What sport are you involved in and what do you love about it?
I play rugby for Ardrossan rugby club and have done for the past 9 years. I love rugby as it is a very involving sport – it’s for everyone, any size, any experience and knowledge. And I love the Scottish Rugby values that are leadership, engagement, achievement, enjoyment and respect. And rugby is an escape from reality for me, just a chance to get out the house go see my friends and play a sport we all love.
What motivated you to be a part of the Young People's Sport Panel?
I am really motivated to be in the sport panel to get my voice heard, get my message across and to help develop sports. I am a very self-driven person and it drives me even more to know the panel can help me make a difference in sport so young people don’t need to go through the barriers and challenges I had to overcome.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
I think sport has a massive impact on young people though mental health, social skills and physical heath. And gives young people something to be proud of and to take their minds off other things in life. For example it gave me a safe place to get out the house and gave me a few hours a week where I just go and enjoy myself and only think about sport and I think that is really important in the growth of young people.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them you admire?
I have a few role models but the main one is Ant Middleton. I would pick Ant because he is a very self-driven person but also takes his own energy and brings other people on his journey so he gives them motivation to work harder, push yourself and put 100% everything you do. He is also a very good and confident leader as he was in the army so had to step up and lead in extreme environments. He’s also a very resilient person his mental and physical toughness is great showing his ability to stay calm and focused in every situation and I see myself like that as well. Even as good as he is working by himself and as a leader, his teamwork skills are really good as well because he knows how to motivate others in a team and work alongside them and help them through situations and finally I admire his discipline - a core trait learned through the military training, he is disciplined in maintaining a high standard at all times.