The latest data published by sportscotland shows that the national Active Schools programme continues to have a positive impact on children’s physical activity levels with 7.3 million visits made to activities across Scotland in 2018/19, an increase of 0.4% on the previous year.

 The national Active Schools programme, which is delivered in Aberdeen by registered charity Sport Aberdeen, seeks to create more opportunities for young people to take part in sport and physical activity across the country.

 A whopping 281,742 visits to sessions were recorded across the city during the last academic year – 1.3% more than the previous year (2017/18).

During this time a total of 9,044 children and young people took part in Active Schools sessions in Aberdeen, where they were given access to an extensive range of activities.

 The number of people delivering sessions across the country has also increased by 3.3% over the past year. In the Aberdeen area, 91% of the 980 deliverers were volunteers.

 Keith Gerrard, Sport Aberdeen Director of Healthy and Active Communities, said:

 “The data speaks for itself and highlights how working with sportscotland we are continuing to make a real difference to young people’s lives in Aberdeen. The Active Schools programme plays a key role in encouraging the next generation to get involved in sports and to be healthy and active, and our dedicated Active Schools team successfully engages with an increasing number of young people across the city each year.

 “We are very much looking forward to another busy year ahead and are committed to creating opportunities for more and more people, regardless of age and ability, to participate in physical activity.”

 Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said:

 “It is fantastic to see that Active Schools continues to grow year on year with more opportunities delivered and another increase in the number of people participating. Our mission is to help the people of Scotland get the most out of the sporting system at every level and Active Schools has a crucial role to play in engaging young people in sport and physical activity.

 “We talk about making an impact together and Active Schools is a great example of working with the right partners in the right way to deliver results. The Active Schools network is reliant on strong local partnerships with schools, local authorities, sport development teams, regional managers from governing bodies of sport, volunteers and the clubs who welcome children and young people into their communities.”

 Active Schools, one of sportscotland’s longest running flagship programmes, is designed to provide more and higher quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school.  Developing effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community is a key factor in its success and there are now 2,700 clubs linking directly with schools giving children and young people the opportunity to continue in sports to the level they choose.