With under 2 months to go until the Commonwealth Youth Games 2023 in Trinidad and Tobago, Team Scotland have confirmed the two Beach Volleyball athletes who will compete at the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games from 4-11 August this summer.

Sasha Clegg-Mckeown, 14, and Iona Bell, 16, have been selected for the Women’s team event and will compete for Team Scotland alongside athletes from the six other sports on the Trinidad and Tobago programme: Rugby 7s, Triathlon, FAST5 Netball, Athletics, Cycling and Swimming.

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.

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. Previous Youth Games have been a platform for future stars to compete at the senior Games, which will next take place in Victoria, Australia in 2026.

Team Scotland 2023 will depart for Trinidad and Tobago on the 1^st August, ready to make the most of their first 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 would like to welcome both Beach Volleyball athletes to Team Scotland and to congratulate them on their selection, as well as their families and coaches who have supported them to get to this point.”

“These Games are a fantastic opportunity for all of these young athletes to experience what the Commonwealth Games is all about and the start of an exciting journey, which will hopefully see many athletes go on to represent Team Scotland at senior level. I wish them all the best with their preparation over the coming weeks and look forward to cheering them on throughout the competition.”

Mel Coutts, Team Manager, and Head Coach, said, “I am delighted and honoured to coach Scotland’s team at the Youth Games. I look forward to seeing the team develop and progress in the build-up and throughout the Games and will support them to make the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

Sasha spoke about how it will feel representing Scotland at the Games, saying, “I am honoured to be given this chance to represent my country with one of my best friends doing the thing we love the most. This will be a great experience and learning opportunity to help us along our junior beach volleyball career. I am extremely excited and thankful. This is mine and Iona’s first cap on the beach and it is a really big event. I can’t wait to take on the challenge.”

Teammate Iona, said, “Sasha and I have been training hard this beach season and I am thrilled to have been chosen for this event. This will be my first-time representing Scotland abroad and on the sand. It will be amazing to go to Trinidad and Tobago and face opposition from around the world. Hopefully we can hold our own and do everyone proud.” 

Athletes from the five other sports on the programme will be announced throughout June.

Selected Athletes

Sasha Clegg-Mckeown, 14

Iona Bell, 16