Tell us about what do you currently do?
My name is Emily and I'm 17. I'm from Cardiff and I am currently in my last year of A levels doing Criminology, History and Law. After completing my A levels, I would like to get an Apprenticeship.
Tell us about your sporting background?
My first memory of doing sport is when I would go horse riding when I was six years old. I didn't last very long doing that as I kept on falling off. I tried other sports like swimming and gymnastics, but I wasn't very good at those and didn’t enjoy them. It wasn't until I found hockey that I really stuck to a sport. I was able to achieve many awards including coach’s player and Welsh champion. I have played for Cardiff County, Whitchurch hockey club and Cardiff and Met hockey club.
What is your particular area of interest when it comes to accessing sport?
Like many people, the Covid pandemic really affected my confidence and once things started to open back up and we were able to mix in sports again, I didn't feel like I fitted in anymore. I had lost all my confidence and my passion for the sport. I decided to take a step back from playing and focus on studying for my GCSE's.
After completing all my exams, my club reached out to me and asked if I was able to help as a volunteer coach at hockey camp that took place in the summer holidays. I immediately jumped at the opportunity and I continued to be a volunteer coach for the under 8s and under 10s into the 21/22 season at Cardiff and Met hockey club. Last spring, I was asked if I would consider becoming Head Coach for the under 8 team and I said Yes! I love every minute of coaching, mentoring, and leading these young children. Throughout this season, I have loved watching them grow and thrive as young people as they develop their skills.
My enthusiasm for sport and promoting equality has continued, I am part of the Girls Active initiative and the Hockey Wales program for Young Ambassadors.
At school, I am a volunteer coach at my hockey club which requires me to support, coach and mentor the pupils. I also umpire the games.
Why did you want to become a member of the Youth Board?
I found out about the Youth Sport Trust through my teacher at school who encouraged me to apply. The PE teachers at my school have been so supportive in helping me in my coaching journey.
I always wanted to give back to a community that has helped me so much to gain back my confidence. My school is incredibly well known for producing sports stars like Gareth Bale, Sam Warburton and Geraint Thomas but I felt that there was a lack of equality and inclusion for females. In this role I hope to be able to be a voice for females who may not be able to be heard or seen.
One of the many role models I have is Lucy Bronze who plays for England and Barcelona. She is very inspiring, always trying to contribute to the game and be the best person that she can be on and off the pitch and has won many awards in the WSL, Champions League and Liga F and has continued to inspire young people around her in her contribution towards the England Lionesses success.
If you could change one thing about sport or physical activity for young people, what would that be?
It would be to give everyone equal opportunity to play whatever sport that they would like to.
Traditionally, girls have been encouraged to play hockey and netball while boys have been able to play rugby and football. Female sport is now becoming more prominent, and I believe things are slowly starting to change at grass roots level and I look forward to the day that we break down all the barriers and create a sports culture that does not discriminate, and everyone is given the same opportunities.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
I love country music. My favourite artist is Brent Young