Team Scotland is delighted to reveal our two flagbearers for the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, which takes place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Trinidad on 4th August. 

Swimmer Stefan Krawiec and Netball player Niamh Trainer have both been selected by Team Scotland for the honour, which will see Scotland have two flagbearers for the first time at the Commonwealth Youth Games. 

Eighteen-year-old Niamh first tried netball at school age 11 and has become a driving force within the Scottish team, noted for her leadership and support of her team mates. She made her international debut at last year’s Netball Europe U17 Championship, where she was named Player of the Tournament, and has already received her first U19 cap against Wales. 

Stefan has also excelled on the international stage, winning two medals at last year’s European Youth Olympics. He took gold as part of the 4×100 medley relay and an individual bronze in the 100m butterfly in a new Scottish junior record. He has continued to progress in 2023, competing in the European Junior Championships. He is also a supported athlete on the PHM athlete award through the Team Scotland Youth Trust. 

Niamh said, “I feel so honoured to have been chosen to represent Scotland as the female flagbearer in the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. Not only do I get to represent women in sport but also netball, especially since it is the first time it has appeared at the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

Stefan said: “I’m very honoured. I was just happy to be at this competition in the first place, to represent Scotland at this high level, but then to find out I’ll be carrying the flag, it’s a dream come true. I’m a bit nervous but there’s a lot of pride and I’m really looking forward to it. I want to represent Scotland to the best of my ability, put in a good performance and support my team mates all the way through the competition and just enjoy it.” 

Chris Purdie, Team Scotland Chef de Mission for Trinbago 2023, said: 

“To be named as flagbearer for Team Scotland is a fantastic honour and Niamh and Stefan’s selection is a direct reflection of their performances over the last few years and their attitude and commitment to fellow team members. They are both excellent role models and ambassadors for Team Scotland. 

“The Youth Games is a fabulous opportunity for all 49 of our young team members to embrace the Commonwealth Games experience and mix with fellow athletes from across the globe, as well as getting their first taste of international competition in a multi-sport Games. 

“I wish the whole of Team Scotland the very best of luck as they embark on what we hope will be their first of many Commonwealth Games for Team Scotland and the start of their journey to future international success.” 

The selection and announcement of the flagbearer is a longstanding tradition, and Niamh and Stefan will follow in the footsteps of Louise Carroll (hockey), Gemma Nicol (athletics), Lisa Glover (athletics) and Tom Holligan (athletics), Craig MacLean (swimming) and Lewis Johnstone (boxing) who carried the flag at the past Commonwealth Youth Games. 

The Opening Ceremony for the Trinbago 2023 Games takes place on Friday 4 August from 4-6pm local time (9-11pm UK). 

The 49 athletes selected to represent Team Scotland at the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games left Glasgow Airport early on Tuesday morning on the first leg of their journey to Trinidad and Tobago.

The athletes, aged between 14 and 18 years, will compete for Scotland from 4-11 August in all seven of the sports on the Trinbago 2023 programme: Athletics, Beach Volleyball, Cycling, Netball, Rugby 7s, Swimming and Triathlon. They will take their place amongst over 1000 of the best young athletes from the 72 nations and territories of the Commonwealth, as the majority experience an international multi-sport Games for the very first time.

The selected athletes have been in fine form in the lead up to departure, with highlights including swimmers Dean Fearn and Evan Davidson returning from the recent European Youth Olympic Festival with medals for Team GB.

A number of sports make their Commonwealth Youth Games debut at Trinbago 2023, including Netball and Triathlon.

McKenna Wilkinson, Captain of the Fast5 Netball team, said, “I am incredibly excited. It’s the first multi-sport games that I have ever been too but also the first multi-sport games youth games that will features Fast5 Netball, so I feel really honoured to be a part of this Team Scotland.”

“We’ve have multiple weeks of training, different training camps and I think everyone has trained really hard in the lead up to these games. We just can’t wait to see what happens when we are out there.”

The team is led by Chris Purdie as Chef de Mission, aided by an experienced coaching and support team.

Wishing the team luck for the Games, he said: “This is a really exciting time for all of our athletes as they begin their Commonwealth Games journey and I am sure they are determined to do Scotland proud. Whilst we hope that many of our athletes will return with medals, the major benefit of the Commonwealth Youth Games is the opportunity it gives young athletes to experience this level of international competition in a multi-sport environment.

“The chance to engage with people their age from other sports and from all around the Commonwealth is something I know they are all looking forward to and the whole event, including the travel, will be a learning experience as many will not have competed so far from home before. The opportunity to learn from the expertise of the staff travelling with them will stand them in great stead for future events overseas.

“I am sure Team Scotland will compete to the best of its ability and that we will see a number of future stars emerge, who will go on to represent Team Scotland at senior level. I wish them every success and I look forward to seeing them in action over the six days of competition.”

