Laura Robson joins SportsAid as ambassador for young women

Tennis star Laura Robson today announced that she is to become an ambassador for SportsAid to support the charity's work with some of the country's most promising young female athletes.

The charity's Patron is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge who last year attended one of its athlete workshops at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. 

Robson will be involved in similar events to help young sports women fulfil their potential and the first of these is tomorrow (July 29) at SSE's Home Nation House near the Clyde Arc in Glasgow where she will be leading a special mentoring session alongside fellow Olympian Keri-anne Payne.

"Seeing the work that SportsAid does and knowing the impact that sport can have on society, I want to play my part in empowering young women to become the champions of the future," said Robson. "It's a privilege for me to be a role model, as an athlete and an Olympian, and it's important that I do everything I can to help young women to succeed in sports, focus on their strengths, and inspire others to do the same. I feel privileged to work for such a great cause alongside the Duchess of Cambridge and look forward to a long lasting partnership with such a great organisation."

In her role as SportsAid's ambassador, Robson will work directly with SportsAid athletes from a wide range of sports, including tennis and wheelchair tennis, by providing mentoring and support at workshops and other events - previously attended by the likes of Katherine Grainger, Karen Pickering, Keri-Anne Payne, Becky Adlington, Denise Lewis and other greats of British women's sport. Laura will also help to shine a spotlight on the young athletes' achievements to get them more recognition before they move up to the senior level.

The charity's Chief Executive Tim Lawler said, "Laura is someone I know many of our athletes already look up to as a source of inspiration and the personal encouragement and guidance she is offering them will be a welcome and well-timed boost. SportsAid is delighted to be working with her as we know the passion and expertise she brings will make a huge difference."

Sport England Director of Sport Phil Smith said, "This is wonderful news for SportsAid and all the aspiring young athletes we fund them to help. Laura is a great addition to the roster of SportsAid ambassadors and will be able to provide talented young peop le with valuable insight into what it takes to be a successful professional athlete."