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Welcome to the fourth edition of the Wales Young Ambassador newsletter. In this edition, you will find the latest news, good practices, and exciting opportunities available this term.
National Young Ambassador Panel
Recently 15 of our National Young Ambassador Panel attended their final residential training with us at Plas Menai. Over the weekend they worked on developing their teamwork, networking and communication skills while also learning British Sign Language (BSL). The panel also engaged in paddle-boarding activities before rounding off the residential with an apprentice-style task to develop a project to support young people in being healthier and more active in their education or community.
Following their term on the national panel, all members were awarded their Platinum Young Ambassador certificates. If you are interested in joining the 2024/25 national panel, please keep an eye on our social media @YACymru as we will be going live with the opportunity soon.
Local Authority Spotlight
Gwynedd
On 28 February, 60 pupils from 14 schools attended Gwynedd’s first Bronze Young Ambassadors conference. Workshops included a mini-medic session to learn about first aid, a smoothie making session to support learning around healthy eating, and a session on how to be an inclusive leader. The day was a huge success, which saw a variety of opportunities and experiences offered to support the future leaders in Gwynedd schools.
Monmouthshire
On 8 March, 60 pupils from Monmouthshire’s Leadership Academy Scheme attended their Leadership Academy Conference in Usk. The young ambassadors who attended received leadership training from workshops held by Youth Sport Trust, Street Games and the local Youth Service team, as well as accessing inspirational talks from Amber Stamp Dunstan (International Rugby Union Referee) and Pam Kelly (Chief Constable of Gwent Police), who shared top tips to be successful in male-dominated environments.
Young Ambassador Spotlight
Our spotlight this term focuses on Ethan Benningwood, who is a National Young Ambassador Panel member from Cardiff. Recently, Ethan was appointed as a captain of his basketball club’s 24-hour charity game and has chosen to raise money for the Youth Sport Trust.
Ethan shared: “I’m excited to be raising money for the Youth Sport Trust to ensure that every child enjoys the life changing benefits of sport. This organisation has given so much to me through my role as a Young Ambassador, so it’s a pleasure to be able to raise funds for them to continue to support young people.” Best of luck Ethan.
Alumni Success
Our alumni spotlight this term focuses on Jacob Martin, who started his Young Ambassador journey aged 13 at Glyn Abbey Golf Club. Volunteering at the club sparked his passion for golf and community involvement, leading him to volunteer with Wales Golf and join their Youth Panel. Following this, Jacob went on to work in the TV Industry and recently has set up his own business, JM Films. He has had amazing opportunities to work on various projects around the world for Chelsea Football Club, S4C, BBC The One Show and European Tour Golf Events.
Jacob shared: "None of this would have been possible without the foundations laid by the Young Ambassador programme. I am incredibly grateful for the fantastic opportunities it has provided me and for the support, I've received. As JM Films continues to grow, I am confident that the lessons I learned as a Young Ambassador will continue to guide me along this exciting journey."
School Spotlight
Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Hen Felin have recently been awarded funding after delivering an amazing pitch during the Sports RCT ‘Dragons Den’ event to deliver a golf project within their school. The funding will be used to purchase equipment, allow them to create their own mini golf course, and simulate their own driving range on their school field! One of the Dragons, Atkins (a civil engineering firm), was particularly impressed with the innovative idea and offered to fund it entirely. Good luck with setting up the project.
Diary Dates
Below is a list of major events that Young Ambassadors can use to influence, lead and inspire others to take an active part in over the summer:
- Wimbledon Tennis: 1-14 July
- Euro Football 2024, Germany: 14 June - 14 July
- Olympics (Paris): 26 July - 11 Aug
- Paralympics (Paris): 28 August - 8 September
To get involved with the Paris Olympics and Paralympics 2024, click here to take a look at the free ‘Path To Paris’ programme for children aged 5 to 11 years-old and their families.
If you or your organisation plan and deliver any YA-led projects or activities around these or other initiatives, then please tag your stories, pictures and/or videos to our social media pages using #YACymru and check out our website.