What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I currently play recreational football with Cumbernauld United Ladies Football Club. I started playing football last February after looking for a new sporting journey. I love playing football because I enjoy being apart of a team and working together to achieve aims. I also enjoy playing competitive football with my team and working together to do the best we can.
What motivated you to be part of the YPSP?
I think that the panel provides a really unique opportunity for young people to not only voice opinions, but to be the pillars that drive change. I wanted to use the panel as a platform to voice my opinions based on my own sport experience, and to inspire other young people to do the same.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland
For me and many others, sport is a great chance to escape from demands and stress of daily life. For whatever level of sport young people choose to participate in, recreational, competitive, or high level, sport has something to offer everyone. If young people are given the opportunity to engage in sport, they are also given the opportunity to gain experiences and skills which aren’t automatically aligned with sport itself. The social, emotional, mental gains from sport for young people are unmeasurable and can be fundamental in shaping the life they will go on to live.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it about them that you admire ?
My sport role model is Caitlin Hayes, a female footballer who currently plays for Brighton & hove ladies football club. She is my role model because she is outspoken and uses her position to stand up for what she believes in. I admire the way she articulates her values and reflects these with her actions. My personal role model is my Active Schools Coordinator Lee McParland. Without her fighting in my corner I wouldn’t have got some of the experiences which led me to the panel. Finally, my mum inspires me every day because she has always believed in me even if I didn’t believe in myself.