Participants will not only contribute their insights and opinions on various topics but also acquire valuable skills and qualities that will benefit their personal development. The YPP spans two years and offers a diverse range of activities, including two residentials, SCQF Level 5 qualifications, SAMH workshops, and more.
We are always looking to develop and update our Young People’s offering and are excited to announce that we will be launching recruitment for our new offering, Future Leaders, at the end of May, with the new group starting in August. We are currently finalising plans for the new programme, including the qualifications and skills that programme members will receive.
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games coming to Glasgow and the 2027 Tour de France to Edinburgh, it’s an extremely exciting time to be involved in Cycling in Scotland and the programmes for Young People offer significant benefits for young people with a passion for Cycling who are determined, committed, and eager to collaborate in making a positive impact on the sport.
Be sure to stay alert for further details!
As the time of those in Cohort 4 comes to an end, we caught up with Emily who is currently a member of YPP and asked about her time on the panel:
Could you share insights into your experience of being part of the Scottish Cycling Young People’s Panel, including the key skills and qualities you developed during your time?
“The Young People’s Panel (YPP) offers participants a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the operational aspects of the panel while providing a platform to contribute their perspectives on how things are run. If any session does not meet expectations, members are encouraged to express their opinions during group discussions and collaboratively work towards improvements that would enhance the overall experience.
Through my involvement, I developed several key skills, including confidence, planning, time management, and professionalism. The experience also significantly enhanced my public speaking abilities, particularly when presenting as part of a group, whether in person or online.
When applying to university, I was able to highlight my YPP experience in my personal statement and interview, articulating how the skills I developed aligned with my intended course of study. Additionally, the interview process for YPP served as excellent preparation for future interviews, providing a relaxed environment where I could practice answering questions confidently and receive constructive feedback.”
What inspired you to become a member of the Young People’s Panel?
“A teacher at my school recommended the opportunity to me, and I was eager to gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of Scottish Cycling. To be completely honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what the role would involve, as there were limited resources available online to provide clarity. At school, I served as chair of the bicycle committee, and I felt that the knowledge gained from Scottish Cycling would be invaluable. It also offered me an opportunity to raise issues I had identified within the school group. Additionally, cycling has a notably low female participation rate, and I believed it was important to ensure diverse representation within the panel. As someone who doesn’t fit the traditional “racing cyclist” profile, I wanted to ensure that the experiences and perspectives of those who are not involved in competitive racing—whether due to financial constraints, location, or transportation challenges—were also represented.”
Which aspect of your experience did you find most fulfilling or enjoyable?
“I thoroughly enjoyed the in-person events. The residential was particularly valuable as it provided an opportunity to get to know everyone and fostered a strong sense of teamwork, which was otherwise difficult to achieve given the individual nature of much of the work.
I also found the conferences both insightful and engaging. They offered a behind-the-scenes look at how things operate and allowed us to connect with individuals who could help enhance our own clubs by implementing successful strategies used at other clubs. The small breakout sessions were also beneficial, providing focused discussions on topics such as volunteering, coaching, and increasing female participation in cycling.”
Would you recommend the Young People’s Panel to others who are considering joining and if so, why?
“I would highly recommend the YPP to anyone considering joining. It is an excellent programme that allows you to grow, not only within the cycling community but also in various personal and professional aspects. You develop confidence and gain valuable experiences that may not be available elsewhere. The programme provides a platform to voice your opinions and connect with others who share a similar passion for the sport. Additionally, it enhances your application forms and contributes to the development of employable skills and characteristics.”
What advice would you give to individuals interested in joining the panel?
“You get out of the programme as much as you put in. If you’re unable to attend a session due to a busy schedule, that’s understandable, but you’ll find that attending sessions is highly beneficial as it broadens your understanding of various aspects of cycling. The two years pass quickly, so it’s important to ensure you don’t have any regrets. If you have something to say during a meeting, don’t hesitate to speak up or reach out to someone—no feedback is ever considered bad feedback.”
Keep your eyes peeled for more information about our Future Leaders programme including launch dates and how to apply. If you have any questions, please contact us on [email protected] OR [email protected]