It's been just over a year since we welcomed the fifth cohort of our Young People's Sport Panel! While much of their first year has taken place via virtual meetings, the panel has already completed a huge amount of work behind the scenes.
We caught up with some of the panel members to hear how their first year has gone, how it compares with what they'd expected, and what they're looking forward to in 2022.
Laura
When applying for the panel I was very excited at the thought of the opportunity to be able to connect and make a difference in sport with like-minded individuals. I couldn’t wait to get my application in and was nervously anticipating a response throughout each stage of the interview process. I was very nervous for each interview but it was a lot more relaxed than I thought it would be and once I started talking about my passions and what I wanted to do within the sport I couldn’t stop!
In my first year on the panel, I have learned to have the confidence to speak up and believe in myself.
I have also learned it is important to communicate, as nobody can help if they do not know what is going on. Everyone is supportive and it is amazing to be part of such a great team. Looking forward to seeing the progress we make in the new year and seeing our ideas come to life!
Jessica
Personally, I can’t believe that it’s been a year since my panel journey started. I remember when I was first sent the application form by my good friend and leader of the tennis club I worked at, and I knew nothing about the YPSP at all! I read the information and thought it looked like a great opportunity, so I started working on my application.
The application process was definitely really thorough and challenging, and I was pushed out of my comfort zone multiple times. Despite being nerve-wracking, the application process was a very positive experience and I learned a lot from it.
There is no doubt that it has helped me with any interviews or applications that I have had since.
I wasn’t really sure what to expect coming onto the panel, but it has definitely exceeded any possible expectations that I had. It’s really unfortunate that COVID has prevented us from meeting in person during the year, but everyone has adapted really well and I’m pleasantly surprised at how much we’ve managed to get through.
I’ve met some amazing, like-minded people, learned so much especially about accessing sport in Scotland, been to a Scottish Women in Sport awards event and become a producer of a podcast. I have so much to thank the team at YPSP for and I can’t wait for the remainder of my time on the panel!
Louis
I really had no idea what to expect when I applied for the panel! It was one of these things that I applied for and then sort of forgot about, until they got back in touch of course. It was really once I got to the interview process that I got excited about the panel and was really keen to be involved. Everyone who I met in my online interviews were really kind and made me feel very at ease straight away. I think, because of this, I probably delivered some of my best interviews I've ever done!
Since I’ve been on the panel I’ve learnt a great deal about engagement in sport in Scotland and what work sportscotland are doing to try and increase everyone’s involvement in sport and exercise across the country. I have also learnt a lot about myself during my first year on the panel.
I’ve had lots of experience in team environments and even leading some projects.
This is all really useful experience and has helped me in so many ways outside of the panel, also.
Molly
When applying for the panel, I didn’t know what to expect. I was familiar with the previous panels and everything they had accomplished but wasn’t entirely sure what the panel would hold for me.
Since working with this amazing group, I’ve had the opportunity to do so many things I wouldn’t have imagined whilst applying.
From sharing my views on the development of sport locally to nationally, the panel has been incredible and I can’t wait to see all the things year two will hold!
