New data published by sportscotland shows that 8,000 children and young people took part in a wide range of activities across the area in 2018/19.
Breaking down barriers
Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Cllr Chris Kane said: “We are committed to ensuring everyone in Stirling has the opportunity to get active and it’s fantastic that more of our children and young people are participating in the Active Schools programme.
“The benefits of physical activity and sport are well documented, and through schemes like Active Schools, we are breaking down barriers and helping to give our children the best start in life.”
Active Schools, one of sportscotland’s longest running flagship programmes, aims to provide more and higher quality opportunities for young people to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school.
This initiative in Stirling is led by a team of Active Schools Co-ordinators, who are assigned to each primary and secondary school to develop sport and physical activity programmes.
Volunteers deliver 94% of the sessions.
Tackling inequalities
Vice Convener of the Committee, Cllr Maureen Bennison said: “Increasing participation in physical activity and sport in our children and young people not only has health benefits but is an important tool in tackling inequalities across Stirling, which is a key Council priority.
“These Active Schools figures are hugely encouraging, and I would like to recognise the contribution of all the volunteers whose dedication and hard work is achieving such positive outcomes in our schools and communities.”
Nationally, Active Schools continues to have an impact on children’s physical activity levels with 7.3 million visits made to activities across Scotland in 2018/19, an increase of 0.4% on the previous year. The number of people delivering the sessions has also increased nationally, up 3.3%.
Strong local partnerships
Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “It is fantastic to see that Active Schools continues to grow year on year with more opportunities delivered and another increase in the number of people participating.
“Our mission is to help the people of Scotland get the most out of the sporting system at every level and Active Schools has a crucial role to play in engaging young people in sport and physical activity.
“We talk about making an impact together and Active Schools is a great example of working with the right partners in the right way to deliver results.
“The Active Schools network is reliant on strong local partnerships with schools, local authorities, sport development teams, regional managers from governing bodies of sport, volunteers and the clubs who welcome children and young people into their communities.”
Picture details and background info:
Picture shows staff and pupils at St Modan’s High School after their netball match on Active Girls’ Day which took place earlier this month (4 Oct).
Developing effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community is a key factor in Active Schools success, and there are now 2,700 clubs linking directly with schools giving children and young people the opportunity to continue in sports to the level they choose.
Delivered in partnership with all 32 local authorities and their leisure trusts in primary, secondary and ASN schools, Active Schools is now a well-established network of over 400 managers and coordinators and makes a significant contribution to delivering an active Scotland.
Active Schools has worked with schools for over 10 years providing opportunities for children and young people to get involved, and stay involved, in sport and will continue to make a significant contribution to a world class sporting system in Scotland.
sportscotland is the national agency for sport. It is a non-departmental public body, responsible through ministers to the Scottish Parliament. It is a National Lottery Fund distributor and is governed by National Lottery distribution rules. sportscotland invest Scottish Government and National Lottery resources to build a world-class sporting system for everyone in Scotland.