Lead 2014, which aims to develop skills of young leaders, launched its 2013 programme in Glasgow today.

It trains university student tutors to put on conferences at Scottish universities to teach secondary school pupils how to plan, organise and manage a Commonwealth Games-themed sports festival.

The pupils then take their new skills back to their communities to organise sports festivals for local primary and secondary schools.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014's chief executive, said: "Lead 2014 is a call to action and a fantastic chance for us to make young people part of the Glasgow 2014 experience and further enable the legacy these Games will leave.

"By using sport as a platform to enthuse the students and pupils about leadership, volunteering, sport, health and well-being we can instil a desire to be part of the Games and the broader Commonwealth, playing an active role in their communities.

"I truly hope we will see many of them get involved with other Glasgow 2014 activities and other major events in years to come."

This year's activities as part of Lead 2014 will focus on social media during the conferences, encouraging young people to use Twitter and Facebook.

Last year, more than 12,000 primary pupils took part in about 100 planned sports festivals led by 861 young leaders.

A total of 80 university students got involved in 2012, with 134 participating schools.

Lead 2014 is a partnership between sportscotland, the national sports agency, Youth Sport Trust and Glasgow 2014.

Glasgow's conference will be hosted at Strathclyde University on March 1, with others being held around the country and various universities.

Stewart Harris, chief executive of sportscotland, said: "With the Commonwealth Games now firmly on the horizon, Lead 2014 gives us a real opportunity to encourage young people to become involved in sport and help create a lasting legacy from these Games."

Taylor Sexton, 19, Lead 2014 Frontrunner volunteer, from Stepps, North Lanarkshire, said: "I got involved in the Lead 2014 programme in 2011 through the West Of Scotland University.

"As an events student, I have a passion for organising and planning and the Lead 2014 programme provided me with the opportunity to combine two of my interests.

"The sports conference day was huge for me and I learned ways to improve my leadership skills, but the main benefit was it boosted my confidence.

"I would encourage everyone to be involved and Lead 2014 is a great way to do so."

For more information see the website: www.glasgow2014.com/ lead2014

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk