Young sports ambassadors programme continues to inspire future leaders

More than 320 pupils from primary schools across Carmarthenshire have taken their first steps into leadership roles through the Young Sports Ambassadors (YSA) Programme, supported by Carmarthenshire County Council’s Actif Communities Team.

In September, the Council’s Actif Communities Team delivered training sessions as part of the continued roll-out of the Young Sports Ambassadors initiative, designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to become volunteers and future leaders in sport and physical activity.

Over the past month, 323 young people aged 10 and 11, representing around 90% of the county’s primary schools, have been trained and recognised as Bronze Young Sports Ambassadors. Through this role, pupils will have opportunities to lead physical activity sessions during extra-curricular time and act as advocates for physical education and school sport within their schools.

The Young Sports Ambassadors programme was established as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games and continues to inspire young people to stay active and engaged in sport. Participants have already contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours, supporting school events, peer mentoring, and promoting links with community sports clubs.

The next phase of the programme will focus on recruiting Silver and Gold Ambassadors from secondary schools, providing opportunities for continued leadership development.

Lyn Brodrick, Active Young People Officer at Carmarthenshire County Council, said:

This programme is about giving young people a voice and unlocking potential. We believe in the power of young people to lead, to inspire, and to create change. Young Sports Ambassadors gives them the tools, opportunity, and experiences they need to do just that.”

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture & Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said:

This initiative plays an important role in developing the confidence and leadership skills of young people in Carmarthenshire. By encouraging pupils to take responsibility and lead by example, the Young Sports Ambassadors Programme supports the long-term aim of creating active and resilient communities. 

It is great to see so many schools engaging with the scheme and giving pupils the opportunity to contribute to school and community life through sport.”

Participants receive training in leadership, communication, teamwork and delivering safe and purposeful activities - skills that support both their ambassador roles and their wider personal development. Many former ambassadors have progressed into leadership positions in secondary schools, become Gold Ambassadors, or taken up coaching and volunteering roles within local sports clubs.

Participant, Sophie, shared their experience:

Being part of young sports ambassadors has changed my life. I've learned how to speak up, take initiative, and make a difference. It’s shown me that I can be a leader -not just in the future, but right now."

Actif Communities is now inviting community clubs and national governing bodies of sport to collaborate in providing further opportunities for these young leaders and to support the future growth of the programme.

For more information about the Young Sports Ambassadors Programme, or to find out how to get involved or support the initiative, please contact: ActifCommunities@carmarthenshire.gov.uk