XI Legacy Wins Innovation Award at Highland Young Enterprise Awards
Photo: Paul Campbell
A team of young entrepreneurs from Inverness Royal Academy has been recognised for their creativity and business skills after winning the Innovation Award, sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland (DYWICH), at this year’s Highland & Moray Young Enterprise Awards.
XI Legacy impressed judges with their unique, handmade personalised football team frames – a product that combines design, craftsmanship and customer choice. Using laser cutting technology and hand-finishing techniques, the team created high-quality memorabilia that allows customers to celebrate their favourite clubs while learning about their history and achievements.
A creative idea inspired by passion for football
XI Legacy’s mission was to create a distinctive style of football memorabilia that helps fans show their support and pass on their knowledge of the game to future generations. Each frame is carefully crafted and customised to reflect customers’ chosen teams, combining technical production methods with artistic detail.
The team explained that their idea was shaped by a local interest in football, and by gathering feedback from potential customers early in the process.
“It was an honour to win this award as it showed how unique our product is compared to others. We wanted to create something personal and meaningful for football fans, and it was great to see how positive people were about the idea.”
Through the Young Enterprise programme, the team developed key employability skills including teamwork, communication and time management.
“We learned how important it is to manage time effectively and communicate clearly as a team. Meeting deadlines together helped us create a positive working environment.”
They also encouraged other pupils to take part in the programme:
“Get involved with everyone in your team and focus on meeting deadlines. Working together gives you a real advantage and helps bring your ideas to life.”
Supporting young talent through business mentoring
Business mentors play a vital role in supporting Young Enterprise teams, offering guidance and sharing real-world insight to help young people develop confidence and practical skills. One business mentor involved in the programme commented,
“It was a great evening and the standard from all the young people was incredibly high. I am very proud to be involved with this programme and hope to continue to do so going forward. Thank you to the team for all their hard work.”
Judges also praised the professionalism and creativity demonstrated across the competition,
“It was a pleasure to be part of the evening. The standard across the teams was excellent, and they should all be very proud of what they have achieved. It was great to see so many young people speaking confidently about the businesses they have built.”
Encouraging future participation
The Young Enterprise programme provides young people with valuable opportunities to develop enterprise skills, build confidence and gain experience of the world of work. It also enables employers to support the next generation of talent, helping young people understand how their skills can be applied in real business environments.
Liz Fletcher, Programme Lead at DYWICH, said, “Congratulations to XI Legacy on winning the DYWICH Innovation Award. Their creative approach and strong understanding of their customer demonstrate exactly what the Young Enterprise programme is designed to achieve. It is inspiring to see young people developing innovative ideas while building essential skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.
“We are incredibly grateful to the business mentors who give their time to support these teams. Their involvement provides invaluable insight and encouragement, helping young people grow in confidence and better understand the opportunities available to them in the world of work.”
Photo: Paul Campbell
Inspiring the Next Generation
Programmes such as Young Enterprise give young people the chance to explore their interests, develop confidence and gain practical experience of how businesses operate. With support from experienced professionals, participants build essential skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving and creativity – all of which help them prepare for future career pathways.
For individuals working in business, finance, marketing or related fields, volunteering as a mentor is a rewarding opportunity to share knowledge and help young people discover their potential. Mentors play an important role in building confidence, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and supporting young people to develop skills that will benefit them throughout their working lives.
If you have experience in business, finance, marketing or enterprise and are passionate about helping young people build confidence, explore entrepreneurship and shape their future, we would love to hear from you.
By getting involved, you can make a direct and positive impact on the next generation, while also strengthening links between education and industry across the region.
Get in touch with us today and we can help get your started – email: [email protected]
Photo: Paul Campbell