Empowering the Future: Ambassador Festival Showcases the Power of Young People and Sport.
27th June 2025
On Sunday 22nd June, the Netball Scotland Ambassador Festival brought together 12 Junior U15 teams at Strathallan, Perth, for a day of exciting competition, community spirit, and a deeper purpose. More than just a tournament, the event was a proactive effort to tackle a key challenge in Scottish Netball – the high drop-out rate among young players in this age group.
The festival offered these young athletes a valuable opportunity to play competitive games, promoting inclusion and broadening access across regions. But its impact went even further. The event also raised an impressive £439.57 for the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), with the organisation present on the day to engage directly with players, coaches and supporters, offering resources and conversations around mental wellbeing.
This dual focus on participation and purpose highlights what makes the Netball Scotland Ambassador Programme so powerful. The entire event was organised and delivered by several of the programme’s young ambassadors – a standout example of youth leadership in action. Their success is a testament not only to their own dedication and skills but to the wider potential of young people when given a meaningful platform.
The Ambassador Programme, designed for individuals aged 13–24, aims to elevate youth voices and give them a tangible role in shaping the future of netball in Scotland. Through regular development forums and the guidance of Netball Scotland mentors, ambassadors gain opportunities to lead, grow in confidence, and build real-world skills – whether through networking, planning, event delivery, or public speaking.
This recent festival was more than just a day of netball. It was a celebration of youth empowerment, community engagement, and the impact of sport far beyond the court.
As Netball Scotland continues to champion opportunities like this, the future of the sport – and the young people who shape it – looks bright. 
