Panel opportunity for youngsters County trio to shape Scottish sport’s future
Three county youngsters are set to play a key role in developing sport in Scotland over the next two years.
Bothwell’s Eilidh Barclay, Megan Glancy from Hamilton and Charlie Wilson of Motherwell have been selected from 156 applicants to be part of the fourth Young People’s Sport Panel.
Led by sportscotland and supported by Young Scot, the YPSP provides a national platform to represent a voice for young people from across Scotland to influence and shape the future of sport in the country, and raise its profile.
The trio, along with the 16 other panel members, will have the opportunity over the next two years to have their views heard and valued, and the chance to influence decision-making and drive change in Scottish sport.
A rigorous recruitment process began in January, when applications were submitted by 156 young people between the ages of 14-23 from every region in Scotland.
In March, 102 were selected, interviewed by a team of experts from sportscotland, external partners and previous panel members, from which 38 were selected for a second interview and group session, an individual challenge and a formal interview, ahead of the final 19 being confirmed in June.
The new panel met for the first time in sportscotland’s Edinburgh office on Friday, along with their parents and guardians.
Eilidh Barclay (15), who is from Bothwell and attends Uddingston Grammar, said: “I was absolutely buzzing when I found out. I’m extremely proud to be able to say I am a member of the YPSP.”
“I want to help sport be available to every young person in Scotland, allowing them to take part and find their passion in it.”
Charlie Wilson (19) from Motherwell, said: “I was in total shock, as I thought I was being called to give me bad news. It didn’t sink in until a few hours later, about how big a deal it was, and I was ecstatic.”
Hamilton’s Megan Glancy wants to help ensure opportunities are provided across all sports in Scotland.
The 19-year-old said: “I want to start bringing other sports to the fore and encourage children to try new sports, to have new experiences and, most importantly, make new friends.
“I want children people to be able to sports as possible.” and young try as many