Award highlights Ryan’s behind-the-scenes excellence
A Fort William man who has helped test technology for some of the world’s largest sports events has had his work recognised with a UK award.
Ryan Latto, a 27-year old International Field Test Manager for sports technology company Sports Labs UK, was named Young Person of the Year at the Sports And Play Construction Association (SAPCA) industry awards on
Thursday February 27.
The event at Manchester’s Old Trafford Cricket Ground saw the Lochaber High School graduate triumph out of the evening’s five shortlisted finalists, who had all been nominated by association members for achieving excellence under the age of 30.
Ryan said receiving the award was a great honour.
“There are a lot of young people out there that are dedicated to their job, so it is nice to be recognized within my role of the company,” he said.
He added that the award would sit in his office, and thanked Livingston- based Sports Lab for the support it had shown him, including allowing him to move back to Fort William to be nearer his family since his son was born.
Much of Ryan’s work involves ensuring sports facilities and equipment meet standards set up by governing bodies such as FIFA, World Rugby, and FIH.
His initial internship with Sports Labs nine years ago saw him aid goal line technology testing for Germany’s Bundesliga and assist with Euro 2016.
Since then he has also helped both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, and last year’s Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat. He is soon to start preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Yet alongside the international jet-setting, which has also included trips to South Africa and China, there has also been work for Scottish SPL and rugby teams, and more local sports organisations and schools.
Facilities at his own Lochaber High School, as well as Portree High School, are amongst those on which Ryan has worked.
Michael Gillespie, Ryan’s manager at Sports Labs UK, said: ‘’Ryan’s technical knowledge and project management skills are exemplary for a young person in our industry and his positive contribution, not just to Sports Labs but to the sport construction industry, is outstanding.”
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