By William Moncrieff, SDS Communications Apprentice
In September – to celebrate sportscotland’s theme of #SportForSkills – Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is shining a spotlight on the Young Start Programme and all of the experiences and skills being learnt and developed by young individuals with disabilities across Scotland.
The Young Start Programme is a year long course that helps young people aged between 16 – 24 living with a vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities or mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland, to develop their confidence and coaching skills. The Young Start Programme will further help individuals enrolled on the course gain a coaching qualification.
SDS caught up with two members of the Young Start Programme, Callum and Jordon, to find out how the programme has supported them on their coaching journey.
Callum Ballantyne is 23 years old and has a learning disability. Callum initially found out about the programme when his athletics coach mentioned it to him.
“It first interested me by seeing that it could help me get a coaching qualification”, said Callum.
Before Callum joined the Young Start Programme he was involved in sports, both participating and coaching in athletics and BMX.
“It helped me on my coaching experiences through picking up different skills”, said Callum.
“I love being a coach because I am an athlete myself and I love to give back to my sport of athletics.”
He continued to say: “I love working with kids of all abilities and helping them achieve their dreams. I love to see all of the kids’ smiling faces when they achieve something, small or big.”
There have been many skills and lessons that Callum has developed throughout his time on the programme. He explained: “The most important thing that it has taught me is that there is a coaching opportunity out there for people with a learning disability. It helps you get the skills you need to become a coach.”
Providing these coaching opportunities to young people with a disability is something Callum strongly believes in.
“I think we should see more people with a learning disability work in the coaching world. I think we can bring in skills and experiences that other people can’t bring in. I think it will help the workplace become more inclusive as well,” he said.
Callum views his experience in the Young Start Programme as being very valuable and enjoyable.
“I would recommend the programme to other people because the programme helps you build on your skills for coaching and it helps you to get into the coaching world.”
Callum continued to say: “It’s good because you’ve got a mentor throughout your journey on the programme.”
SDS also connected with Jordon, another member of the Young Start Programme, who was keen to share his experience.
Jordon is 17 years old and has a learning disability. Applying for the Young Start Programme was something that Jordan was incredibly interested in, with himself being a keen footballer and having done a little bit of coaching throughout school.
“I found out about Young Start through the sports coordinator in the school,” Jordan said.
Jordan was instantly happy that he had applied, as he really enjoyed getting out into the field and coaching. “My favorite thing about coaching is helping everyone build up skills. I find this to be rewarding. I am happy when I coach football. I just enjoy it because I get to help different people.” Jordan explained.
Along with enjoying coaching and meeting participants, Jordan has used the programme to develop skills.
“I think I have built on my communication and stopping conflict.” He added, “The course helped me grow in confidence. I definitely feel more confident now, compared to before the course. The course has helped me gain coaching qualifications.”
When looking at what he has managed to achieve and learn from the course, Jordan highly recommends the Programme. “If anyone was thinking of joining the Programme I would tell them just to do it. It will build your confidence along with other skills and you will get a qualification.”
If you are interested in the Young Start Programme or would like to find out more, please contact your SDS Regional Development Manager.