A COWDENBEATH teenager is set to play a key role in developing Scottish sport after landing a berth on a leading national programme.

Beath High School pupil Alice Fox has been selected from 156 applicants to be part of the fourth Young People's Sport Panel, which is led by sportscotland.

The initiative, which is supported by Young Scot, provides a national platform to represent a voice for young people from across the country to influence and shape the future of sport, as well as raising its profile.

Alice, 16, has been chosen alongside another 18 youngsters to form the panel, and will have the opportunity over the next two years to have their views heard and valued, as well as having the chance to influence decision making and drive change in Scottish sport.

A rigorous recruitment process began in January after applications were submitted by young people aged between 14-23, before 102 candidates were selected and interviewed by a team of sportscotland experts, external partners and previous panel members.

That was then whittled down to 38 candidates, who were selected for a second interview that included a group session, an individual challenge and a formal interview, with the final 19 then confirmed last month.

Alice, who is an Active Schools Sports Ambassador – a programme in which those taking part help to promote sport and encourage participation in their schools, clubs and communities – also coaches netball and admitted she was stunned to be told that she had earned a place on the panel.

"I was absolutely over the moon to receive the call. I am chuffed to bits and incredibly proud to be part of the panel," she said.

"I am most looking forward to meeting new people and working with the rest of our panel team over the next two years."

The panel, who met for the first time at sportscotland's Edinburgh office on Friday along with their parents and guardians, is now in its fourth two-year cycle and sportscotland CEO, Stewart Harris, commented: "I want to congratulate our 19 new panel members who have come through a rigorous recruitment process.

"That alone is a wonderful achievement and they have already shown skill and ability beyond their years.

"I look forward to seeing the positive impact their passion and dedication will have on Scottish sport over the next two years."

Louise Macdonald, chief executive of Young Scot, added: "The Young People's Sport Panel new members have a wonderful opportunity to shape Scottish sport and help build an active legacy from the Year of Young People 2018.

"We are all really looking forward to working with Alice and the rest of the panel to create exciting opportunities for other young people in their local communities."

Over the course of her two-year stint on the panel, Alice will sit on the panel for the School Sport Awards, and help schools implement the programme, and be given the chance to address regional and national forums to give them the confidence to promote the positive messages of sport to a wider audience.