On arrival in Trinidad and Tobago the athletes will have a chance to train and familiarise themselves with the venues before the Opening Ceremony on 4 August. The sporting action begins with Beach Volleyball and Cycling on the opening day, followed by a further five days of hotly contested competition, concluding on the 10 August.

The Youth Games will also feature a cultural and education programme which will run throughout the Games to enable athletes to mix and learn about other cultures, before an informal Closing Ceremony brings the Games to a close on 11 August.

Eight rising stars of track and field are part of Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad & Tobago this summer. 

With just over a week to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Commonwealth Youth Games, we caught up with two of our Athletics athletes, Corey Campbell and Amy Teasdale, who told us how it feels to be part of Team Scotland and what advice they would give to those looking to get involved in athletics.

Congratulations on becoming part of Team Scotland, how does it feel being chosen to represent your country at the Youth Games?

Corey: It feels great to be selected to represent Team Scotland at the Youth games and I look forward to competing out in Trinidad. 

Amy: It’s a bit surreal because selection has been a goal that’s lingered in the back of my head for the past year when I first heard about the games but it has been one of those things that you feel will just stay in your head to help push you through the hard times. So having it actually materialise is still a bit crazy but it’s so exciting to have the opportunity to travel out with a multi-sport team and the ability to involve yourself in the other sports just through chatting with the team and hopefully spectating those also competing on Trinidad!

How have you been preparing for the games and what are you most looking forward to once you are out in Trinidad and Tobago?

Corey: Training has been going well recently. I have also been preparing for the extreme temperatures that we will experience out in Trinidad. I’m most looking forward to learning more about international competition and testing myself against some of the commonwealth’s best youth athletes.

Amy: Training has been going well and everyone around me has been so supportive in facilitating me getting to the games in one piece! My coach Sarah, has really put time and effort into our preparation and her boundless positivity is honestly so impressive as I am a bit guilty of stressing and overthinking the smallest things so her help definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed! Even just the sense of community and backing from my training group and gym took me by surprise when the people you train alongside every week seem so proud- it helps you remember that these opportunities are what you are putting in the work for.

My event isn’t until the end of the competition so I’m going to have a lot of time beforehand and I’ve made it my mission to try and just immerse myself in everything there is to do and see at the games in the lead up! Watching the other sports and training in a completely different format on the island isn’t something that I’m going to ever get to experience again in a youth games so I do just think I’m going to have to go with the flow and not focus solely on my race until the latter stages as to enjoy everything in the meantime!

What’s been a highlight of your sporting journey so far?

Corey: Being selected to represent GB last year for the European u18 Championships. Throughout the championships I gained valuable experience which I hope to bring with me to the CYG and beyond! 

Amy: I’ve experienced being away with many teams within athletics and I think that’s made me appreciate the sport so much more because you learn about the work your competitors put in to be at the level we are at. This helps  bonds which you carry through to every competition and trip while allowing you to see your competitors as friends rather than people to be fearful of!The moment I achieved the qualifying standard that secured my place in this team was very special. To have all the hard work pay off, after various setbacks this year, at our national 3k champs was just brilliant!

What piece of advice would you give to those wanting to get involved in Athletics?  

Corey: Just throw yourself in by joining your local athletics club and remember that everyone starts somewhere. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun. 

Amy: For people wanting to get involved, there are so many ways into the sport through amateur clubs and groups where you will instantly find like-minded people to keep you motivated. The athletic community in Scotland feels very close so there are always people you know competing and progressing to keep you engaged and involved even if you are not the one competing!

Up next in our Trinbago 2023 Sport Focus series, we are very excited to be hearing from two of our Rugby athletes who have been selected to represent Team Scotland in the Men’s Rugby 7s competition at Trinbago 2023.

We caught up with captain Johnny Ventisei and Fergus Wood following their selection and asked them how they were feeling ahead of the games and what they love so much about Rugby 7s.

Not long to go until the start of the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, how are you feeling ahead of the games and how does it feel representing Scotland?

Fergus: Representing Scotland is always an honour and definitely the main aspiration for everyone involved that wants to develop themselves as a player. The squad is definitely building confidence, with every training session being a chance to excel as a team.

Johnny: I’m really excited to get started at the games. It’s obviously an incredible opportunity for everyone involved and one we are all really looking forward to. It’s wonderful to be involved in a game like rugby sevens which originates from Scotland. It’s always an honour representing your country at any level and one that brings a lot of pride, especially at a unique multi sport event such as the commonwealth games.

Rugby 7s is quite a bit different from the 15 a side we often see, what do you enjoy most about Rugby 7s and what makes it so exciting to watch?  

