Scottish Rugby launch Youth Panel

Scottish Rugby has today launched a search for a Youth Panel with the aim to give young people a greater say in the future of rugby in Scotland. The Youth Panel will act as a voice for young people within Scottish Rugby and will enable members of the panel to inform the implementation and development of Schools and Youth programmes.The panel will comprise of 16 members aged 14-20 years-old who are currently, or have been, involved with rugby both on and off the pitch.Selection for the panel will be based on video applications via YouTube with applicants asked to submit a three-minute clip explaining why they want to be involved and what experience/ideas they can bring to the panel.Scottish Rugby’s Director of Domestic Rugby, Keith Russell, said: “We have already achieved success in attracting young players to the game through the Schools and Youth Conference programme, which was launched at the start of the 2015/16 season, but in order to sustain players we have to keep more young people engaged with rugby both on and off the field.The Youth Panel is the perfect opportunity for young people to contribute towards the growth of the game within their rugby communities and across the country.”Scottish Rugby’s Head of Schools and Youth, Colin Thomson, said: “The launch of the Youth Panel will provide young people across Scotland with an opportunity to be heard and involved in decisions which affect them.It is key that young people’s voices are heard and the opinions of this group will be available to the key decision makers within the Union, as we plan, implement and review programmes across our Schools and Youth operations.”Scottish Rugby will undoubtedly benefit from regular insight into the views of young people involved in rugby as we strive to recruit and retain players during their adolescent years.”In addition to representing their views, the successful candidates will also be provided with opportunities to develop new skills, build their rugby network and bolster their CV when working towards a future career.The panel will also receive expert advice from Scottish Rugby staff and selected external representatives where appropriate.The 16 people selected for the Youth Panel will meet up to three times a year, with each young person serving for a term of two years and a chairperson appointed by a majority vote from all members.An inaugural meeting will be held at BT Murrayfield on Friday 7 October followed by an opportunity to watch Edinburgh Rugby play Benetton Treviso in the Guinness PRO12.The closing date for applications is Friday 9 September and if required, all applicants must be available to attend a selection day at BT Murrayfield on Sunday 25 September.Further details and information on how to apply for the panel is available at: www.scottishrugby.org/scottish-rugby-youth-panel-application-information