AS YOUNG PEOPLE are being encouraged to grasp every opportunity available it has to be pleasing when one of our own here in Moray does just that.

Mollie Powney has become the nations youngest qualified Personal Trainer – now just turned 17, she started studying for he qualification a year ago – and has now passed her final written and practical examinations.

The result for Mollie is a job with Life & Sole, the Health and Performance facility based in Forres.

Mollie told insideMoray: “I’ve always had a keen interest in sports and performance so it seemed the way to go. Being the youngest personal training in the country after gaining my CYQ Level 3 Personal Qualification is great – I gained that through an apprenticeship scheme shortly after passing my Level 2 Gym Instructor exams.”

Now planning further studies in Sports Science and Biomechanics, Mollie is already well on the way as she has also passed her UKSCA Strength and Conditioning Level 1 qualification.

She added: “The UKSCA Coach qualification would allow me to specialise and work with young, up and coming athletes as well as professional sports teams.

“For now I will continue to work at the Life & Sole gym alongside more experienced trainers and further develop my skills. That will allow me to become well-versed in my current role before seeking personal training clients of my own as well as a strength and conditioning career.”