What is the Youth Sport Trust Youth Board?
The Youth Sport Trust Youth Board is a diverse group of young people aged 16–24 who play a key role in shaping the future of sport, play, and physical activity. Through lived experience, they inform, influence, and engage with the organisation to ensure youth voice drives decisions and creates meaningful change.
Youth Board members work alongside staff, partners, and other young people to represent their peers, challenge thinking, and help make physical activity more inclusive and relevant for all.
We are currently recruiting, please click here to read our frequently asked questions about what being on the Youth Board involves. Or, for further information, please contact us by email: [email protected].
FAQs
Who is eligible to join the Youth Board?
You’re eligible to apply if you’re aged 16–24 and live anywhere in the UK. We’re particularly looking for young people with a wide range of experiences and perspectives from across Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.
How many young people are you looking for?
We are looking to recruit up to 10 new Youth Board members.
What are we looking for in our Youth Board members?
We’re looking for young people who are passionate about the Youth Sport Trust’s mission to transform lives through sport and play. You don’t need any prior experience, what matters most is your enthusiasm, your lived experience, and your willingness to learn and grow. Key skills we are looking for include creativity, clear communication, and self-motivation. Being organised, honest, and responsible is important, along with empathy and respect for others. Staying curious and finding solutions will help you contribute meaningfully.
If you’re ready to bring fresh ideas, listen to others, and take ownership, you’ll thrive as part of our Youth Board.
What should I expect from the recruitment process?
After applications close, we’ll review all submissions and shortlist candidates based on their responses. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to take part in a short online interview on Zoom with staff from the Youth Sport Trust and a current Youth Board member.
We aim to make the process relaxed and supportive. We just want to get to know you better, hear about your interests, and understand why you’d like to join the Youth Board. You’ll also have the chance to ask us any questions you have about the opportunity.
What will I gain from being part of the Youth Board?
Being part of the Youth Board offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, including leadership development, improved communication and advocacy skills, networking, and access to unique learning opportunities. Members can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people while gaining valuable opportunity for growth within yourself.
What kind of things will I do as a Youth Board member?
As a Youth Board member, you’ll play an active role in shaping and supporting the work of the Youth Sport Trust. Some of the things you might get involved in include:
- Contributing ideas and feedback to help shape national campaigns and programmes
- Attending and supporting events and conferences
- Meeting with staff and partners to share your views and lived experience
- Speaking at events to champion youth voice
- Connecting with other Youth Board members and supporting each other’s development
You’ll also get the chance to explore areas you’re interested in, whether that’s public speaking, event planning, influencing policy, or something else.
How much time do I need to commit?
We understand that you may be busy with school, your job, or with other extra-curricular activities. If you’re accepted, you’ll be signing on for a minimum of two years from September 2025 - July 2027. After that it’s up to you whether you stay on for another year.
Time Commitment as a guide:
- Monthly virtual sessions (1 hour via Microsoft Teams)
- Three in-person residential events per year:
- October (TBC) – Team-building weekend, Doncaster
- 26–27 November 2025 – YST Board Dinner, Loughborough
- 3–4 March 2026 – YST Annual Conference, Telford
- Optional opportunities may arise throughout the year depending on your availability
We’re flexible to your calendar throughout the year and we particularly try to avoid organising too many activities during exam season. If we know you’re a bit stressed or busy, we won’t be bothering you and you can 100% say NO to things.
Do I need to pay anything towards the programme?
No, all expenses are covered! This includes food, activities, transport, and anything else that comes up. If you need to travel to an event, we’ll either book your travel or reimburse you for it.
How will I travel to YST events?
This will depend on the event and the preference of you and your parents or guardians. There may be occasions where we will ask you to make your own way to an event, and YST will reimburse you for the costs (e.g. fuel or train ticket). It’s then up to you whether you travel on your own or (if under 18) are escorted by a parent or guardian. If you decide to travel on your own, and you are under 18, you must have your parent or guardian’s permission to do so. If you, or your parent or guardian, are concerned about this ahead of an event, just let us know and we’ll help to find the right solution. We take the safeguarding of our Youth Board and staff very seriously.
What kind of support will I get as a Youth Board member?
You’ll be supported by the Youth Sport Trust team throughout your time on the Youth Board. A small group of staff are responsible for looking after the Board, and you’ll be able to contact them when you need support, have questions, or just want to chat something through. We’re committed to making sure the Youth Board is an inclusive and welcoming space. If you have any additional support needs, whether related to access, communication, learning style, travel, or anything else, we’ll work with you to put the right support in place so you can take part fully and confidently.