We’re listening: Young People’s Focus Group offers key feedback

Wednesday 16th June 2021

Young athletes in cross country action at Perth last December (photo by Bobby Gavin)

We’re listening: Young People’s Survey issued to help shape our sport

scottishathletics were pleased to host online a first meeting of our Young People’s Focus Group.

The group has been set up following our survey at the start of 2021 which canvassed opinions from young athletes and young volunteers across the sport.

Leading the meeting earlier this week was Erin Gillen, a former member of the sportscotland Young People’s Sports Panel and also a Level 2 Coach with Springburn Harriers.

Representatives from clubs joined us and it was good to hear the views from Dunfermline Track and Field Club, Kirkintilloch Olympians, Corstorphine AAC and Perth Strathtay Harriers.

The scottishathletics Development team was represented by National Club Manager, Lindsay McMahon, who led on the Young People’s Survey earlier in the year. Lindsay was joined by Fran Snitjer, our Equalities Officer.

Was great to be involved in such inspirational conversation tonight with so many young people across athletics, can’t wait what to see the future has to hold 🤩#YoungPeople #YPForums #ScottishAthletics https://t.co/PfYSR4Z1Oh

— Erin Gillen (@ErinGillen3) June 14, 2021

‘We are hoping the focus group will help us decide on the most appropriate methods to engage with young people and how they can be involved in the decision-making process,’ said David Fallon, Head of Development.

‘We asked the young people a whole range of questions about how they became involved in athletics, experience, competition, experiences within your club as well as any engagement with scottishathletics.

‘It was great to get the feedback and there was a strong emphasis placed on the friendships made at clubs. It’s clear how important that side of things is to this age group.

‘There were other valuable points for us to take away and reflect upon as a governing body and see what we learn from.’

Many thanks to Erin and our club representatives for their support for this project.