Welsh Cycling Launched the Young Ambassador (WCYA) programme in 2018, offering young people the opportunity to volunteer in the sport and develop key skills that would be beneficial to their futures.
Last week the WCYA’s were offered the opportunity to apply to join the Sport Wales National Steering Group and Leadership Academy for 2020/2021. The group meet once a term to discuss ideas which help shape the future direction of the programme across Wales, and to share their experiences.
We are very excited that three of the Welsh Cycling Young Ambassadors were successful in securing a place on the National Steering Group:
Ben, Swansea (Gower Riders)
Seren, Rhyl (Rhyl CC)
Shannon, West Wales (West Wales Cycling Team)
We spoke to both Young Ambassador’s about the experience and how they feel about the journey a head:
Seren said “I applied to be part of the National Steering Group because when Bethan (Welsh Cycling Volunteer Coordinator) sent it to me, I knew it was a great opportunity and I would love to make a difference to people’s lives. Last October I got the chance to attend the Gold Young Ambassador National Conference in Cardiff City Stadium. I loved the lessons the Steering Group were teaching and how well they ran the event; and really hoped I would get to be a part of that one day so I too could inspire others to take part in sport and help them become healthy adults, which I personally think is amazing!
I am glad to be able to represent cycling in North Wales and look forward to helping others by bringing my thoughts and ideas forwards and the opinions of the clubs I am involved in. I hope to develop my skills to support my role as a WCYA and my future career. It feels amazing to be able to be part of the Steering Group. I can’t wait to get started! I look forward to meeting new people, learning lots, developing sports across wales and making a difference!”
Ben is also very excited to start his role on the National Steering Group, as he told us: “I applied because I would like to broaden my knowledge and experiences. Being a part of the WCYA’s scheme has given me so many new challenges. As I have an interest in most sports, this would be another chance for me to learn new skills and meet new people. I would like to improve my confidence and communication skills and believe being a part of this group will help to do so. When I am part of a team or with peers, I am confident but I need to believe in myself when in new settings. I feel this opportunity will help me to grow as a person.
I feel really proud to have been chosen and excited to be a part of the Sport Wales National Steering Group. I am a little nervous about what’s ahead but ready to face the challenge. It’s a little scary as I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I want to continue as a WCYA, which will hopefully help with my role on the National Steering Group for Sports Wales. I had applied and been accepted to complete the British Cycling Coaching Course Level 1; this course was cancelled due to COVID-19 and I am excited and eager to complete this when it happens in the future, so I can share my knowledge of cycling and the new skills I learn with other people.”
When asked to describe how they were feeling in three words, Seren said, “excited, motivated and honoured”, while Ben was feeling “excited, grateful and nervous.”
Read Shannon's story below:
From year 6, I’ve always been involved in sport and I love everything about it. As a Bronze Sports Ambassador in year 6, a Sports Crew Member in year 7-9, Silver Sports Ambassador, WCYA and Junior Rowing Leader in year 12, then shortly later become a Gold Sports Ambassador that year, I wanted to continue my journey and become a part of the Steering Group and National Leadership Academy as a Platinum Sports Ambassador. Before receiving the email from my Sports Development officer and then shortly later from Bethan (Welsh Cycling Volunteer Coordinator), I was still debating on whether or not this was the year for me to apply, as I was going into my final year of A-Levels, and with the current situation it was going to be a hardworking and busy year at school. But then I received the emails and I knew I had an opportunity that I should jump at and take.
After my interview, it took sometime to get a reply back, which made me nervous, and during that time I convinced myself that I didn’t get a place. A week later than I expected, I received an email congratulating me on my place on the Steering Group and National Leadership Academy. I hadn’t told my parents about the interview until I had a confirmed place, and they were over the moon for me. I couldn’t stop smiling and was looking forward to continuing my journey as a Sports Ambassador and to represent cycling as a WCYA.
As a WCYA on the Steering Group, I’m looking forward to leaning many new skills that I can bring back to the little bay of Ceredigion and to help promote sport and cycling in the county. As one of two Sports Ambassadors and the only WCYA from Ceredigion, I’m looking forward to hopefully working with younger ambassadors and the younger generation to continue promoting sport and cycling, while my aim is to inspire others to participate in some form of exercise or sport. While also being on the Steering Group, I’m hoping to develop my group skills further, as I’m more of an independent individual, but I’m up for the challenge and willing to develop working in a team further. Being a part of the group and as I’m continuing as a WCYA for 2020/21, I’m sure to gain so much more knowledge and experience working with a team.
I couldn’t be happier with my decision to become a part of the Steering Group and National Leadership Academy for 2020/21.
To sum up my how I feel about being a member of the Steering Group and National Leadership Academy in three words, I would say, I’m feeling, privileged, inspired and motivated.
Welsh Cycling would like to congratulate the young ambassadors on this brilliant opportunity and will continue to support them along the way, offering them more cycling opportunities and using the knowledge and skills they gain from the Steering Group and Leadership academy.