Fergus: I think what makes sevens so exciting to watch is the fact that the game can turn at any moment, with everyone having to work hard on the pitch. I personally enjoy the freedom to play that sevens allows for. 

Johnny: Rugby 7s is a very entertaining game, it’s very fast paced and played at an extremely high skill level which creates exciting, flowing, running rugby. It’s played on a full size rugby pitch meaning the amount of work and effort put in by each player is enormous, but this adds to the beauty of the game.

What has been a highlight of your Rugby career so far?

Fergus: The highlight of my career so far has definitely got to be representing Scotland at the Under-18 Six Nations festival in April. 

Johnny: The highlight of my rugby career so far would be representing Scotland at the U18 six nations. Being able to sing the National anthem with friends at your side and family and friends watching is a very special feeling.

How have you and the team been preparing over the past couple of months ahead of the games?

Fergus: The team has been preparing really well, initially we laid the foundations of sevens and made it clear the style of rugby we want to play, but as we’ve built up the number of sessions, we’ve been able to raise the intensity and focus amongst the group which has been brilliant to be a part of.

Johnny: It’s been an intense period of training building up towards the games. Places for the squad were highly contested and as a squad we have worked really hard throughout the selection process and training. We have already seen great progress and togetherness. It’s all coming together really well for the final week of training to put us in the best place possible for the games.

With less than one month to go until the opening ceremony of Seventh Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago 2023, the final athletes representing Team Scotland in the Rugby 7s have now been confirmed. A total of 49 Scottish athletes will travel to Trinidad and Tobago and compete in competition from the 4-11 August 2023.

The 13 named Rugby 7s players, aged 17 and 18 years old, will compete for Team Scotland alongside athletes from the six other sports on the Trinidad and Tobago programme: Netball, Beach Volleyball, Triathlon, Athletics, Cycling and Swimming.

Rugby 7s is a fast paced, high tempo game, played with 7s players a side, for two seven-minute halves. With more room to roam and little time to waste, the result is a version of rugby that is shorter, faster, and higher scoring.  The squad selected will be sure to step up to the challenge and aim to make their mark on the international stage.

The Rugby 7s competition will take place at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on the island of Tobago and will be contested by Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, Jamaica, Scotland, Fiji and South Africa.  

The concept of the Youth Games was created by Scotland in 2000 with the aim of developing young athletes and giving them an early experience of an international multi-sport environment. The event now has a proven track record of uncovering future champions at senior level, with athletes such as Hannah Miley, Eilish McColgan and Josh Taylor competing at Youth Games before going on to senior success.

Team Scotland 2023 will depart for Trinidad and Tobago on the 1^st August, ready to make the most of the multi-sport Games experience and aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous Team Scotland Youth Games athletes.  

Congratulating the athletes on their selection, Chef de Mission, Chris Purdie, said, “I am delighted to welcome the 13 Rugby 7s players to Team Scotland, who now make up the complete Scotland delegation heading out to Trinidad and Tobago. With the final athletes confirmed and our Team Camp having taken place, the excitement and anticipation of the games is very high. The hard work and dedication that all of these athletes have put in to get here is fantastic and all truly deserve this opportunity to represent their country on the world stage.”

Craig Dods, who will manage the Rugby 7s team heading out to Trinidad and Tobago, said, “We’re delighted to confirm the 13-player squad that have been selected to represent Team Scotland at the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games. The 13 boys will now take part in an intensive month-long programme before flying out at the start of August.”

 “All players selected have been part of the FOSROC Scottish Rugby Academy or involved with our SQ programme. Six members of the team represented Scotland at the U18 Six Nations Festival in Dublin earlier this year. I’m excited to see how this group of players progress in the coming weeks and watch them compete on the international stage.”

Johnny Ventisei, Captain the Scotland side, said, “I’m over the moon to be asked to captain this team at Trinbago 2023. I’m buzzing to represent Team Scotland with the rest of the boys in a once in a lifetime multi-sport games experience in an incredible location.”

Full Team List

Fergus Watson, 17

Ben Morriss, 17

Joe Townshend, 17

Jack Craig, 17

Fergus Wood, 18

Robbie Baird, 18

Matthew Urwin, 18

Jack Hocking, 18

Hugo Alderson, 17

Johnny Ventisei ©, 18

Benjamin Roger, 18

Ross Birnie, 18

Ritchie Mitchell, 17

Craig Dods (Head Coach)

Up next in our Trinbago 2023 Sport Focus series, we are very excited to be hearing from our two Triathletes who have been selected to represent Team Scotland in the men’s, women’s, and mixed events at Trinbago 2023.

Triathlon makes its Commonwealth Youth Games debut at Trinbago 2023, and Alex and Jessica will be sure to step up to the challenge and aim to make their mark on the international stage.

