Sign-up now for our ATS Young People’s Forum Conference in March

Thursday 26th January 2023

Led by Young People, for Young People

scottishathletics have opened the booking process for our first Athletics Trust Scotland Young People’s Forum Conference in March.

The conference theme will be: Strengthening the Future – Our Vision for Young People in Athletics.

We are delighted to confirm the YPF Conference is being held in association with Roon the Toon – with that support much appreciated.

Join us on Saturday 11 March at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, for an exciting gathering of our young athletes, coaches and Officials, where you will have the opportunity to take part in fun ice breakers, educational workshops and focus groups and to meet some inspiring special guests.

The day runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm and is free to attend.

The Conference is is aimed at 12 to 23-year-olds. However, we understand that it could be of interest to club reps (over 23 years old).

If any club rep would like to attend, we ask that it is maximum one club rep per affiliated club.

Registration closes at noon on Wednesday 1 March, or earlier if we reach capacity before then. Don’t miss out!!

Register online

Enter Roon the Toon

As we continue to move beyond the global pandemic, scottishathletics and the ATS Young People’s Forum strived to understand the long-term impact Covid-19 has had on participation of young people in athletics and running.

Indications are that younger age groups have struggled to return to our sport more than others.

Since the ATS Young People’s Forum was established in December 2021, the members have been committed to giving young people a platform and voice in all aspects of the planning, development, and delivery of athletics in Scotland.

With this in mind, participants of the conference will have the opportunity to be involved in discussions around topics that have been highlighted through the recent surveys on ‘The Retention of Young People in Sport’ and ‘The Mental Health of Young People in Sport’ that were sent out to all scottishathletics members aged 23 and under.

ATS Young People’s Forum reflect on strong first year

Eilidh Doyle (photo by Bobby Gavin)

Guest Speakers

We are delighted to welcome former Scottish track and field athlete, Eilidh Doyle, as one of our guest speakers.

An Olympian and Olympic medallist, Eilidh is one of Scotland’s most accomplished international athletes.

Further special guests will be announced in due course.

Workshops

Throughout the day, delegates will each attend three workshops. These workshops will give you the opportunity to learn more about the different issues affecting young people in sport.

We are delighted to be joined by SAMH who will be delivering a workshop on exploring and understanding the role of sport and the way it can help manage stress and anxiety.

To give a greater insight into the various roles within scottishathletics and the wider sporting community, scottishathletics staff members Julie Mollison (Head of Coaching Development and Talent) and Allan Scott (National Manager for Sprints, Hurdles and Relays) will deliver a session on the different opportunities to be involved in sport.

scottishathletics National Club Manager, Cara Shearer, will deliver a workshop on Changing Lives, exploring how young people can get involved to drive positive changes within their club and local community.

There will also be an opportunity to take part in two Focus Groups on various topics (these need to be selected when you register), and to bring a close to what we hope will be an educational and fun-filled day, we will be joined by a panel of athletes, coaches and officials for a Q and A session.

Further details can be found on the EventBrite booking page.

With thanks to Lindsay McMahon and Fran Snitjer