The future of Scottish football’s engagement with young people was on the agenda at Hampden Park yesterday, as the Scottish FA Youth Ambassadors of Change met for their final congress of the year.

Supported by UEFA and Scottish FA Board and staff, the Youth Ambassadors of Change programme involves 20 diverse young people between the ages of 16-25, providing a platform for them to contribute to issues affecting Scottish football’s younger fans.

Each Ambassador works with the Scottish FA to provide an opportunity for young people in Scotland to meaningfully contribute to the business management of Scottish football.

The Youth Congress saw the ambassadors provide updates on their progress in recent months, which has included a focus on regional engagement with fans.

Youth Ambassadors Niamh Russell (Women's Football) and Ben Mitchell (Digital and Media) addressed the group for the first time as newly appointed vice-chairs of the programme before welcoming guest speakers from across the nation.

Guest speakers included Stuart McLaren, Scottish FA Community Development Manager, who discussed his role and the recent growth in Futsal, and Paul McNeill, Scottish FA Regional Head, who shared his inspirational his journey to becoming part of the Scottish FA and an ambassador for Dyslexia Scotland.
   
The congress finished with an open forum which was used to generate ideas for the upcoming Scottish FA Convention. The Convention will see several of the Youth Ambassadors present their work to the wider Scottish football family to help further improve youth involvement in decision making.