A new cohort of over 600 Young Ambassadors are setting out to make a difference to sport in their schools after attending this year’s Young Ambassador conferences.
As part of the National Lottery-funded programme, each year sportscotland host six regional Young Ambassador conferences across the country and two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are invited to attend.
There have been over 3,000 Young Ambassadors in Scotland since the programme started in 2012 and this year a total of 630 Young Ambassadors and 315 mentors attended events in Perth, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Inverness.
Working together
A strong example of partnership working, the conferences were designed and delivered collaboratively with young people, athletes and Active Schools. The team of Scottish athletes at this year’s events included former Scotland Rugby 7s captain Colin Gregor; Commonwealth champion swimmers Caitlin McClatchey and Robbie Renwick, Olympic judo bronze medallist Sally Conway, former Paralympic athlete Stefan Hoggan, Scottish hockey player Sarah Robertson and the recently-retired Gemma Fay, who led the Scotland women's football team to their first European Championship finals in 2017.
The athletes provided the Young Ambassadors with support and inspiration to to help them prepare for their role within schools and wider communities as role models and young leaders.
The Glasgow conferences were opened by Jenny Jones, a former British professional snowboarder who became the first Briton to win an Olympic medal on snow.
Jenny said: “I’m honoured to host the Glasgow leg of sportscotland’s Young Ambassador conferences.
"The young people here today are so passionate about making their voices heard, and for that I really admire them.
"Not only are they eager to learn, but they recognise that sport is an awesome way to express yourself and channel their efforts into something positive.”
Young Ambassadors 2017: picture gallery
New opportunities
Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: “Our Young Ambassadors conferences provide an excellent opportunity for pupils across the country who are passionate about sport to collaboratively make a difference. With the chance to meet exceptional athletes and leading sport professionals, the pupils gain invaluable first-hand knowledge which will help them in their sporting journeys.
“Becoming a Young Ambassador is a fantastic role. Not only is it a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people in sport, but the programme helps youngsters develop as sporting leaders by influencing and reflecting the views of other young people.
"We encourage our Young Ambassadors to motivate and inspire others to get into sport, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible sporting experience across Scotland.”
Find out more
For more information on the programme, please visit our Young Ambassadors page.
