NS News Uncategorised

Volunteer Week: Young Ambassadors leading the way for the next generation.

1st June 2026

As part of Volunteer Week, from 1–7 June, Netball Scotland is celebrating the people who give their time, energy and passion to help our sport grow.

Across Scotland, volunteers play a vital role in creating opportunities for players, coaches, officials and communities. For our Young Ambassadors, volunteering is also a chance to develop their own voice, build confidence and help shape the future of netball for other young people.

For Iona Mathieson, from the Isle of Mull, becoming a Young Ambassador and subsequently an Ambassador Mentor was about representation, opportunity and making sure young people in island communities are heard.

“Being a Young Ambassador Mentor means representing the younger generation and helping collaborate with other Young Ambassadors across Scotland to support the development and participation in their area of interest,” she said.

“I wanted to be a voice for netball players on the Isle of Mull and deepen my understanding of netball elsewhere in Scotland.”

Iona first became involved after encouragement from her PE teacher and netball coach, someone she credits as a major inspiration. Since then, she has gone on to volunteer at Scotland v New Zealand, shadow a sports physiotherapist, help organise a netball festival and represent Netball Scotland at a Scottish ClubSport meeting.

Her journey in netball has also had a huge impact closer to home. After joining her school team in S1, Iona watched senior players move on and recognised the need to encourage more pupils to get involved. Through her leadership, the school’s netball programme has grown from one mixed-age team to separate teams across S1–S6.

“Netball has helped shape my leadership,” she said. “I encouraged people from my class to join, and the number kept increasing.

“With the number of players and teams growing, I took on the role of captain and now lead training every Monday lunch and Thursday night with the support of my coaches and teammates. This responsibility allowed my confidence to increase, and I felt like I had finally found what I was meant to do.”

Fellow Young Ambassador Mentor Olivia Hutchison also sees the role as a chance to help create positive change.

After only playing netball for around two years, Olivia knew she wanted to take on as many opportunities as possible within the sport. Being initially selected along with 14 other ambassadors from across Scotland gave her the chance to become a role model and a voice for other young people. Olivia has now built off those initial experiences and guides and assists other as part of regular ambassador conferences within the latest cohort.

“Netball has had a huge impact on my confidence and leadership skills,” Olivia said.

“Being part of a team, I have learned how important communication, trust and supporting others are, both on and off the court. Leadership is not just about being the loudest person, but about supporting teammates, listening and helping to create a positive environment where everyone feels included.”

For Olivia, volunteering has also highlighted the importance of coaches, mentors, teachers and volunteers who create opportunities for young people to enjoy sport.

One of her proudest moments was helping to organise and support a U15 RecNet Festival that raised money for SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health). The event brought teams from across Scotland together for a day of netball, friendship and community.

“I felt proud to have contributed to the event,” Olivia said. “Knowing it was a success and that it is looking to take place again this year shows that it was enjoyed by many.”

Both Iona and Olivia are passionate about making netball more accessible for young people, particularly where barriers such as cost, facilities, geography or confidence can limit participation.

Iona said her goal is simple: “To make sport available to all.”

Olivia added that young people should have the chance to enjoy netball, develop confidence and feel part of a supportive team environment without worrying about whether they are “good enough”.

“I would love to help make sure young people’s voices are listened to when decisions are made about the sport,” she said. “Young people understand the challenges they face and often have great ideas about how netball can improve.”

As Netball Scotland marks Volunteer Week, Iona and Olivia’s stories are a reminder that volunteering is not just about giving back. It is also about growth, confidence, friendship and creating lasting change.

For anyone thinking about getting involved, their message is clear.

“You do not need to be an expert or have years of experience to volunteer,” Olivia said. “What matters most is having a positive attitude and the willingness to help.”

Iona added: “Just do it. It will be some of the best moments of your life and you will not regret it. Volunteering has allowed me to meet so many great people and has brought some of the most rewarding moments of my life.”

Learn more about the Young Ambassador Programme, including profiles of our current cohort at: https://www.netballscotland.com/get-involved/ambassador-programme/