East Ayrshire Council have vowed to continue to plow investment into its Active Schools programme after recent success.

It has also been agreed that the programme will re-enter into a partnership agreement with Sportscotland.

Sportscotland have confirmed that they would want to continue their investment in both the Active Schools and the Community Sports Hubs programmes for another year and potentially up until 2027.

The success of Active Schools in East Ayrshire has been recognised by Sportscotland at a national level.

At a time where Sportscotland are reviewing their local authority investment, the excellent work in East Ayrshire has been commended, with a mutual desire to continue the work that their investment has driven.

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Particular highlights include delivering over 1,000 female only sessions to young females throughout various education groups.

The council has also proposed that the new partnership agreement enhances opportunities for children and families, with greater emphasis on participation rates of care experienced children and young people; girls and young females; and children and young people with an additional support need. 

It also aims to offer Active Schools for pre-five establishments as part of the transition to primary school; further develop school to club links and develop the participation of schools within School Sports Awards, which are being relaunched nationally following a pause during the pandemic.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Welfare and Poverty, Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said: “There are so many benefits to taking part in Active Schools activities apart from the health and wellbeing aspects. It can also be an important stepping-stone for many into further education and employment.

"A specific and targeted approach over the next year and beyond will see further opportunities being created for some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people, and the early intervention opportunities that Active Schools provide are so important for many of our young people."