The Youth Panel was first introduced in 2016, running for a number of years until the covid-19 pandemic brought the forum to a close.

During the pandemic Scottish Rugby continued to engage with youth representatives from its rugby communities on a regular basis, and began a review on the Youth Panel to ensure a relaunch of the forum would have a clear and reflective youth voice, with a genuine position in influencing Scottish Rugby and other key agencies.

Based on data from Scottish Rugby’s player management system SCRUMS, there are more than 20,000 people aged between 12 and 24 years participating in rugby activity across Scotland. The Youth Panel will act as a voice for these young people within the Scottish rugby community, and provide a specific platform for youth perspectives to be integrated into Scottish Rugby initiatives and projects.

Scottish Rugby are seeking a diverse group of approximately 16 individuals, aged between 16 and 24, to champion what young people think the rugby environment should look like going forward in Scotland.

The Youth Panel will provide a platform for youth perspectives to be listened to and understood, and to provide influence on a number of Scottish Rugby decisions.

The Youth Panel will seek to expand its influence significantly within Scottish Rugby through the development of youth/community initiatives and key focus areas which will be determined by the panel themselves after its creation.

Members of the panel will also play an important role in informing young people of key developments within Scottish Rugby through their club/sport networks, the use of social media and through attendance of key events.

Former Youth Panelist, Ruairidh Campbell spoke about his experience with the programme, saying: “My time with the Youth Panel was brilliant for building contacts across the game which was great as I remain involved in the game through referring at a national level.

“I also recently put my experience to good use when asked to be a part of a working group which contributed to Scottish Rugby’s new Match Official Strategy.”

When talking about the initiatives that took place during his time on the Youth Panel, Ruairidh detailed how the panel launched a nationwide survey on player retention which led to a series of recommendations being made to Scottish Rugby, an area which the panel had identified early on as being an focus for them.

“There is no better way to get involved if you are interested in helping shape the future of rugby in Scotland and improving the experience for young people. Whether you’re involved in rugby as a player, coach, match official or volunteer, there’s a place for you to have a genuine impact as part of the Youth Panel.” – Ruairidh Campbell, Former Youth Panelist

Gav Scott, Director of Rugby Development at Scottish Rugby said: “We are delighted to see the relaunch of the Scottish Rugby Youth Panel. The Panel provides an opportunity for young people to have meaningful discussions regarding the impact that Scottish Rugby decisions have on our young people, in addition to contributing and influencing positive change within Scottish Rugby

“Scottish Rugby recognises the importance of the contributions our young people make and are committed to ensuring that the Youth Panel is a diverse group of individuals. Anyone who has experience in volunteering in sport and has a passion for rugby is invited to apply.”- Gav Scott, Director of Rugby Development

Applications for the Youth Panel close on Sunday 4 September 2022 – for more information about how to apply please click HERE.