Laura picked for Young Ambassadors programme
A Bridge of Allan teenager is hoping to inspire the next generation of sporting leaders in Scotland after being selected to a prominent role.
Seventeen-year-old Laura Reid-kay, who attends Dunblane Academy, has emerged from a rigorous selection process to be named as one of 32 members of a delivery team run by Sportscotland to find new youth ambassadors for the organisation.
Laura’s role will be to develop resources and training to influence new and existing youth ambassadors in the next year, as well as providing support for those delivering local sport.
The young ambassadors programme sees two pupils from every secondary in Scotland appointed to the position to promote sport and motivate other young people to get involved in sport in their local clubs and communities.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the delivery of the programme, with national conferences cancelled and replaced by remote working.
Laura said:“i hope to inspire people to get involved in the Young Ambassadors programme so they can have as much fun as I’ve had and help them to make a difference in their school and community.”
The project is a key element of Sportscotland’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport. Since the National Lottery-funded programme was launched in 2012, there have been over 5,000Young Ambassadors in Scotland and around 650 new
Young Ambassadors attend the conferences each year.
Stewart Harris, Sportscotland chief executive, said:“congratulations to the 32 young people who have been selected for our 2020 delivery team. It is a programme we are very proud that has helped develop young people for eight years and wouldn’t be possible without the National Lottery and lottery players.
“Clearly this has clearly been an extremely difficult time for people across Scotland. But it is heartening to see so many young people coming together to try to help and inspire others.
“Becoming a Young Ambassador is a great way to develop new skills, build confidence and meet like-minded people in sport. We encourage our Young Ambassadors to motivate others to get into sport, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible sporting experience across Scotland.”