Age: 18
Hometown: Huntly
Local authority: Aberdeenshire
What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
Growing up I have always been involved in a variety of sports, my favourite one is football. I have previously played for Aberdeen and I now play at uni whilst studying PE teaching. I love football because I have met some of my best friends through it and had so many amazing opportunities. My favourite thing about football is that when I’m playing it I feel like I’m in my own world, all that’s in my head is football and I really enjoy it, its my favourite thing to do.
What motivated you to be part of the Young People’s Sport Panel?
I love sport and have gained so many experiences, friends and confidence from sport and I want to be able to create opportunities and experiences like these for others. I want to be able to make a difference, even if that just be for one person. I feel the YPSP is the perfect opportunity for me to work with like minded people who share the same values and passion for sport as I do and be able to use this positively to help and inspire others.
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Scotland today?
I think social media and fear of judgement are key issues facing young people especially in schools. I think young people are too consumed with what others think of them that it holds them back. For example in school young people may not want to join a new sport in case they are judged for not being good and I would love to on the YPSP be able to help build confidence for young people to try new things, teaching them to be themselves and do what makes them happy. Another challenge is the lack of opportunities in rural areas which can make pathways into sport more challenging and create limitations for certain individuals as they may have to travel far to access better opportunities which requires a lot of commitment and travel expenses which not all young people may have access to, preventing them from these opportunities.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
Sport can help young people in many ways. For example sport allows for healthy lifestyles to be led through physical activity. It can also help socially as it provides opportunity to meet and make new friends. It can also improve mental health especially for young people doing exams in school as sport can provide a break and an opportunity to relax. Sport is a good way to feel as if you are in your own world, it can allow you to have fun and take your mind off anything else going on.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them that you admire?
My role model is my school PE teacher. I admire how she has always supported me in everything I have done. She encourages me to take every opportunity given to me. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be in the position I am today - studying to achieve my dream job, not only has she been my inspiration to become a teacher but she has taught me to always stay true to myself. I admire how she shows all her pupils that you never have to be anything but yourself and that “everything happens for a reason”.