The Young Ambassadors programme is funded by the National Lottery and is a key element of sportscotland’s contribution to developing young people as leaders in sport. We believe that young people make a meaningful and important contribution as leaders in sport, and that young people should have access to a range of opportunities of leadership roles which reflect their interests and abilities.

Each year two pupils from every secondary school in Scotland have the opportunity to be selected as Young Ambassadors to promote sport, and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in their schools, clubs and local communities.

There have been nearly 6,000 Young Ambassadors in Scotland since the programme started in 2012, and around 650 new Young Ambassadors have the opportunity to attend one of our national conferences in order to provide understanding of the role.

The role of a Young Ambassador

At the heart of the Young Ambassador programme is the principle that their views, and those of other young people are heard, valued and influence decision making; and that they are engaged in driving change.

In this context a Young Ambassador has two key roles:

• to promote sport, and motivate and inspire other young people to get involved in sport in a wide range of settings within their local communities, including schools, clubs and community organisations
• to influence six key aspects of school sport: 
  • extra-curricular sport provision
  • links to community sport opportunities
  • opportunities for competition
  • celebration of pupil achievements in sport
  • leadership opportunities for young people
  • PE in schools

As role models and leaders for other young people, Young Ambassadors can have a pivotal role within their school and wider community.

For more information on the Young Ambassador programme, please contact your local Secondary Active Schools Coordinator