As a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) Sport Graduate, Gary Grieve has always had a passion for supporting sport in communities, believing that it can be transformative in young peoples’ lives and a force for good.
His career has taken him to Copenhagen, London, Loughborough and now, Glasgow. Here he tells us how he’s All In for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
How did studying at UWS prepare you for a career in the Sport Industry?
My course had a variety of modules including Event Management, Sports Development, Sports Coaching and Sports Tourism, to name a few. The variety of modules provided me with a greater understanding of the wider sport, physical activity, culture and health sectors whilst also getting hands on experience.
As part of my course, I completed placement with Active Schools in North Lanarkshire. I had been coaching and volunteering with them for a while and saw an opportunity to gain experience as a Coordinator. This placement provided me with an insight and platform to gain more experience in a Sports Development role and take theory from the university classroom to practical delivery out in communities.
What first inspired you to work in sport, and how has that motivation evolved over time?
My placement within Active Schools turned into additional paid coaching and volunteering experiences which I just kept saying YES to. Over months of support and opportunity, I found myself supporting the International Children`s Games 2011 in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire. Little did I know, one connection made at the Games would change the direction of my career and open so many doors.
A moderator for the Games opening conference had introduced me to a Council of Europe funded programme in Budapest, Hungary that focussed on Disability Inclusion in Sport. A weeklong residential programme bringing together 30 young leaders from across Europe to share best practice and learn from one another. Upon the completion of the course, I was invited to be a tutor on a similar residential a few months later in Budapest which focused on Equality in Sport and then a few months later, I was made aware of an internship opportunity in Denmark with the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) to be a Youth Officer.
Can you take us through your career journey so far and the key milestones that shaped your path?
My career first started through an internship in Copenhagen, Denmark with the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA). My role of Youth Officer meant supporting the organisation with youth initiatives and exchange programmes. From day one, I supported and coordinated several programmes across Europe, Brazil and Hong Kong which increased my understanding and awareness of sport and physical activity across multiple countries.
I continued my career in sport through the Youth Sport Trust as their Project Officer for Inclusion, later promoted to Programme Officer for Inclusion. In this role, I supported and led on multiple schools-based programmes including Paralympic inspired festivals, girls leadership programmes, the inclusion school network and LGBT+ sports network. Through all of these opportunities, I gained experience in working with a wide range of partners, budget management, developing project plans and effective communication.
After 4+ years with the Youth Sport Trust in Loughborough, I returned to Scotland and become the National Development Manager at Scottish ClubSport, the national umbrella organisation for Sports Councils and ClubSport Networks in Scotland. From day 1, I developed the strategic plan, managed resource, supported local volunteers, developed a new young people`s working group, organised the annual national conference and developed new commercial and sponsorship packages, resulting in additional income for the organisation.
Can you tell us about your current role in Community Engagement for Glasgow 2026?
In June 2025, I started working for Glasgow 2026, the organising company for this summer`s Commonwealth Games. I am currently the Assistant Community Engagement Manager within the Public Engagement Team.
My role has allowed me to directly work on key Games moments including;
- One Year to Go campaign
- Launch of Finnie, the Games mascot
- Volunteer recruitment
- Launch of ticketing
- Partner announcements
- Event delivery with our Activity Stand
And so much more.
Within my role, I work directly with community and sport organisations across Glasgow and Scotland to connect them to the Games and provide opportunities to inform, involve and inspire.
The role is challenging, fast-paced and fun. I work closely with our wider Public Engagement teams including schools, businesses and festival and also work closely with the Games Marketing, Communications, Mascot and Games Experience teams to ensure continuity in messaging, showcasing community initiatives and promoting opportunities to engage with residents and groups across Glasgow.
I am able to bring my knowledge and experience from previous roles and couple that with a learning experience that is second to none.
What is the All In campaign and how can organisations get involved?
All In is a national call to action inviting community groups, schools, sports clubs, cultural and voluntary organisations and businesses to celebrate the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in their own way. It’s our way to get communities across Scotland – from the Borders to Barra, Oban to Orkney and Dumfries to Dornoch excited about the Games and fully involved.
It gives people the tools, branding and visibility to create inclusive, locally-led activities that bring people together, build excitement and show their support for Scotland’s Games. It’s completely free to join and it’s designed to make sure every community—no matter where they are—can be part of the celebrations.
Organisations can find out more and sign up to All In here – About All In | Glasgow 2026
What are the benefits of joining All In?
All In gives groups the tools, branding and visibility to run activities that bring people together, build excitement and show their support for Scotland’s Games.
It’s completely free to join, it’s inclusive and it’s designed to make sure every community—no matter where they are—can be part of Glasgow 2026.
- BRANDING: Organisations can utilise the All In brand name and logo in the promotion of their event, project or activation.
- ASSETS: organisations will receive a digital activation toolkit containing All In logo files, brand guidelines, and digital templates.
- PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION: Projects and activations will be promoted on list.co.uk. Some projects may be selected to feature in social media content. From time to time, details about some projects will be shared in the media to raise awareness of the All In programme and projects.
- BE PART OF THE ALL IN NETWORK: All In registered organisations will receive regular updates, be invited to networking events and workshops, and have access to additional development opportunities.
What are you personally most excited about as Glasgow 2026 approaches?
Being part of a re-imagined way to deliver a major sporting event and seeing how the plans come together. I am excited to see the city come alive through the Games and the Games Festival as sport, culture, art, music and heritage come together to create exciting and fun spaces for people to engage, learn and enjoy.
If you could give one piece of advice to new graduates hoping to work in major sporting events, what would it be?
Major events are an exciting place to work and be a part of. Harness all of the voluntary and work experiences you have in your career. These experiences will be pivotal in supporting you navigate a major event.
Find out more about the BSc (Hons) Sport Coaching and Development degree at UWS.
The Commonwealth games Glasgow 2026 runs from 23 July to 2 august 2026.