Funding boost for kids sports in East Renfrewshire

Part of a recent £283,840 grant from sportscotland to East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will be used to help fund the Levelling the Playing Field initiative.

A total of £233,340 will be spent on ERCL’s Active Schools programme; £27,000 on school sports competitions; £20,000 on Community Sports Hubs and £3500 on training local sports coaches and volunteers. As part of the Active Schools programme youngsters will be supported and encouraged to take part in organised out-of-school sporting activities.

A recent survey of schoolchildren in East Renfrewshire has shown that youngsters from less-well off backgrounds don’t take part in as much organised sport as pupils from other areas.

Anthony McReavy, chief executive of ERCL, said: “The aim of our Levelling the Playing Field is to do just that.

“We want to make sure that every youngster gets the same opportunities to be involved in organised sport. We’re making sure all youngsters have access to out-of-school, sports activities.”

Anthony added: “This not only helps to close the attainment gap, but taking part in sport also creates confidence and resilience among young people.”