Empowering the Next Generation: Kelsey Seivwright’s Journey with the Denis Law Legacy Trust
The John Findlater Award, delivered by the Denis Law Legacy Trust, recognises young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment, innovation and positive social impact within their local communities. The work-based award provides a year‑long paid contract that honours the legacy of John Findlater while supporting the ongoing work of the Trust to uplift and empower young people.
In April 2025, Kelsey Seivwright was selected for the John Findlater Award. She was recognised for her exceptional contribution to supporting young people, fostering resilience and promoting opportunities for growth and success through her work as a volunteer and coach with the Denis Law Legacy Trust. Her impact reflects the core values the award was created to celebrate and the platform it provides for young people to build upon.
Now approaching 20 in May, Kelsey has been reflecting on her time with the Denis Law Legacy Trust and the progress she has made both personally and professionally. Having previously been involved in the Trust’s Streetsport programme as a participant, then progressing to a volunteer and later a coach, she saw the Platform Award as an opportunity to gain experience, develop new goals and take a clear step forward. Looking back, she recognises a significant increase in her confidence, as well as a noticeable change in how she now approaches new situations compared to when she began her apprenticeship.
Working closely with the dedicated staff team Kelsey was encouraged to take on development and partnership opportunities, enabling her to contribute, lead and grow through the award experiences that played a vital part in helping to shape her future.
Mark Williams, Chief Operating officer, Denis Law Legacy Trust said: “Kelsey’s journey with the Denis Law Legacy Trust is something we are all incredibly proud of. To see her grow from a participant to a confident leader who is shaping opportunities for other young people is exactly what we hope to achieve through our work. The John Findlater Platform Award has given Kelsey the space, trust and belief to thrive, and we are extremely grateful to the Findlater family for creating an award that genuinely changes lives. Kelsey has embraced every opportunity with determination and heart, and her future is very bright.”
One of Kesley’s main roles during her apprenticeship has been to improve female participation levels at Streetsport sessions and remove any barriers. This involved creating a welcoming space and encouraging girls to feel confident taking part at the Streetsport sessions. She also supports the all-girl “Queens” group that now comprises of 8 members from local communities where it began as a small group chat to planning and delivering 3 events and 8 creative sessions engaging with almost 500 local young people.
Kelsey’s journey reached a significant turning point when she first took on a lead role at a Streetsport session in Garthdee. These weekly sessions provide free access to sport and creative activities for local young people, with up to 30 young people attending each week. Although she initially found the experience daunting and outside her comfort zone, she now delivers the sessions embracing new challenges and has developed clear, effective communication skills while building trusted relationships with the young people who attend.
Kelsey also became a part of the staffing team that runs DLLT’s Youth Forum - Granite City Speaks. The group meets monthly at Robert Gordon University and currently comprises of 10 young people aged 14-18 years who represent their local Streetsport sessions and the areas in which they take place, providing a youth voice at the highest level of the charity. Kelsey has played a crucial role selecting the new cohort of young people to join and creating meeting minutes for them each session.
Kelsey’s journey shows how stepping outside her comfort zone has driven meaningful personal growth. Friends and family have noticed her increased confidence, while she has valued building trusting relationships with young people and supporting them to recognise their own strengths. The experience has given her a clear focus for the future, including pursuing further education and sparked an ambition to explore a career in youth work.
Kelsey speaks very highly of her experience, feeling proud of how she has flourished and how far she has come. She said: “The Denis Law Legacy Trust team supported me throughout my apprenticeship, offering consistent guidance, encouragement and opportunities to develop. It is a supportive and inspiring environment that helps young people unlock their potential. In particular, Aimee had a huge impact on my journey, her belief, reassurance and ongoing support played a key role in my personal and professional growth.”
Aimee Culley, Operations Coordinator said, “Working with Kelsey has been incredibly rewarding. She consistently shows determination, openness to learning, and a strong desire to progress. She is a real credit to herself, and I have no doubt she will be a success in whatever she chooses to do next.”
When asked if Kelsey would recommend this experience, she was quick to comment, “For any female thinking about applying for a placement or apprenticeship like this, just go for it. Even if you’re not completely confident, it’s an experience that will help you grow in ways you don’t expect.”
Further praise for Kelsey’s efforts comes from Alistair Findlater, brother of the late John Findlater who said: "This award, established in John’s name, reflects the wish to give others the opportunity (the Platform) to thrive and to flourish. I must say that Kelsey has grabbed this opportunity with both hands and has been a real boost to the team, she will have a great future and I wish her every success."
The Denis Law Legacy Trust is extremely proud of Kelsey’s journey and the progress she has made both personally and professionally.
