Netherlee sports leader leads the way at Hampden

Craig, 23, from Netherlee, was part of a group of five young people who helped create and organise Lead the Way, alongside sportscotland.

Lead the Way brought together young leaders in sport with the idea of improving their leadership skills and showing the difference young people can make in sport.

On the day the workshops focused on areas like communication, mindset and self-awareness, and shared ideas on their respective roles within sport.

The event, which took place at Hampden Stadium, featured members of sportscotland’s Young People’s Sport Panel and a talk from Tree of Knowledge while Minister for Sport Joe FitzPatrick visited the young people and offered his support on the day.

Craig is a Sports Development intern at sportscotland. While at university he was actively involved in volunteering with East Renfrewshire Council, he coaches football and has been involved in swimming, running and golf.

Craig was delighted to be involved in Lead the Way and looks forward to using the skills he has developed in his future career.

He said: “Being involved in the creation of the Lead the Way event has been a huge honour. Knowing that a group of young people including myself were going to create an event which can have a big positive impact on the lives of young leaders around the country was a special feeling.

“Also, being asked to do the opening speech of the event was something I just couldn’t say no to. Seeing how young people can make such a positive difference to the world of sport has increased my belief of grasping every opportunity with two hands as you can always make a difference.”

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: “At sportscotland we are committed to building a world-class sporting system for everyone, and a crucial part of that is putting young people at the centre of our efforts.

“Events like Lead the Way are important to help develop the next generation of young sport leaders. I want to congratulate the group on all their efforts in planning Lead the Way and I look forward to seeing the positive impact their passion and dedication will have on Scottish sport in the future.

Sport Minister, Joe FitzPatrick, added: “Young people contribute massively to influencing and leading in sport and I want to recognise this significant impact, particularly during the Year of Young People.

“The Scottish Government is committed to helping Scotland become a more active nation and to encouraging young people to be physically active as part of their everyday lives. Events such as Lead The Way are great examples of how to support young people by providing great opportunities to learn important skills and participate in sport and physical activity.”