Niamh Fellenger

Niamh's journey with the Young Ambassador programme began when one of their PE teachers encouraged them to apply during a school assembly. Her experience as a YA was incredibly positive, with highlights including networking with other young people across the country, being part of the YA Delivery Team, and even meeting an Olympian!

Now a PE teacher and Sports Coordinator, Niamh continues to support young people in their sporting endeavors, drawing on the skills and self-belief developed through the YA programme.

How did you first get involved with the Young Ambassador programme? – Can you remember how you heard about it?

I was first involved as a Young Ambassador when one of my PE teachers spoke in a whole school assembly regarding the up-and-coming applications. My PE teacher approached me in class while in S4, encouraging me to apply. I remember feeling really proud that my teacher had suggested I apply. I was then the school's Young Ambassador from S4-6.

What was your experience like as a YA? Can you tell us what your highlight was and what you took away from the experience?

I was so fortunate to have such a positive experience as a Young Ambassador. I loved the opportunity to network with other young people across the country who had similar ambitions to myself. I still have strong relationships with friends I made from being a YA but also keep in regular contact with staff from both sportscotland and Youth Sport Trust. I will also never forget meeting Olympians! My main takeaway from being a YA was how to utilise the people around me, that when one person couldn't or wouldn't support ideas that someone else would jump at the opportunity to do so.

How did your mentor support you during your time as a YA? 

I worked closely with one of my PE teachers as well as our Active Schools Coordinator. We met weekly to discuss targets for myself as an individual but also for our school and community. They supported events we wanted to run within the school and gave valuable advice on how to reach our full potential. Without the support of a good role model, I definitely would have faced more barriers. 

You were then part of the YA Delivery Team – what made you go for this role, and what was your experience like?

I remember chatting to one of the Delivery Team at my first conference and asking how they were in their role, from then I said I would love to have the opportunity to inspire other Young Ambassadors. I was the only Young Ambassador from my school to then progress to the Delivery Team. I loved working with like minded individuals who wanted to improve sporting opportunities across the country. Valuable experiences like the residential really supported both my personal and professional growth.

Overall, how do you think the YA programme has helped your personal development? Has it helped you get to where you are now?

I am now a PE teacher and sports coordinator within a Gold School of Sport who were awarded Scottish School of the Year at sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards 2024 and recently attended the Youth Sport Trust Awards as a finalist of Outstanding Secondary Practice. I work closely with my school's Young Ambassadors and have developed a junior and senior programme to best support the young people. Being part of the YA programme as a pupil is an integral part of how I got to where I am now but also the reason behind the way I work. I developed invaluable skills but most importantly developed a real sense of self belief.

Why do you think the YA programme is important for all young people?

Being involved in the YA programme allows you to develop a network of people who can support you. This echoes back to school, senior leaders providing opportunities to their school community to enhance sporting experiences. The impact of having relatable role models of senior YAs is hugely influential on younger pupils. Allowing young people to have a voice in their sporting communities.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer to current and future YAs?

Do not take a no as an answer. If you get told no, you are asking the wrong person!