The focus for Commonwealth Games Scotland has now turned to the fifth Commonwealth Youth Games which will be held in Samoa 5-11 September 2015 and the General Selection Policy has now been published and is available to download here.

Samoa is a small island developing State in the Central Pacific with a population of just over 187,000. Sports and games are important aspects of island life and culture and they look forward to extending a very warm welcome to all athletes and visitors from across the Commonwealth

Nine sports will be contested at the Youth Games: Aquatics; Archery; Athletics; Boxing (Men); Lawn Bowls; Rugby 7s (Men and Women); Squash; Tennis and Weightlifting. The competitions held at two main precincts: the Apia Park Sports Complex and the Tuna’imato Sports Facilities.

Age ranges have been set for each sport in line with international sport federations’ youth age groups, which range from 13-18 years for the selected sports.

The total athlete number is set at 1000 and the Team Scotland size quota will be advised over the coming months.

Now the General Selection Policy has been agreed, work is underway with the respective Scottish governing bodies of sport on the Sport Specific Selection Standards, which are scheduled to be published by 15 December 2014. The selection period will then open on 1 January 2015.

Commonwealth Youth Games General Team Manager, Elinor Middlemiss said: “I am delighted to confirm that work is now underway to prepare to send a Scotland Youth Team to Samoa next September. CGS has indicated its intention to participate in all sports, however our acceptance in Rugby 7s is yet to be confirmed in both six team tournaments.

“I look forward to working with the governing bodies over the next few weeks to get the Sports Specific Selection Standards in place prior to Christmas, with staff recruitment starting in January.”

Key dates:

Selection period will run from 1 January to 17 May 2015

Staff recruitment will take place 15 January to 15 March 2015

Team announcement first week in June 2015

Opening Ceremony 5th September

Competition will run 7th to 11th September

Cultural Day – 12th September – integral part of a Youth Games.