What do you currently do? 

I am currently working as a primary school TA, having finished studying at Exeter University. Within this role, I have particularly enjoyed helping with PE lessons, outside activities and after-school sports clubs. I also coach rugby on the weekends for the Under 6s at my local club, which I love doing!

Tell us about your sporting background.

At school, I enjoyed all kinds of sports and was very lucky to try out many types (from netball and hockey to swimming and tennis). I have always loved to run with my mum and now focus on athletics as my main sport. Whilst at university, I competed in national events like BUCS cross country and track competitions. I am currently injured, but being away from running has helped me realise even more how much I value it. Sport in general has been amazing for my mental health and confidence, and I’ve made so many friends because of it! I also really enjoy coaching both athletics and rugby in my free time.

What is your area of interest when it comes to accessing sport?

My area of interest is encouraging choice. My love and passion for physical activity stems from being fortunate enough to have lots of choice in sport from a young age. I believe that young people would be more likely to stay involved with physical activity if they felt able to explore different types, levels and formats of enjoyable sport throughout school.

This year, I have really enjoyed hosting a series of Women in Sport events focusing on overcoming barriers that limit girls’ accessibility and choice in sport, and this is an area I feel very passionately about impacting.

Why did you want to become a member of the Youth Board?

I first found out about the Youth Sport Trust and their amazing work at university and was keen to get involved. Given the massive impact that sport has had on my life, I feel passionately about enabling more young people to experience the life-changing effects of sport. I also strongly believe in the power of the youth voice and feel that young people’s thoughts and ideas are crucial for understanding how we can successfully bring about important change in sport. I was really excited when I found out about the Youth Board and felt this was a perfect way to make a positive impact and meaningfully represent young people in sport.

If you could change one thing about sport or physical activity for young people, what would that be?

If I could change one thing, it would be accessibility and inclusion. I would ensure that every young person felt valued and fully included in sport, having the opportunity to take part in whatever sport they wanted.

I think that many young people drop out of sport because they don’t think they are good enough, or because they don’t enjoy PE at school. However, I believe that there is a place in sport for everyone, whether that is playing a game with friends in the park, participating in fitness classes, joining a new sports club or even coaching and umpiring!

Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.

I love tomato ketchup and will literally eat it with anything!