Hometown: Glasgow
Education: University of Stirling (Sports Studies)
Sport: Hill Walking/Munro Bagging
Coaching and volunteering: Football Coach at Rangers FC, Multi-Sports Coach at Active Schools, Soccer Coach with Challenger Sports, Coach and Project Deliverer at Rangers Charity Foundation, Match Day Assistant at Hampden for the Scottish Football Association and Sports Leader Tutor
Club: Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Women's Hill Walking Group
Hobbies: I am a massive music fan and enjoy collecting records to add to my vinyl collection. I also love travelling, exploring new places and learning about new cultures.
Proudest achievement: Being awarded Sports Student of the Year and the Principles Prize for Academic Achievement at my HND Sports Coaching graduation.
Future aspirations: I aim to have a position in a major sports organisation on a global scale. Including making decisions about international competitions and policies whilst travelling to different countries to make sport accessible to all.
Interesting fact: I absolutely LOVE the festive period. I am a crazy Christmas person! You can call me Buddy the Elf.
Q&A with Stephanie
What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I am a coach at Rangers Soccer Academy, Rangers Charity and Active Schools Glasgow. I love being able to use sport to change the lives of young people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities at a local level. The main physical activity that I actually participate in is Munro climbing, which has been a passion of mine for the past 6 years and has helped me deal with my mental health issues.
What motivated you to be part of the Young People’s Sport Panel?
I have been working within Glasgow in sport for 7 years now and I feel I have made a significant difference to the sporting opportunities offered to young people. The YPSP is an opportunity for me to be a voice and implement change at a national level. I love a challenge and pushing myself out of my comfort zone so this was the next step in my journey.
What do you think of the YPSP so far and what work are you involved in?
So far I am absolutely loving the YPSP! I feel the team – Steven, Claire, Olivia, Nicola and others – have done a fantastic job in making us feel engaged and part of team during these unprecedented times. Although we are unable to meet face to face or attend any events just yet, I have been involved in lots of exciting opportunities already! For example, I have written an article for Sport First and Young Scot’s AyeFeel blog, co-hosted sport hour, attended CPD events and I am part of the podcast group.
What do you think the big challenges facing young people in Scotland today?
Accessibility, barriers to participation and inclusion
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
Sport can be an outlet for young people in Scotland. It can assist them in dealing with the challenges and obstacles in life. Sport helped me build my self-confidence and belief. It gave me a passion in life, and I know for many young people in Scotland it can do the same.
If you could change one thing about sport in Scotland, what would it be?
I would love to see sport and PE viewed as just as important as subjects such as maths, science etc. Sport and PE are vital for young people and have the potential to change lives.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them that you admire?
Fraser Gilmour, Active Schools Coordinator, is one of my role models in sport. The difference he has made in Glasgow and the Smithycroft Learning Community is outstanding. The dedication he puts into providing sport and leadership opportunities to young people regardless of background, gender or race is incredible!