Age: 15
Hometown: Dumfries
Local authority: Dumfries & Galloway
What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I play football for Heston Rovers Girls in Dumfries. I got introduced to girls football through my primary school and loved it straight away, playing football has undoubtedly helped me become a more confident person and take on more responsibility. It’s pretty amazing to see more and more girls become involved in the sport and to watch how quickly it is growing across the country. I love team sports in particular and being part of something with other girls. Whilst football is my main sport, I also enjoy playing netball for my school and I’m about join the local rugby club so I'm really excited to see how that goes!
What motivated you to be part of the Young People’s Sport Panel?
Sport brings me a lot of joy and I want to make sure it can for others too. The YPSP sounded like such an amazing opportunity to share my opinions on sport in Scotland and try to make it even better for all young people like myself. It’s really important that young people are listened to by anyone making decisions about sport and that we can share our thoughts and ideas to hopefully make things really positive. I am so excited to have been selected for the panel!
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Scotland today?
Self esteem and confidence are massive things for young people and can greatly affect someone’s Mental Health. In particular the challenges that are presented through engagement with social media, especially comparing yourself to others, whether related to sport or not. I still believe so many young people are put off from getting involved in sport or physical activity because they wrongly feel they have to be the best or of a certain level before getting involved. Sport should be for us all, no matter what ability you have and taking part in sport can just make you feel so much happier!
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
It can really help with some of the challenges mentioned above. Sport has helped give me much more confidence through the joy of being active, seeing me slowly improve my skills and fitness and provided me with lots of leadership opportunities. All of us need to care about our Mental Health, I feel much more relaxed, less stressed and able to deal with normal stuff after I have taken part in sport or gone for a cycle or a run. It can provide new friendships, gives you a way to express all types of emotions and provide motivation to achieve whatever small goal you set yourself. For many it might even give direction to what you want to do later in life, learning leadership and coaching skills can provide lots of future opportunities.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them that you admire?
I have two role models who inspire me everyday. My Mum and Dad. The way they have always put me first is so selfless and admirable. My Dad was the person who originally got me into sport and made me love it. He supports me and often shows me how it’s done in the sporting world! My mum is incredibly hardworking and generous. She never gives up and is always there for me, which I find so inspiring. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents, and this is why I admire them