Over the years it’s been the go-to attitude from various sections of society to be negative about the achievements and prospects of our local young people, sometimes quite unfairly so. But in recent times there have been so many positive stories and examples of young people and projects that have been thriving in Paisley and the Renfrewshire area in general, let’s take at look at some of the best examples, we can see how during the Year of Young People our young people really excelled themselves.
Professional Football
With Paisley having a top tier professional football club in St Mirren we are perfectly placed to be a top destination for aspiring young footballers looking to make their name in the professional game. The Youth academy is the only academy in the whole of Scotland, outside of the two Glasgow giants of Celtic and Rangers, to have been awarded 5 star elite rating by the Scottish Football Association, giving it the unique placing to give that level of training in a club where progression to full time, professional team is realistically achievable for these youngsters.
Theatre & Acting
There is a strong history of acting & theatre in Paisley and none more than one of the town’s most famous sons, Hollywood superstar Gerard Butler, one of our own who from humble beginnings went on to great things and is an outstanding example of what Paisley locals can achieve or how about former Dr Who David Tennant, who can act as a huge inspiration as well to any aspiring young actors. There is also so much currently going on with the current crop of up and coming theatre and drama groups, as we have seen recently with the members of Linwood Youth Voice have shown by being very actively involved in the cities bid for the status of UK City Of Culture 2021.
Education
Being situated right in the heart of the Central West of Scotland there are many educational establishments in and around Paisley, including the University of The West of Scotland these offering a range of degrees and other qualifications such as a Higher National Diploma or any number of academic or vocational qualifications that will give our young people a great start in their life and career.
Festivals & Events
There is a great deal going on in terms of events in Paisley, it is one of the most up and coming cities in the country in this regard. There is the upcoming Paisley Youth Arts Festival this summer which is creating quite a buzz and not only is it for young people but is being promoted and worked on by so many of the cities youth, you only need to see the design competition allowing some young person the opportunity to design the promotional material for the event, which give a great opportunity for some really awesome exposure.