Glasgow teen named Scottish Coach/Youth Worker of the Year

Billie Fitzpartick, from Barrowfield, was honoured at the Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) Awards 2026 for her commitment to using sport as a tool for personal development and community change.

The awards, sponsored by sportscotland and held at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel on March 5, celebrated five young people who have overcome adversity to excel in sport while inspiring others from similar backgrounds.

Billie, 19, said: "I’m enormously proud to have won this award.

"I always wanted to be a youth worker, and winning Coach of the Year feels like a huge achievement.

"If I look back at the person who turned up on the first day, and compare to where I am now, I’m not sure I would have believed I would have thrived as much as I have.

"SSF has given me opportunities and my motto now is to try to pass on those opportunities."

Billie began attending SSF sessions at 13 and has since taken part in programmes including Young Leaders, Twilight, Active:2:Grow and Chance:2:Be.

She now works at her local SSF Twilight session and continues to support other young people in her community.

Billie was described by judges as "an exceptional coach who works tirelessly to empower young people to reach their full potential".

Judges said: "Her approach is grounded in inclusion and compassion.

"Billie truly understands the needs of young people within her community and continuously aims to support them to overcome challenges.

"Billie is selfless in her attempts to better those around her and encourages her peers to engage in local services.

"Her commitment goes beyond the workplace, ensuring she makes a positive change daily to those around her.

"She does this by embodying all of the SSF values of inclusivity, leadership, empathy and passion; and her dedication to this is what truly sets her apart.

"Billie is a true role model to young people in her community and her commitment to create lasting change for both herself and others within her community is remarkable."

Now she is looking to grow her career as a youth worker further by attending Ready for Youth Work training with Youth Scotland and Scottish Athletics coaching assistant training.

Billie said: "Sport can be a barrier to a lot of young people but SSF is all about trying to include everyone and so that’s the message I try to get across – this is for everyone.

"There are so many positives to getting involved.

"To begin with I was nervous to attend, in the main because I didn’t know what to expect, but I now realise that is a really common reaction.

"I love to take the sessions because I recognise the value they provide.

"I was fortunate enough to benefit from attending and it means a lot to be able to give back.

"I also hope when new arrivals see the pathway I have taken, they can see that it’s possible for them to progress as well.

"SSF really gave me the opportunity to learn and understand what opportunities there were for me.

"I’ll forever be grateful for that.

"My main message to others is if I can do it, so can you."

The Sports Futures (SSF) Awards 2026 were held at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel on March 5 (Image: Supplied)

Dougie Millen, chief executive of Scottish Sports Futures, said: "The SSF Awards showcase the achievements of some of the incredible young people we have the privilege to work with.

"As a sport and youth work charity, we strive to ensure that all young people can access sport.

"Every day, we see the transformative power of sport in helping young people reach their full potential, as well as the physical, mental and social benefits it provides."