What sport are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I’ve been playing football from a young age, since my dad first introduced me to the sport. I’ve also been dancing for the past 5 years. I love football for the relationships you can build with your teammates, and I love dance because it allows me to express myself and process my emotions. Although these sports are the ones I participate in most, I have taken part in a wide range of sports throughout the years and aim to continue to try new sports through this experience.
What motivated you to be a part of the YPSP?
I’ve followed the incredible work that cohort 6 achieved in the previous 2 years and I wanted to contribute to making a meaningful impact on sport in Scotland. Growing up in the north of Caithness, access to sport can be limited, so having the opportunity to share the views of people in my county is something I am very proud of. My own journey in sport hasn’t been easy with various health issues presenting as barriers; I hope to raise awareness and put measures in place to support others whose journeys in sport aren’t straightforward.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Scotland?
Sport is a great way of developing not only physical skills but also social, mental, and emotional qualities. As someone who takes part in sport and as a student PE teacher, I have seen first-hand the positive impact sport can have on someone’s wellbeing, and that is something I want everyone in Scotland to experience.
Is there a role model who inspires you? What is it that you admire?
My role model is GB Olympic Gymnast, Nile Wilson. As an Olympian and influencer, it can be easy to get pulled into portraying the persona of a “perfect life” online. Following a career-ending injury, Nile took to his socials to open up about his struggles, discussing his own experiences around poor mental health, addiction, and gambling. The strength and courage it took for him to display his challenges in sport is something I aspire to achieve through the panel.