Inspiring Young Women Through Sport

This week, Glasgow 2026 was invited to attend the Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) Girl’s Sports Day to mark Women and Girls in Sport Week. The event was designed to engage current female participants and young leaders and share exciting opportunities to get involved in sport and physical activity. SSF works to empower young people living in challenging environments, helping them become champions for good in their communities. 

The event began with an energising welcome from Louisa Mahon, Chief Marketing Officer for Glasgow 2026, who introduced the reimagined Commonwealth Games and emphasised the importance of collaboration with organisations like SSF. She encouraged all the young girls in the room to make the Games their own and to get involved as much as possible through volunteering, spectating and becoming community champions. 

A panel discussion followed, featuring Louisa Mahon, Scottish netballer Emily Nicholl, and Nicole Flynn, Programme Delivery Coordinator for Glasgow 2026 and SSF Board Member. Each shared their personal journey into professional sport and reflected on how sport can empower young women. The conversation explored themes of leadership, resilience and the opportunities presented by Glasgow 2026, highlighting the transformative power of sport in building confidence and community.

Louisa Mahon shared her thoughts on the importance of visibility and inclusion in sport: “The amazing thing about sport is that it has the power to open doors. Not just to competition, but to confidence, connections and opportunities. Women and Girls in Sport Week is a chance to reflect on the momentum behind visibility and participation of women and girls in sport. But there’s still work to be done and it’s vital that there are spaces where girls can see what’s possible and believe they belong. 

“When Glasgow 2026 takes over the city for 10 electric days of sporting competition and the largest ever Para sport programme, we want to ensure every young person feels inspired and that the Games are theirs leaving a lasting impact.” 

Glasgow 2026 Female Leaders in Sport

Later in the week, Glasgow 2026 welcomed a group of young female sporting students and leaders, as well as Glasgow 2026 staff and partners, to a special panel session at its headquarters. The event brought together women working across the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company to share their personal journeys, career insights and advice for young women considering a future in sport. 

The session featured a dynamic Q&A that encouraged open conversation and audience interaction. Panellists spoke candidly about their diverse paths into the sports industry, showcasing the wide range of roles available beyond athletic participation, from games management and operations to sponsorship and legal services.

Throughout the discussion, panellists reflected on the pivotal moments that shaped their careers, the challenges they’ve overcome and the mentors who supported them along the way. Attendees gained valuable insight into the behind-the-scenes work of delivering a major multi-sport event, including logistics, legacy planning and the overall excitement of being part of Glasgow 2026.

The panel also offered practical advice on networking, building experience and staying resilient. Young women were encouraged to seek out opportunities, ask questions and believe in their potential. The session closed with reflections on the legacy Glasgow 2026 hopes to leave for women and girls in sport, and how young leaders can help shape a more inclusive and dynamic future.