Young people get Youth Active at Nairn Academy

Young people took over Nairn Academy during the Easter holidays by attending two physical activity leadership courses as part of the Youth Active project to help them gain confidence and experience new sports, as well as gain nationally recognised qualifications. Youth Scotland, in partnership with Highlife Highlands Active Schools, delivered an SCQF level 4 in Dance Leadership and a Level 2 Award in Sport Leadership to over forty young people. 

Local young people took part in a range of physical activities throughout the week including football, handball, basketball, dance, metafit, tabata and aerobics while they developed leadership skills, increased their confidence and made new friends. 

One of the young people participating on the course said: “The week was awesome but it was too short!  The tutors were legends and I cannot wait for the next course.” 

Now that the courses are complete, the young people plan to put their leadership skills into practise and volunteer in their local communities, with the ongoing support from Highlife Highland’s Active School’s co-ordinator Elizabeth Macdonald to help them get started.

Elizabeth said: “It was great working in partnership and having so many young people involved in the dance and sport leadership courses. The Youth Scotland tutors worked really well with the young people and developed their leadership skills. There was a massive difference in confidence and abilities from the start of the week to the end.” 

The young people’s newly acquired qualifications will also be put to good use in July, when Youth Scotland will return to Nairn to support the young people to deliver a two day Commonwealth Games themed fun fitness festival to celebrate the Baton Relay coming to the Highlands. 

Rebecca Simpson, Youth Active Manager said: “It is great to work in partnership with Highlife Highland and to have a presence in the Highlands. The young people involved with the project and courses are extremely enthusiastic and active. I look forward to coming back in July to create more opportunities for young people to celebrate the Commonwealth Games.”