Young ambassador from Barrhead to lead conferences that inspire the next generation of sport leaders

After a rigorous recruitment process Charlie Gardiner (16) has been named among the 32-strong conference delivery team who will organise and deliver six conferences designed to inspire the next generation of leaders in sport.

Each year, two pupils from each secondary school in Scotland are chosen as Young Ambassadors to promote sport and motivate other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.

The project is a key element of sportscotland’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport.

Since the National Lottery-funded programme was launched in 2012, 3,500 Young Ambassadors have been selected and around 650 new Young Ambassadors attend the conferences each year.

Charlie, a pupil at St Luke’s High said: “It will be great to be able to make a difference and gain some leadership opportunities.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and hopefully inspiring this year’s Young Ambassadors to make the most of their sporting opportunities.”

Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: “Congratulations to the 32 young people who have been selected for our 2019 conference delivery team.

“Our Young Ambassadors conferences provide an excellent opportunity for pupils across the country who are passionate about sport to come together to make a difference.

“It offers them the chance to meet exceptional athletes and leading sport professionals, the pupils can also gain invaluable first-hand knowledge which will help them in their sporting journeys.

“We encourage our Young Ambassadors to motivate and inspire others to get into sport, helping shape decisions to ensure youngsters have the best possible sporting experience across Scotland.”

With events in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen and Perth hundreds of young people from local secondary schools will take part, with the conference delivery team leading on and presenting each conference.