A sports leader from Irvine is encouraging more young people from the area to take part in sportscotland’s Young Ambassadors (YA) programme.

In August, Greenwoood Academy pupil Kayla Hood was named in the next cohort of sportscotland Young Ambassadors delivery team. Kayla was included in the 32-strong delivery team after a rigorous recruitment process.

The team will help develop resources and training to influence new and existing YAs for the year ahead, as well as supporting those delivering local sport.

Despite the delivery team already being decided, pupils can still become a Young Ambassador. Each year, two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland have the opportunity as YAs to promote sport and motivate other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.

Kayla said: “One piece of advice I would give to a young person considering the role of Young Ambassador would be that you should make sure you are going to be committed and support your Active schools coordinator.

“If you are considering it, I’d say go for it. It has been one of the best opportunities I have taken on.”

Usually the YAs would attend one of several national conferences to help provide understanding of the role, however this year’s conferences have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic so all learning will be delivered through resources that the delivery team have helped to create. At the heart of the YA programme is the principle that their views, and those of other young people are heard and valued and can influence decision making. As role models and leaders for other young people, Young Ambassadors can have a pivotal role within their school and community.