In stark contrast to their initial visit in October 2023, when Storm Babet swept through the country, the weather this time was much more favorable. We were also delighted to welcome back Amelie Collins-Nimmo, a former YPP member, now part of the staff team, to help facilitate the programme and share her valuable insights on how it has benefitted her.
The focus of this second residential was to reflect on the group’s achievements to date while reviewing and tracking progress toward the goals and targets they had set. The past 12 months have been incredibly productive for the panel, who have gained a deeper understanding of Scotland’s cycling landscape, completed two SCQF Level 5 qualifications in Goal Setting and the Benefits of Sport and Physical Activity, participated in both the Scottish Cycling and Scottish Women in Sport Conferences, and conducted club-based surveys, presenting their findings.
After reviewing the year’s accomplishments and looking ahead to the next 12 months, the group participated in an off-road adaptive bike session around Loch Morlich, delivered by Able 2 Adventures.
The three-hour ride gave the panel the opportunity to explore various all-ability bikes, learn about the advancements in adaptive cycling, and consider how these innovations could influence future activities they might plan.
Following the ride, the group returned to the classroom for a SWOT analysis exercise on topics they were passionate about within the sport. The range of subjects discussed was impressive, covering areas such as women and girls in cycling, dirt jumping, and the development of new clubs. Each member was then asked to present three key opportunities for progression to the group.
Additionally, the panel had previously expressed a strong interest in exploring mental health and wellbeing. To address this, we delivered a session on SAMH’s ‘5 Ways to Wellbeing,’ asking the group to apply these principles specifically to cycling, building on their recent positive experience with SAMH’s Digital Self Care Plan.
As many of the panel members approach significant life milestones, such as entering college or university, the coming year promises to be an exciting time. We are always open to new experiences and projects for the panel to engage with.
If you would like to explore potential collaboration opportunities, please contact Jamie Taylor at [email protected].