SDS Young Start Plus: Applications Open

Scottish Disability Sport is excited to announce the new Young Start Plus programme. This programme will offer young people the opportunity to achieve a Level 2 qualification (or equivalent) in their sport of choice. Young people should  apply by 8th June 2026. Further information is available below. If you know a young person who may be interested, or would like to have a chat about whether this could be the right fit, please get in touch. I’d really appreciate you sharing this opportunity across your networks where appropriate

Purpose of the Programme 

 The Young Start Plus programme will empower young people (aged between 18 – 24) living with vision impairment, hearing loss, physical disabilities and mild learning disabilities throughout Scotland to further develop their confidence and coaching skills over a 10 month period The young people will gain a Level 2/advanced coaching qualification. These qualifications often sit at SCQF Level 7 although this could vary between sports.  SCQF Level 7 is broadly equivalent to an Advanced Higher, HNC, or the first year of university.

This opportunity is designed for those who want to continue building their confidence, develop coaching skills, and work towards becoming more active within their local community.

Young Start Plus provides additional support, mentoring, and development opportunities for young people who are interested in progressing into coaching, leadership, volunteering, or future mentoring roles.

As part of Young Start Plus, young people will:

• Work towards a Level 2 coaching qualification

• Receive ongoing mentoring and support

• Build confidence in leading and delivering activities

• Gain experience within local clubs, events, or community settings

• Develop leadership and communication skills

• Explore future pathways into coaching, volunteering, employment, or mentoring

• Be supported to identify local opportunities where you can use your skills

• Connect with other young people progressing through similar experiences

• Continue to develop your confidence, independence, and leadership

Who is Young Start Plus for?

Young Start Plus  is for young people who:

• Are ready to take on a new challenge

• Want to progress their coaching or leadership journey

• Are willing to commit to developing their skills over time

• Want to become more active in their local community

  
  

What You Will Gain

Being part of Young Start Plus can help you:

• Gain a recognised qualification

• Build experience in coaching and leadership

• Develop skills for future employment or volunteering

• Increase confidence in working with others

• Become a role model within your community

• Progress into future opportunities such as mentoring or the Young Persons Sport Panel

  
  

What We Ask From You

We ask participants to:

• Be committed to taking part

• Attend agreed sessions and development opportunities

• Work towards their qualification

• Be open to trying new experiences

• Be willing to get involved within their local community

  
  

We are particularly keen to hear from: 

• Women and girls

• People who belong to ethnic minority communities

• People who are living in low Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation areas

• People who are care experienced

  
  

Programme Dates are all included within the application form questions. 

What is the role of your mentor? 

Mentors will meet with the coach they are working with on a regular basis. Mentors will provide individualised support that will contribute to the individual becoming a confident and competent coach; supporting them on their journey. Specifically, mentors will:

• Work with the coach on an individual basis to develop their confidence and competence in their coaching role (at least 4 meetings will be held throughout the year, one of which will be within the coaches coaching environment)

• Support the coaches to find a suitable environment in which to practice their coaching if they are not already associated with a club or programme.

• Empower the coach to achieve their goals

• Observe the coaches in their role and support them to self-reflect before offering feedback

• Enable the coach to develop identified strengths and areas for improvement within their coaching practice

• Empower the coach to complete a personal development plan

• Provide quarterly progress reports

  
  

Other information: 

• Coaches who meet the expectations outlined will be able to access a budget of £200 towards coaching qualifications.

• Occasionally the relationship between the coach and the mentor simply doesn’t work. This could be for a variety of reasons including geographical, philosophical or technical. If this happens, no explanations are required form either the mentor or the coach and contact should be made with Victoria so alterative arrangements can be made.

• We are looking to develop a network of young people from across all areas in Scotland.

• The questions on this application form require written answers. If you would like to apply using a video or audio submission, please get in touch with alison.shaw@scottishdisabilitysport.com