Inspiring the Next Generation - ATS Young People's Forum Conference 2025

Inspiring the Next Generation - ATS Young People's Forum Conference 2025.

Led by Young People, For Young People

scottishathletics are delighted to open the booking process for our second Athletics Trust Scotland Young People’s Forum Conference: Inspiring the Next Generation. Join us at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Saturday 8th March 2025.

Since the ATS Young People’s Forum was established in December 2021, the members of both Cohort One (2021-2023) and Cohort Two (2023 - present) 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 that were sent out to scottishathletics members on 'The Retention of Young People in Sport', 'Disability Inclusion' and the 'Transition to University'.

ON YOUR MARKS → Q & A with ........................

We are delighted to welcome................

GET SET → Workshops

Through consultation with the members of the ATS Young People’s Forum and the results of the recent surveys, we will have two workshops throughout the day. You will rotate between each of the workshops, meaning you won’t miss out!

Below is a short synopsis on each workshop:

1) SAMH - Stress and How it Can Affect Us

This interactive workshop will be delivered by Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and will cover the following topics:

• Explore stress and how it can affect us
• Explore and understand the role of sport and ways it can help manage stress and anxiety
• Explore and participate in activities to help our wellbeing

2) Para Athletics - An Inclusive Approach

scottishathletics encourage and support an inclusive approach to coaching, competition and development. Inclusion can look different depending on the club, individual and environment. We are fortunate to have many examples of good practice throughout our clubs and competitions in Scotland, covering the whole pathway from development to performance. During this workshop we will identify potential barriers to participation and possible solutions. We will identify how to make athletics sessions inclusive by discovering practical examples of making adaptations to athletics to include athletes with a disability.

This interactive workshop will be delivered by Scottish Athletics Paralympic Pathway Manager, Pamela Robson.

GO → Focus Group Discussions

You will have the opportunity to take part in two 20-minute discussions to help us understand the issues and support that young people need to help stay involved in the sport. Your thoughts and feedback will help shape the work of the development team in this area. The topics look at specific issues highlighted through the recent surveys that went out to all scottishathletics members. You will be asked to select which two workshops you wish to attend when you sign up.

Topics:

1) Competition Changes

An open discussion around the change in competition structure in line with the age group changes. The changes to Age Group calculations coming into force in 2026 provides an opportunity to review and adjust the competition pathway within Scotland. This workshop will discuss proposals from the scottishathletics Competitions team to closer align the pathway to the athlete development model and to increase and improve athlete retention and participation through all age groups.

2) Athlete Health

An opportunity to highlight issues that face young people around a range of areas and identify the best way to communicate the support and resources available

3) Transition to University (further education)

Discuss the concerns and issues around transitioning from school/college to University

COOL DOWN → Discussion Panel

We will be joined by a panel of athletes and coaches and there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

We look forward to welcoming Olympic and Paralympic athletes:
Derek Hawkins , Maria Lyle, Lynne MacDougall, and Ben Sandilands.

Many thanks to Roon the Toon (www.roonthetoon.com) for their support of the Conference.

Additional Information

Lunch will be provided, and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Date: Saturday 8th March 2025

Venue: Emirates Arena, London Road, Glasgow, G40 3HG

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Cost: Free

Full timetable & agenda will be published on the scottishathletics website and sent to registered delegates.

Although the Conference is aimed at 12-23 year olds, we understand that it could be of interest to club reps (over 23 years). If any club rep would like to attend, we ask that it is maximum one club rep per affiliated club.

This Conference is only intended for Scottish Athletics affiliated clubs and members.

Delegates under the age of 16 must have parental consent to attend.

The closing date for tickets is noon on Wednesday 26th February 2025, or earlier if we reach capacity before then. A waiting list will be operating if we reach capacity.

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