Ahead of them heading out to Trinidad and Tobago we asked Alex and Jessica to tell us more about their sport and being selected for the Games:

Congratulations on becoming part of Team Scotland, how does it feel to be representing Scotland at your first Commonwealth Youth Games?

Alex: Obviously it’s a huge privilege to represent Scotland. It’s something I’ve worked extremely hard for, and I can’t wait to race and experience a big Games.

Jessica: I’m so excited to have been given the chance to represent Team Scotland in triathlon. For the opportunity to arise at such a big event makes me both nervous and excited and I just hope I can perform to the best of my ability and make the most of this chance.

How did you first get involved in Triathlon?

Alex: I started triathlon when I was 7 with Fusion Triathlon Club, the youngest age you were allowed to join. I remember seeing them training a few times and wanting to join in so badly, so naturally I was extremely excited when I was finally allowed to join. Meeting the minimum standard of being able to swim 2 lengths before being allowed to join provided me with that extra motivation in swimming lessons. From then I have progressed gradually through the performance pathway in place.

Jessica: I was a competitive swimmer from before I was 10. My mum started entering me for aquathons (swim then run) which I enjoyed participating in. Last year I took part in the Scottish National Youth Triathlon Championships and finished 4th. This year I decided to prioritise triathlon over swimming which I have enjoyed doing lots more than swimming on its own! 

What’s been a highlight from your sporting journey so far?

Alex: My highlight so far has to be Super League Jersey in 2021. I raced the youth race, while in my first year of the 2-year age group and managed to win which was amazing. It was so cool to race on the same course as the pros did a few hours before and trying the new enduro format (three back-to-back mini triathlons) was also really fun and a great experience.

Jessica: Obviously getting selected for the Games is my number one highlight. Apart from that I’ve been taking part in the British Triathlon Super Series events and enjoyed the racing and moving up the rankings from the initial performance assessments and I have also enjoyed meeting new people.

How have you been training and preparing for the Games over the past weeks and months?

Alex: My training has been very disrupted having had a stress response in my ankle (which is ok now), and then a broken elbow which required surgery. I have been able to get in some heat training on the turbo while it was broken but I am only just getting back to swimming and running. However, I am confident I will be relatively fit in time for the race as I was in a similar situation last year and still managed to win the final British Triathlon Super Series race.

Jessica: This year I made a decision to prioritise triathlon over swimming and Tom my swimming coach, although probably disappointed, has been so supportive of that. I’m a member of a running club and have been to a few endurance cycles with a cycling club to familiarise myself with a bike, however because of my swimming times I don’t have much time to attend the training sessions of other clubs so my bike and run training is mainly self-directed. I’ll run before I go swimming and after I will cycle home with my mum driving behind me. Occasionally I give a swimming session up to attend the running club.

‘ON TRACK’

Designed by Peter Burt

The above design has been commissioned by Team Scotland to be the Official Poster for the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games. The design is heavily inspired by the host islands, their cultures and heritage.

Inspiration for this Youth Games poster came from Trinidad and Tobago’s music and tourism marketing material, wanting to create something visually similar by incorporating flat shapes, natural flowing curves and a grainy aesthetic.

The variety of colours derived from a mix of Team Scotland and Trinbago 2023 logos, resulting in a varied and bright range of colour to use through the design.

The design was unveiled to the team at the Team Camp held on Saturday 1 July and all athletes and staff left with their own copy. Being displayed in key Team Scotland areas and rooms in the Athletes’ Villages on Trinidad and Tobago, it will add colour and a sense of team pride as athletes prepare to compete.

Many of the key visual references and representations are highlighted here:

Saltire

The saltire sits naturally against the blue of the sky.

Trinidad and Tobago Flag

The black stripe of the flag sits within the athletics track, bringing the country together with the Games.

Hasely Crawford Stadium

The subtle rise of the curve indicates the formation of the seating deck wrapping around the track. The floodlight is also a nod to the architecture of the stadium. Hasely Crawford was Trinidad and Tobago’s first Olympic gold medalllist, winning the Men’s 100m at the 1976 Games in Montreal.

Palm Trees

A nod to the Caribbean landscape, but also an opportunity to bring in some of the graphic elements from the calypso music scene.

Sun-Sea-Sand

The nickname of the flag of Trinidad and Tobago, physically represented within the poster elements.

Beach Volleyball is making its second appearance at a Commonwealth Youth Games and with 18 countries competing at this summer’s Games, it is sure to be an exciting display of raw talent and power. The beautiful Pigeon Point Beach will be the competition’s home for the six days of competition, from 5-10 August.

For part two of our Beach Volleyball Sport Focus, here are 5 things you need to know about the sport at the Games and in Scotland: