MCR Pathways has piloted its first ever Sporting Talent Taster! The experience was courtesy of the phenomenal commitment of Glasgow Life to Young Glasgow Talent. Managing over 25 top fitness and leisure facilities throughout the whole city, Glasgow Life offers YGT young people the very best sport Taster opportunities! The 2015-2016 academic year Taster took place in the Scotstoun Arena, a first rate sporting facility in Glasgow and one of the 2014 Commonweath Games key venues. Perfect for YGT young people’s initial taste of what Glasgow has to offer when it comes to sport. The YGT young people explored and experienced the Glasgow Warriors Stadium, gym, and athletics arena.
YGT Young Person:
“My favourite part of the Sports Taster was watching the rugby training, as you got to see the coach plan and set out training!”
Caroline from the Scotstoun Centre was so enthusiastic to welcome our young on the first Sports Talent Taster. As Sports Development Officer for disabilities, she has a unique insight into how people experience this facility. A real eye-opener for YGT young people to think about inclusion in sports in their local area. Caroline emphasised, in true YGT style, the wealth of career opportunities available in the city’s sporting venues. Various sport coaches, trainers, venue and event roles, managers, and even life-guards ensure the city remains so highly renowned for its sporting events and facilities.
Then the young people met Jane, the Assistant Centre Manager, who described beginning to work in sport as it was one of her passions. Perfect inspiration for our young people to pursue working in an industry they love. She’s had a varied working life, including roles in sports development, operations and marketing. Jane explained everything the young people wanted to know about the centre.
With over 70 members of staff, it’s one of the largest sports campuses in the UK! The young people were particularly interested in learning more about the team that the Scotstoun campus is home to, the Glasgow Warriors! 6000 – 7000 fans fit into the stadium for their rugby games. With interest in the club beyond the city, the filming operation of corporations such as SKY TV and BBC was also discussed, with games beamed to audiences near and far.
Over a million people use the Scotstoun sports centre itself each year, with the facility generating £3 million. With over 40,000 Glasgow Life gym members attending the 140+ weekly fitness classes – there are plenty of managers and fitness instructors Glasgow will need in the future! Scotstoun was also part of the Commonwealth Games, an inspiring motive for the YGT young people who were gracing facilities used by the world’s greatest athletes.
The young people then met Grant from the Glasgow Sports communities. He works in areas such as Drumchapel – which has seen plenty of developments, including the introduction of a girls football team. Other venues such as Castlemilk have seen major developments as well. The community now has 14 sports clubs, when previously there was nothing other than football and badminton. Through his dedication and commitment to his role, Grant highlighted how privileged he was to work with Andy Murray and the GB Team for tennis’ Davis Cup competition. Again, Glasgow Life were providing YGT young people with the very best inspiration. Showcasing the fantastic results that can be achieved from studying and working hard. Grant’s working and personal focus is on improving health and participation. He also recognises the huge increase in confidence and self-belief in people when they get involved in sport. It’s about positive coaching, getting communities to get involved and feeling amazing about themselves.
Also at the event was Connor. Through studying at Glasgow Clyde College and Anniesland Campus, he had the opportunity to pursue a work placement with the Prince’s Trust. During the week of the Taster Grant was involved in an event with Glasgow Life for disabled sports participants which included track running, shot putt, bowls and long jump. He explained that he’s now looking to become a personal trainer or a coach and is going to Anniesland college after summer to pursue these studies.
Meeting such an incredible array of sporting enthusiasts and professionals made a huge impact on the young people. They were all so interested in a future in sport. Seeing people living their own dreams in action, instilling aspirations and inspiration, is what Talent Taster’s are all about. Many of the young people were even interested in starting to work on their futures immediately! Wanting to learn more about the volunteering opportunities available for many ages across Glasgow Life Sport.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Glasgow Life for providing such an inspiring insight into sports for our YGT young people. Our young people’s feedback was fantastic. This experience opened so many opportunities for them to pursue.
We have many more young people signing up for Young Glasgow Talent’s help. Young people, such as those that took part in this expedition. They need mentors to make a huge difference to their confidence, educational outcomes and future life chances. They need support and motivation to pursue their ambitions and take on such new experiences. Can you help them? You’ll guide disadvantaged, but utterly deserving young people through their education. Find out more about BECOMING A MENTOR.
Can your organisation help? To become involved in our Talent Taster programme, alongside our partners such as Glasgow Life and The Herald, simply GET INVOLVED! We can’t wait to welcome you aboard as we change the life chances of our city’s most disadvantaged.
We’re always looking for new mentors to reach all the new young people who are coming on board with the programme. Help us spread the word by letting your friends and family know how worthwhile mentoring can be!
