Primary School Pupils Step into Leadership Roles
More than 320 primary school children across Carmarthenshire have embarked on an exciting journey into leadership through the Young Sports Ambassadors (YSA) Programme. This initiative, backed by Carmarthenshire County Council's Actif Communities Team, is empowering young people to become the next generation of sports volunteers and leaders.
Training and Impact of the Young Sports Ambassadors
In September, the Council's Actif Communities Team delivered specialised training sessions as part of the ongoing roll-out of this inspirational programme. The training is specifically designed to help young people develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in leadership positions.
Over the past month, 323 young people aged 10 and 11, representing approximately 90 per cent of the county's primary schools, have completed their training and been officially recognised as Bronze Young Sports Ambassadors.
In their new roles, these pupils will have numerous opportunities to:
- Lead physical activity sessions during extra-curricular time
- Act as advocates for physical education and school sport
- Support school events and peer mentoring
- Promote links with community sports clubs
Remarkably, participants have already contributed more than 1,000 volunteer hours to their schools and communities. The programme, established as part of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic Games, continues to inspire young people to stay active and engaged in sport.
Building Future Leaders and Community Connections
Lyn Brodrick, Active Young People Officer at Carmarthenshire County Council, emphasised the programme's significance: "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."
Cllr. Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, added: "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."
Participants receive comprehensive training in:
- Leadership and communication
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Delivering safe and purposeful activities
These skills 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.
One participant, Sophie, shared her powerful 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."
The next phase of the programme will focus on recruiting Silver and Gold Ambassadors from secondary schools, providing opportunities for continued leadership development. 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
