The end of the year is a time for reflection, a time to plan, and often a time for change – and in the world of Young Ambassadors, it also effectively means it’s ‘graduation’ time for one cohort each year. With the finish to 2024, the Golf Foundation and England Golf are saying bon voyage and best of luck to nine Young Ambassadors who are leaving the programme this year, including those who have reached the culmination of their three year tenure and those who are heading on to new ventures.
The Young Ambassador programme has reached new heights in recent years, as the group have launched and developed exciting new programmes. As well as taking part in board level discussions to help influence the junior game, they have also seen the Heroes Handshake awards grow in recognition, with the three winners in 2024 all receiving wide acclaim.
Elsewhere, Ryka Verma helped launch a Golf Foundation initiative alongside Nick Dougherty at the Houses of Parliament, while numerous Young Ambassadors have volunteered at both The Open and the BMW PGA Championship.
It’s great to see a variety of pathways being taken by the nine Young Ambassadors too, with both golf and non-golf steps being next on the journey.
Emily Horsted and Courtney Martland are both working for England Golf now thanks to the experience they have had over recent years, while several Ambassadors heading for further studies.
Chloe Saunders, meanwhile, is using her learnings through the programme to help outside the golf environment as a Learning Support Assistant in a primary school – and of course, her first job has been signing the school up for Unleash Your Drive in Schools.
“It’s always sad to see a cohort of Young Ambassadors head off to new adventures,” said John Selby-Sly, Young Ambassador lead from the Golf Foundation, “but it’s exciting to see what they’re going on to do. And it gives us great pleasure to see that mix of golf and non-golf plans.”
“Thank you to all the departing Young Ambassadors,” added Laura Yapp, Young Ambassador lead from England Golf. “We wish you well and look forward to seeing you in the future. We also look forward to the new recruits beginning in January, and we will share their journey with you as the year goes on!”
The nine Young Ambassadors leaving the programme are;
Both the Golf Foundation and England Golf with them all well with the next step on their adventure.
Find out more at https://www.englandgolf.org/young-ambassadors
