TWO West Fife members of a leading national programme are encouraging other young people to get involved and make a difference in sport.

Daniel Phillips and Nicole Currie, who both attended Woodmill High School, are hoping that their experiences of being involved with The Young People's Sport Panel (YPSP) will lead to others applying to join.

Led by sportscotland and supported by Young Scot and The National Lottery, the YPSP is a platform created to represent a voice of young people across the country.

Currently in its third two-year cycle, 18-year-old Nicole and 20-year-old Daniel, together with 13 other panel members, have had the opportunity to influence decision making and drive change to help shape the future of sport in Scotland.

Visits to the Scottish Parliament and BBC Scotland, where panel members held meetings with producers as the corporation work with sportscotland to look at the reach and breadth of sports coverage, were just some of the experiences the Dunfermline duo had while working with YPSP.

Nicole, Daniel and their peers were selected from more than 170 applicants following a five-month nationwide recruitment process and, with 2018 designated as 'The Year of Young People', are keen for the new panel to make a difference to the nation's sporting future.

Daniel commented: "The panel involves representing young people in sport at national level and ensuring that young people have the opportunities to take part and develop themselves through sport.

"Whilst with the panel, I've met some of Scotland – and the UK's – top athletes and have been to the parliament to discuss how changes can be made in sport at the highest level in Scotland, as well as meeting a group of other like-minded people who excel in their own sports.

"If making a difference in sport is something you're interested in, then get your application to the Young People’s Sport Panel In Now!"

Before finishing up their position in June, Daniel, Nicole and their colleagues will produce a toolkit sharing their advice and tips on creating a similar group.

Regarded as the 'blueprint' for young people's panels, sportscotland has supported partners in governing bodies and in local authorities, including Scottish Disability Sport, who have since created their own groups after being inspired by the YPSP's progress.

Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, said: "It's been an amazing experience working with our Young People's Sport Panel.

"The commitment and passion these young people have for sport is incredible, as is the impact Nicole, Daniel and the panel have made both at a local and national level."

Young Scot CEO, Louise Macdonald, added: "It's now time for a fresh squad of enthusiastic young people to get involved to shape the future of sport in Scotland and help deliver on the goals for the Year of Young People 2018 and beyond.

"It's a wonderful opportunity, especially for young people who have faced barriers to sport and young people who want to represent Scotland’s diversity, and I’d encourage all to apply."

Applications close at noon on Thursday (February 22) and can be made at www.sportscotland.org.uk/sportpanel.