Free Summer Sports Activities for Youth in East Dunbartonshire

From swimming to tennis, East Dunbartonshire's summer sports initiative invites young people to explore their athletic potential for free.

The sun is shining, and so are the opportunities for young athletes in East Dunbartonshire. From 26 June to 16 the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT) is rolling out the red carpet for children and young people to engage in a variety of sports activities at no cost.

Thanks to funding from sportscotland this Summer of Sport initiative aims to inspire physical activity among those under 18 or still in school. Whether you’re a budding tennis star, a future football champion, or simply looking to stay active, there’s something for everyone.

Facilities and activities

The program spans several key locations, each offering a unique blend of indoor and outdoor activities. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer:

Allander Leisure Centre, Bearsden

Located on Milngavie Road, this centre is a hub for racket sports enthusiasts.

Young people can book an indoor court for badmintonpickleball or tennis—one per day—with equipment available for loan. Additionally, the main and training pools are open for swimming, with no booking required. Just show up and dive in!

Kirkintilloch Leisure Centre

Situated in Woodhead Park, this centre offers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor courts are available for badminton and pickleball while outdoor five-a-side football pitches are perfect for a game with friends. Swimming is also an option in the main and training pools, with no booking necessary.

The Leisuredrome, Bishopbriggs

At 147 Balmuildy Road, The Leisuredrome provides indoor courts for badminton and pickleball as well as outdoor five-a-side football pitches. Swimming is another popular choice, with access to the main and training pools without the need for a booking.

Huntershill Sports Hub, Bishopbriggs

For those interested in tennis the Huntershill Sports Hub offers outdoor courts with loan equipment available. This facility is perfect for young people looking to improve their skills or simply enjoy a friendly match.

Booking and participation

Young people aged eight and above can book pitches and courts up to 24 hours in advance. Simply call the centre or visit in person to secure your spot. For swimming, under-eights must be supervised, but otherwise, the pools are open for as many visits as desired. Parents and guardians can also join in the fun by booking a pitch or court to play with their children.

Karin Jackson, General Manager of EDLCT, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with sportscotland, stating, “We’re thrilled to be working together to provide free activities. If you’re inspired by the World Cup, Wimbledon, or the Commonwealth Games – it’s game on!”

Inspiring the community

The initiative is designed to inspire a wide range of participants, including those from low-income households, individuals with additional support needs, single parents, girls and young women, and care-experienced youth. Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, highlighted the campaign’s impact, saying, “Sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. This campaign is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.”

It’s important to note that while the program offers a wealth of opportunities, certain facilities like the sauna and steam rooms are restricted to those over 18. Additionally, local sports clubs should book through the usual channels, and all court and pitch bookings are unsupervised.

For those interested in getting involved or providing reduced-cost activities, EDLCT invites local sports clubs to reach out via email. Additionally, young people aged 16-26 can explore free training opportunities in various sports until the end of March.