What are you doing now?

Studying Sport Development at the University of the West of Scotland. Community rugby coach for primary and secondary girls whilst being a member of the YST Youth Board.

How did being a Team Leader help you grow as a person?

The team leader experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a range of experiences that I never thought I would get. Whether that be providing me with confidence when speaking to a large group of people in a focus group setting or improving my delivery and coaching skills, I have really honed my leadership skills through this program, which I now use in my everyday life. This experience reinforced my why - to provide safe and inclusive spaces for all young people in sport to achieve their full potential.

What skills did you develop as a Team Leader that you use now, or feel will support you in the future?

Leadership through feeling supported and skilled to manage a group of young people in a camp setting. Communication - when speaking with young people, fellow Team Leaders and learning to speak professionally to YST Staff in person and via email. Organisation- managing a volunteer commitment whilst working part-time and studying full-time. High level of self-efficacy- I now believe in my capabilities and feel much more empowered and motivated to put myself forward for opportunities to volunteer in sport, whether that be in coaching or in development. Empathy - I learned how to put myself in a young person’s shoes whilst at camp to best support them emotionally.

Can you share a standout moment from your time as a Team Leader that you’re proud of?

I am most proud of my impact whilst at the Youth Leadership Camp in 2024. I was partnered with Tom Davis, which was an incredible experience to work with him during workshops. He gave me the autonomy to give my input during the reflection at the end of each workshop, and I felt a great deal of reward when the young people were able to see the learning points we were trying to get out of them. I was proud of my clear delivery and also my patience to guide the young people to the answer instead of just giving up and telling it to them straight.

If you had to sum up the impact of being a Team Leader in one sentence, what would you say?

The experience was completely life-changing for me, and I hope that I have placed some of my knowledge from the experience on the young people I have influenced.

What would you say to someone thinking of being a Team Leader?

Definitely go for it! Say yes to every opportunity because you never know what doors it will open for you. Be so unapologetically yourself, and you will have the best time!