Recently, I had the privilege of attending the very first Sporting Equals LeaderBoard Academy in Scotland, delivered in partnership with sportscotland. To be part of this pioneering group was not only an honour, but also deeply meaningful to me on both a personal and professional level.
As someone who has spoken out about institutional racism in Scottish cricket – which was later confirmed to exist – this opportunity felt like a natural next step in my journey. My passion has always been clear: ethnic minorities deserve greater representation in Scottish sport, not just on the pitch but also in the boardroom. Representation at leadership level matters, because it shapes the culture, the decision-making, and ultimately the future of sport in this country.
The LeaderBoard Academy was an inspiring and challenging experience. We had the chance to learn directly from experienced leaders across sport and beyond, who shared invaluable insights about influence, governance, and leadership. We were also equipped with practical tools to help us step into spaces where decisions are made – and to ensure that ethnic minority voices are present and heard at the highest level.
But now the focus has to shift. It’s not enough to talk about change – we need to see real representation. At present, it remains incredibly difficult for ethnic minorities to find themselves on the boards of Scottish sporting governing bodies. Barriers still exist, whether through lack of opportunities, unconscious bias, or systems that simply don’t reflect the diversity of modern Scotland. If we are serious about creating fairer and stronger sports organisations, this has to change.
What struck me most about the Academy was the sense of collective purpose. Everyone in the room recognised both the opportunities and the challenges ahead. Breaking down barriers won’t be easy, but with knowledge, mentorship, and support, change is possible.
For me, this is just the beginning. My hope is that more people from ethnic minority backgrounds will be encouraged and empowered to pursue leadership roles in Scottish sport. Diversity in leadership is not just about ticking boxes – it’s about building organisations that are fairer, stronger, and more reflective of the communities they serve.
Representation matters. And thanks to initiatives like the Sporting Equals LeaderBoard Academy in partnership with sport Scotland, we are one step closer to making it a reality.
