Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) has partnered with Kyniska Advocacy to pilot a transformative safe sport initiative in North Ayrshire. This collaboration aims to empower young leaders to champion safe, inclusive, and supportive environments within SSF’s Twilight programme.
A Vision for Youth-Led Change
At the heart of this initiative is the training of young leaders through SSF’s Young Leaders programme. These individuals will develop leadership skills and a deep understanding of safeguarding principles. Once trained, they will facilitate sessions for younger participants in the Twilight programme, fostering a culture of safety and inclusivity.
The Twilight programme, delivered across various Scottish communities including North Ayrshire, offers free multisport and youth work sessions during times when anti-social behaviour may occur. It combines physical activity with workshops on mental health, resilience, and social issues, aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve young people’s wellbeing.
Kyniska Advocacy: Championing Safe Sport
Kyniska Advocacy, co-founded by elite Scottish athlete Mhairi Maclennan and Welsh international runner Kate Seary, is dedicated to creating a sporting world that protects and celebrates women and girls. The organisation provides support services for individuals involved in safeguarding cases and advocates for policy changes to enhance athlete welfare.
Mhairi Maclennan is a British long-distance runner and a vocal advocate for athlete welfare following her own experiences. She co-founded Kyniska Advocacy to address systemic issues in sport that can lead to abuse, and to support survivors in their recovery and pursuit of justice.
Building a Safer Sporting Environment
This pilot programme in North Ayrshire represents a proactive approach to safeguarding in sport. By equipping young leaders with the tools and knowledge to advocate for safe practices, SSF and Kyniska Advocacy are fostering environments where all participants can thrive.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts to address the challenges faced by young people, particularly those affected by poverty and trauma. By focusing on leadership and empowerment, the programme seeks to create lasting positive change in communities.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot progresses, SSF and Kyniska Advocacy will monitor its impact, with the potential to expand the model to other regions. We will capture and share key learnings from the pilot, and seek vital funding to continue this important work and explore opportunities to grow the programme in other communities.
Their collaborative effort underscores the importance of youth-led initiatives in promoting safe and inclusive sports environments.
