I am currently part of the Young Ambassador UK Steering Group, we are a group of fifteen young ambassadors from across the UK who come together to help the youth sport trust shape and develop their programme. Through this I recently had the opportunity to be part of the National Young Ambassador Celebration day at Wembley stadium where I got to introduce and interview athletes on stage. I was delighted to be involved in this as I got the chance to meet and speak to athletes that I have idolised for years.

Through my role as a young ambassador in Scotland I had the job of delivering conferences in Hamden, Perth Concert Hall and Eden Court. During this I also took a group of 30 new young ambassadors all day to educate them in their role as a YA. I also had the opportunity to deliver at an adult workshop at the conference which I really enjoyed.

This time two years ago I wouldn’t have had the confidence to stand up on stage and speak to a large group of people. However, this programme has equipped me with excellent communication skills and given me the chance to meet new people and make new friends. I am very grateful to the P.E department for nominating me to become a YA.

Stemming from the YA programme there are other leadership programmes out there, one of them being the Young people’s sport panel which I am fortunate enough to be a part of. From my involvement in the panel I was able to volunteer in the Glasgow 2014 Athlete village during the Commonwealth games. I was very privileged to be given this opportunity. It was an incredible experience which involved me meeting many different people from all over the Commonwealth. It has definitely broadened my mind and understanding of different cultures and has inspired me to want to make a difference to people’s lives through sport.

These experiences have shown me how important sport is in our society and how it brings many people together. It has further encouraged me to pursue a career as a Physical Education teacher as I have learned how vital it is that all children have access to high quality teaching in physical education.

By Gemma Maclean S6