Applications for YPSP 2025/26 are now closed.
Recruitment timeline
The milestones of application, interviews and successful members' key work and dates.
- Do your research - explore our website to find out more about the panel and what's involved.
- Do you meet the key criteria? Check the FAQs section below for further details.
- Apply online - applications open on Monday 26 August and close at midnight on Wednesday 18 September.
- 1st interview stage - successful applicants will be called for an informal interview, this will take place online and with various time slots available to book between 21 October and 15 November. You will also have the chance to attend an online information session with current panel members before your interview.
- 2nd interview stage - selected candidates will be invited to a second stage interview, in person on 2, 4, 11 December
- Our 2025/26 panel will be selected! The new panel members will meet for an induction in January.
- For the next two years the panel members attend monthly meetings, a residential and development days. At these meetings, panel members will be involved in a range of opportunities as well as working in project groups. They'll also have the chance to represent sportscotland at various events and opportunities throughout their time on the panel.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply?
Applications open on Monday 26 August and close at midnight on Wednesday 18 September.
What are the criteria for applicants?
You must be living in Scotland, and be aged between 14 and 23 at the date of application deadline (18 September). Otherwise, all you need is a passion for sport, a desire to make a difference, and up to 3 hours per week to commit to the panel!
How do I apply?
You also have the option to submit a video or voice note as your application. Further instructions on this are below.
There's also more information about the application form in our guidance note.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please email us ypsp@sportscotland.org.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
What’s involved in the application form?
The application form should take around 20 minutes to complete. You can find out more about what's included in the form via our guidance note.
You’ll be asked to fill out some basic details about yourself, then answer three questions about your experience in sport and why you want to be on the panel. Each question only requires an answer of 200 words or fewer (or up to 1 minute per question for a video answer).
You’ll also need to provide contact details for a reference – this could be a teacher, coach, support worker, work colleague or similar (where possible this should not be a relative or friend).
Please note that you cannot save the form as you go, so consider preparing your answers in advance and inputting them in one go.
We ask in the application if you are willing to give us consent to allow us to share your contact details with our key local and national partners. This provides us with the opportunity to connect you to our invested partners to allow for further development opportunities, either in your local area or the sport you’re involved in.
How do I submit a video application?
Video / voice note responses are optional, but if you prefer that to a written answer then all you need to do is record your answers to each of the questions, which you can find in the guidance note.
You'll still need to complete the rest of the form so we have your contact information.
Then send your video via WeTransfer to ypsp@sportscotland.org.uk.
Can you offer support with transport?
For second stage interviews in person, travel expenses incurred will be reimbursed to applicants for all stages (within reason). You will be required on the day to fill in a form and provide any travel receipts for processing.
For successful panel members, we’ll help you with co-ordinating your travel arrangements and cover your travel expenses throughout your time on the panel. Travel can be booked for you in advance rather than you having to pay and claim back expenses.
Still got a question?
If there's anything you're still unsure of, contact us at ypsp@sportscotland.org.uk and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.