Following an extensive recruitment process, Scottish Cycling is delighted to announce the nine individuals who have been selected to be a part of the next Young People’s Panel.
Applicants submitted an application form, and were then invited to an assessment session conducted by Scottish Cycling staff. Through this, they were observed working in a group, and participated in a 1:1 interview. All candidates commented on the value of this experience to them, with many noting it was the first time they had gone through an interview/application process.
We were delighted by the breadth and depth of the applications received, which has allowed us to select a panel of young people that demonstrates the diversity of the sport: across the disciplines and across the country.
The nine panel members are as follows:
- Ailsa, Deeside Thistle CC
- Amélie, Western Titans BMX Club
- Gregor, West Lothian Clarion CC
- Hubert, Falkirk Junior BC
- Jake, Stirling BC
- Matthew, Edinburgh RC
- Molly, Deeside Thistle CC
- Oscar, Glasgow Riderz
- Peter, Western Titans BMX Club
You can find out more about the panel members below:
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Ailsa |
Ailsa applied for this position because she wants to help make a change. She has lived and trained in the North-East of Scotland her whole life, dipping her toes in and out of all disciplines (and other sports) at a competitive level. She is in the process of recovering from a medical condition which hindered her training and put a stop to her racing, however she is looking forward to racing again soon. She is excited to follow this opportunity wherever it takes her and support anyone in cycling who needs it. |
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Amélie |
Amélie has always really enjoyed cycling but didn’t take a serious interest until 2017 when she started BMX racing with her local club. She raced on and off for a few years until 2020 when her interest in MTB really took off. She loves mountain biking and does it whenever she cans. Luckily, she lives near the West Highland Way so trails are never too far away. |
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Gregor |
Gregor has been cycling and racing for over 3 years. He has raced in many disciplines such as Road, Cyclocross and Cross-Country. He enjoys every discipline as they each present their own challenges. He is very excited to have been accepted onto the panel. He loves having the ability to help younger people engage in their love of the sport, and has done some coaching in the past. He has had some good success off road and hopes to continue this. |
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Hubert |
Hubert is very excited about joining the Young People’s Panel. Despite only starting cycling a year ago during lockdown, he’s discovered a passion for it: doing the ruts, roots and rocks is his style! He finds cycling great for his physical and mental health and his love for the sport continues to grow. He now hopes he can do the same for others. He recently completed his Level 1 Cycle Coaching qualification and is passionate about coaching the next generation with his local club. |
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Jake |
Jake has been racing since the age of 7. He started off riding for his local club Tay Titans and a few years ago he moved to Stirling Bike Club who he currently races for. He competes in Road and Track and has been racing in the British National Series this Year. Earlier this year in January, he completed a 24hr Zwift Ride and rode 683km/427miles. His favourite climb is the Paterberg in Belgium because you can’t beat repeats of cobbled Belgium hills. He is super excited to be a part of the panel and can’t wait to get to work! |
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Matthew |
Matthew has been riding bikes for what feels like as long as long as he has been able to walk. He has raced bikes for about 8 years, and has competed in multiple disciplines, with a particular focus on MTB Cross-Country and Cyclo-Cross. He has competed in many British and Scottish level races and has made some of his closest friends participating in these events. He is delighted to be in the Scottish Young Peoples Panel and is very excited for the opportunities ahead. |
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Molly |
Molly Evans is a Road and Track cyclist from the North-East. She loves racing and competes in events all over the UK. She has been racing since the age of 10 and still loves every second of it. She is currently a member of her local club and really enjoys being a part of that. She is delighted to have this opportunity to be on the panel and look forward to making a difference to cycling for young people, no matter where they stay in Scotland. |
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Oscar |
Oscar joined his local club at the age of 9 and now trains with them several times a week, including on the Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. He has learnt loads of new skills that he thought he previously could not do; with his club he has managed to start racing & completed the accreditation process at the velodrome. Thanks to his club he has been able to get in to different types of cycling – Track, Road Cycling & Mountain Biking. He wants to get more people out on bikes and not in cars, set up mountain bike sessions for secondary school pupils to use trails more & learn how to fix their bikes. |
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Peter |
Peter is super excited to be on the Scottish Cycling Young People’s Panel! He is currently studying Chemical Engineering at University. He has done all sorts of cycling over the years, from Road cycling to the Velodrome, but you’ll most likely find him at a BMX track or a Pump Track! Cycling has been a major part of his whole life and he wants to spread the enjoyment he has got out of it across Scotland by making it easier and more accessible for anyone to get into cycling. |
Commenting on the announcement of the membership of the second Young People's Panel, Sophie McCall, Head of Development and Participation said: "Our work with Young People through the panel since 2019 has provided both us as an organisation and the young people involved with rewarding opportunities to discover more about the barriers people experience in cycling, and explore ways in which we can reach new audiences. I am looking forward to seeing the new panel in action and wish them the very best in their roles over the next two years.
The Young People's Panel has been appointed for a two year term, running from August 2021 to August 2023. Stay tuned for more information about their key areas of work and priorities. If your club is looking to do work with Young People, and would like to discuss what options they have, please email YoungPeople@scottishcycling.org.uk
