Community

DUCT VOLUNTEER SELECTED SFA YOUTH AMBASSADOR OF CHANGE

27th November 2018

Dundee United Community Trust is very proud of their volunteer Georgia Carter who has been selected as a Youth Ambassador of Change by the Scottish FA. 

Community Coaching Manager Paul Wilson commented, “Georgia has been volunteering with us for a few months now and she is a fantastic role model.  Georgia has been a great addition since joining and all of the players who have taken part in sessions Georgia has been involved in have benefited from her enthusiasm towards coaching and playing football.  We are all delighted to hear that Georgia has been announced as one of the Scottish FA’s latest Youth Ambassadors of Change and we look forward to seeing her progress within this latest role.”

We conducted a brief Q&A with Georgia: 

Question – what is a Youth Ambassador of Change and why did you apply?

GC – A Youth Ambassador of Change is passionate about football and wants to see it portrayed in as positive light as possible.  The Scottish FA have identified 20 people aged 16-24 who they feel can be positive role models and help with growing the game in each of the regions and nationally. 

Question – why did you apply?

GC – I joined Dundee United WFC in the closing stages of the 2018 season after moving to Dundee for University.  I then started volunteering with Dundee United Community Trust at the Lisa Evans Soccer Centre each week and from there they identified me as a potential candidate which gave me the confidence to apply.  Prior to moving to Dundee, I stayed in Aberdeen and volunteered with Aberdeen Community Trust for around one year. 

Question – what attracted you to the role of Youth Ambassador of Change?

GC – It is a very good opportunity to have a positive influence on shaping the experience young people have of football.  I’d really like to see football become more accessible for everyone and this platform allows me to express these views and make a real difference.

Question – when does the role start?

GC – There is a training weekend at Stirling University to kick off the programme on December 15th.  From there we will meet the rest of the YAOC group and find out about our individual roles and responsibilities within the programme.  The programme is for a 2 year period until the end of 2020. 

Question – what do you think you will bring to the role?

GC – I think I would bring a lot of hard work.  I currently volunteer as a football coach at various sessions, including with Dundee United Community Trust and previously with Aberdeen Community Trust, as it is something I am extremely passionate about and thoroughly enjoy.  I really want to make a difference and would bring fresh, new ideas to an environment where they will be appreciated and respected.  I’m very open to learning from others and hearing other opinions. 

Question – why do you feel these roles of YAOC are important?

GC – The Youth Ambassador of Change roles are important as they bring several ambitious young individuals from across the country together and give them the opportunity to help progress and grow the game in Scotland.  With Scotland WNT getting to the 2019 Women's World Cup in France it is a perfect time to grow the girls and womens game and showcase what opportunities there are for girls and women of all ages to get involved in football. 

Question – how do you think this role will fit in with your current volunteering?

GC – I think it will be a very good fit as it will be similar to what I am doing just now by assisting to grow the game through coaching and development.  I am studying sports and exercise at Abertay University and my career goal is to work in sport development or coaching, preferably in football, and I think this role will help me with my goal as it puts me out of my comfort zone whilst giving me a unique insight into the workings that go on behind the scenes.