Sport and Physical Activity

Sport is playing an increasing role in improving the quality of life and people now have a higher expectation from sport than ever before. They therefore require quality opportunities and choices to enable them to enjoy and participate in activities. These activities can contribute to their physical, emotional and social well-being.

What's new?

Easter holiday sports break all-time records

A record number of youngsters took part in this year’s Easter Holiday Sports and Physical Activities which came to a close last week. Over 1200 youngsters signed up for the many activities on offer during the past two weeks from SBC’s Active Schools and Sports Development teams. Football once again proved to be very popular with a record 500 youngsters taking part in the SFA courses and the new Street Football sessions. Five extra mountain biking courses were added to the programme to meet the high demand and other popular choices included Cheerleading, Surfing, Kidz Club and Disability Festivals. Youngsters are now looking forward to this year’s Summer Holiday Programme which is coming soon! For more information on any of the holiday sports programmes please call the new information hotline on 01896 759913.

Scottish Borders Athlete Support Programme (ASP)

This programme is funded by Scottish Borders Council and gives athletes and coaches the opportunity to receive a wide range of support services to assist them in reaching their potential in their chosen sport. Services for successful applicants include medical and physiotherapy services, sports psychology support, nutrition advice and enhanced access to training facilities across the region. More information is available and you can also download an application form.

Football

Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) have been working in partnership to provide a comprehensive football development programme for the Scottish Borders. The aims of the programme are to provide opportunities for all to participate in the game of association football regardless of age, gender, race or ability. The football development programme covers a variety of initiatives including , mini kickers, football centres, school holiday courses, schools programme, Scottish Borders Junior League, Development Squads, Midnight League Futsal, Coach Education, Disability and Club Development programmes. More information (external link).

Calling all Borders Cricketers!

Budding young cricketers in the Borders are looking to their most exciting season so far with a new jam-packed programme which includes a new under-15 years and revamped under-13 years competition. Also in store is a full programme of fixtures for the under 13 years and girls area squads. The number of youngsters playing cricket has almost doubled in the region over the past three years and Scottish Borders Cricket Development Officer, Neil Cameron is keen to build upon this success. “Interest in cricket is on an upward curve so it is vital that we continue to increase the number of opportunities for boys and girls of all ages to play cricket. This couldn’t be more true of primary and secondary schools where many are exposed to the game for the first time. The new competitions will help us continue to build upon the enthusiasm for the sport right across the region. I cannot over emphasise the important role that our clubs and the Active Schools network can play in building on the success stories that they have helped create”. The under 13 years and under 15 years is now available and there is also a full programme of activities for the junior area squads at under 13 years, under 15 years and girls. For further information please contact Cricket Scotland’s Development Officer in the Borders, Neil Cameron on 01896 756274 or email.

Other information

Sports Development Unit

The Sports Development Unit works across a broad range of community sporting activities including support to individual athletes, sport clubs, sport councils, volunteers in sport, sport programmes and sport facilities.The Sport Development Unit also supports sport partnerships across the Borders in the development of sport and physical activity. To contact them please call 01896 756274.

Coaching and Performance

Sports Coaches are one of the most important resources available for the development of sport. Quality coaching and coaches are essential to encouraging more people to participate in sport and to achieve high standards of performance. Coaching is the key to ensure that those who participate in sport are given a chance to reach their full potential.

Disability Sport

Aims to create a sustainable infrastructure for disability sport in the Borders. This includes working in partnership with the Borders Disability Sports Group, the Regional Steering Group for Disability Sport in the Borders.

Target Sports

Sports have been identified as significant in regard to local cultural integration and / or infrastructure. Development activity would therefore realise the greatest gain for the level of resources input to the Sport.

Athletics
Badminton
Cricket
Football
Hockey
Rugby
Swimming
Tennis

Active schools and school sport

The fundamental aim of the Active Schools Network is to offer school-aged children the motivation and opportunities to adopt active, healthy lifestyles now and into adulthood. These opportunities are available before, during and after school, as well as in the wider community across the Scottish Borders. There are a total of 16 Active School Co-ordinators working across the region, based in both Primary and Secondary schools.

Outdoor Sport and Education

This is one area in which Scotland has international class facilities. 20% of sport and physical recreation takes place in the countryside, reflecting the number of opportunities to take part in a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Making outdoor sport and physical recreation widely available to all is fundamental to a more healthy and active lifestyle . It is also significant to the rural economy meaning that it is important to protect existing opportunities, as well as develop new ones.

Health

There is considerable evidence of sport contributing to better health, and diverting young people from crime and drug/alcohol abuse. It also brings opportunities for learning new skills, and assists the re-generation of individuals and communities in disadvantaged areas. Sport provides an opportunity for volunteering, and can help re-shape peoples' perception of the neighbourhood.