Young People’s Forum Launch
At the 2021 National Club Conference, Erin Gillen, a young coach from Springburn Harriers launched the new scottishathletics Young People’s Forum. This forum aims to give young people a platform and voice in all aspects of the planning, development, and delivery of athletics in Scotland!
In early 2021, a survey was completed by young people seeking their views on several areas within athletics. This led to a small group of young people coming together for a facilitated discussion, looking at the survey results, and a more broadly around the input and involvement of young people in how scottishathletics could take their views forward.
Do you have what it takes to be the voice for young people in athletics?
Who are we looking for?
- Living in Scotland
- Aged between 14 -23
- Are a member and/or volunteer within a scottishathletics affiliated club
- Have been a member and/or volunteer within a scottishathletics affiliated club within the last 2 years
- Passionate about athletics
- Want to make a difference
What qualities are we looking for?
- Motivated
- Enthusiastic
- Good Communication skills
- Empathy towards others
- Open-minded & creative
scottishathletics values and recognises the importance of providing opportunities for our young athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers to input into decisions around our sport, and how it can have a positive outcome for young people. As such, scottishathletics would like to invite young athletes, coaches, officials, and/or club volunteers to express an interest in joining scottishathletics Young People’s Forum.
We would like to engage up to 12 young people aged between 14 and 23 years of age to participate in the Young People’s Forum. The role will require a time commitment of a minimum 10-hours per-year which will include attendance and preparation for:
- An induction, to be held (virtually)
- Regular liaison with the National Club Managers
- A minimum of 4 forum meetings annually…..either virtual or face to face
- Ad hoc virtual meetings as necessary
- If agreed, meetings of any sub-groups or time-limited action groups
- Occasional Partner events, representing scottishathletics.
The Young People’s Forum will initially look at 2 areas:
- Focus on retaining young people in athletics
- Mental health in sport for young people
This is a great opportunity to become:
- An Ambassador;
- An Advisor;
- A Future Leader;
You will also be able to use your time and what you have learned towards the Duke of Edinburgh volunteer hours, profile for university applications and towards your CV.
How to Apply
If you believe that you have the necessary qualities and are committed to fully participate in the Young People’s Forum, please click this link to complete the application form, alternatively, you can submit a short video clip answering the following questions:
- Tell us about your experience(s) in athletics (no more than 250 words)
- Tell us what difference you want to make in athletics for young people. (no more than 250 words)
- Tell us why you want to be on the Young People’s Forum. (no more than 250 words)
Please include your name, age, email, contact number, your club, Local Authority area and role within your club. If you are under 16, please include permission from a parent or guardian.
Videos applications should be submitted to development@scottishathletics.org.uk. All applications should be submitted not later than midday 29th October 2021.
