Falkirk Council has launched an ambitious Summer of Sport program, funded by the Scottish Government, to provide free and low-cost activities for children and families during the summer holidays.
The summer holidays in Falkirk are set to be more active and engaging than ever, thanks to a new initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and healthy living among children and families. The Falkirk Council has secured a substantial £355,000 in funding from the Scottish Governmentvia sportscotlandto deliver a comprehensive Summer of Sport program.
This initiative is designed to support thousands of children and young people by offering a wide range of free and low-cost sports and activity sessions. The program will run throughout the summer holidays and extend into the October holidays, ensuring that families have access to engaging activities year-round.
Expanding Access to Sports and Activities
The Summer of Sport program will provide more than 3,000 subsidized places for various activities, including multisport campsbasketballtennisgymnasticsand swimming. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, with free places available for young people who need additional support, including meals and snacks.
Community groups, clubs, and organizations will receive support to run sessions over the summer. This builds on the work already delivered through the Falkirk School Food and Activities Fundensuring that the program is accessible and welcoming to all families. Local sports clubs will also benefit from grant funding to run taster sessions and introductory activities, making it easier for children to try new sports close to home.
Innovative Initiatives and Long-Term Projects
The program will feature larger events, such as the Falkirk Games for P7 pupils and a family-focused event later in the summer. A new Sport Passport scheme is also being developed, allowing children to collect stamps for participating in activities and earn rewards like a free family swim.
In addition to these activities, several longer-term projects are being developed. These include the introduction of adaptive bikes at the Helix to improve access for people with disabilities, new self-led walking routes in parks such as the Helix and Callendar Parkand a Coach Academy aimed at supporting young people into coaching while strengthening local clubs.
Community Impact and Future Opportunities
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, emphasized the importance of the program in providing opportunities for children and young people to stay active and involved in sport. “This funding will give more children and young people the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity over the summer, no matter their background or circumstances,” he said.
The program aims to address the challenges faced by households during the school holidays, particularly the added pressure of childcare and food costs. By combining activity and practical support, the initiative hopes to make a real difference over the summer months. Moreover, the investment in clubs, young coaches, and improved access to facilities and outdoor spaces is expected to create more opportunities for people to stay active and involved in sport all year round.
