ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel
What is the ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel? The Young People’s Sport Panel (YPSP) provides a platform to represent the voice of young people in Shetland. The role of the panel is to help influence and shape the future of sport in Shetland and to raise the profile of sport. The programme's principle is that young people's views are heard and valued, and they have the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change.
In January 2025, we appointed 8 young leaders as members of the first ever Shetland YPSP. They have been appointed on a two year term - Eight young people selected for new sports panel – Shetland Islands Council.
Meet the panel
Hannah Williamson (18)
Full Name - Hannah Grace Williamson
Age - 18
School - Brae High School
Place of residence - Ollaberry
What sports are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I have a keen interest in a variety of sports and I'm currently in a team for Netball and Hockey. Hockey has been a part of my life from a very young age as I went with my mam and auntie to watch them play. They inspired me to get involved as soon as I could hold a stick.
What motivated you to be part of the ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel?
I was motivated to join the panel after accessing higher levels of sport on the mainland Scotland. This was quite a challenge for me. My involvement in the panel would allow me to highlight the opportunities off island for players of any sport and explore ways of making this more accessible for all.
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Shetland today?
Opportunities, cost, resources, travel all add limitations to participation and can be seen as a barrier to getting involved in sports for many young people but especially people living in the isles.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Shetland?
Sport can help support young people to build relationships and feel connected in a different way. Channelling energies into active play/participation can encourage a positive direction.
Is there a role model that inspires you? What is it about them you admire?
One person who has inspired me throughout my life has to be my mam, she is very strong independent individual who always strives to do her best for not just herself but everyone around her. I admire her level of determination and how she always wants to make a difference to people's lives and help people to achieve ther goals they have set for themselves. If I can be just a bit of this when being involved in the sports panel I will have done myself proud and hopefully her as well.
Jake Davies (14)
Full Name – Jake Davies
Age – 14
School – Brae High School
Place of residence – Brae
What sports are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
I play football and hockey. I like that these are fast paced sports and that you are part of a team.
What motivated you to be part of the ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel?
I would like to help make better sporting opportunities for Youth in Shetland
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Shetland today?
Challenges facing young people in Shetland is the opportunity to progress in sports can be restricted due to costs of off island travel. For some families the cost of the sport fees and the kit required can also be an issue.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Shetland?
Sport is good for you physically, mentally and socially. Different sports open different friendship groups. Taking part in exercise is good for your mental health.
Is there a role model that inspires you? What is it about them you admire?
Danny Peterson -
Danny is great with kids of all ages and if they ask for anything he always helps. He gives up a lot of his time putting on Badminton clubs, all ability football, and he also takes the Sports Leadership class which I am part of. Danny speaks to us like an equal rather than a child which he likes.
Roan Eunson (16)
Full Name – Roan Eunson
Age – 16
School – Anderson High School
Place of residence – Whiteness
What sports are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
Football - teaches you life skills you wouldn't normally have.
What motivated you to be part of the ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel?
It will help me gain great experience for things I want to do in the future.
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Shetland today?
Lack of opportunities and things to do and the cost of getting off Shetland.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Shetland?
Provide young people with new opportunties with opportunties nationally and locally.
Is there a role model that inspires you? What is it about them you admire?
My parents
Cameron Purdy (24)
Full Name – Cameron Purdy
Age – 24
School – N/A (Graduate Apprentice with Shetland Islands Council)
Place of residence – Lerwick
What sports are you involved in and what is it that you love about it?
Shinty & Hockey
I love Shinty because it is a great sport that combines physicality and tactics. As as a student of history I enjoy that it is Scotland's native sport with deep roots in the Highlands and the ancestor sport to Ice Hockey.
I enjoy Hockey because it is such a technical sport with great opportunities to be social.
What motivated you to be part of the ClubSport Shetland Young People's Sports Panel?
To be better integrated into the community but also share my experiences from the mainland to the next generation of young people that have an interest in sport development.
What do you think are (some of) the big challenges facing young people in Shetland today?
Lack of opportunities on club boards/committees - causing succession issues in the future.
How do you think sport can help support young people in Shetland?
By giving opportunities to see how clubs and sports work at the highest of levels.
Is there a role model that inspires you? What is it about them you admire?
Alan Shearer - determination and leadership
Ava Williamson (15)
Full Name – Ava Mae Williamson
Age – 15
School – Anderson High School
Place of residence – Weisdale
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Joe Smith (16)
Full Name – Joe Smith
Age – 16
School – Anderson High School
Place of residence – Lerwick
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Rhea-May Newell-Isbister (21)
Full Name – Rhea-May Newell-Isbister
Age – 21
Place of residence – Lerwick
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