing Lives Organisation of the Year - Claremont Colts
Claremont Colts are an exemplary community focused football club catering for young people with disabilities across East Kilbride and the surrounding areas. The club provides much-needed support for young people with additional support needs to enjoy the wider health and social benefits of sport.
Ian Reid Outstanding Achievement of the Year - Ali Lang
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said, “A huge congratulations to all the winners at this year’s Scottish Sports Futures Awards, who all truly deserve to be recognised for their passion and dedication they have for the work they do in communities across Scotland.”
“Our continuing partnership with organisations such as Scottish Sports Futures, is integral to the work we do as the national agency and getting to see how vital and important the work is to all the young people involved has been fantastic. Over the past few years, we have seen numerous SSF projects create inclusive environments, providing sport and physical activity opportunities for young people from a variety of backgrounds.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Sports Futures, Dougie Millan, said: “This year’s Scottish Sports Futures Awards have been a huge success and recognise the talents and determination of amazing young people, community organisations and partners.
"I am incredibly optimistic about the role that sport can continue to play in transforming the lives of young people. The stories and successes we have heard demonstrate that sport can be a catalyst for bringing people together to celebrate diversity and make our communities stronger.
"We look forward to working with sportscotland and all our partners to ensure that every young person feels that sport is a place they belong and can thrive.”
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