Scotland’s national agency for sport is investing £50million to “motivate and inspire” young people to participate in physical activities.
The money announced by SportScotland yesterday will be used to continue funding the Active Schools Network – embraced by all 32 local authorities – for the next four years.
It will pay for developing ways to get children and young people to participate in sport and physical activity before school, during lunch, and after they go home.
The Active Schools Network was established 10 years ago and has become embedded as part of the fabric of school life.
More than 400 managers and coordinators have recruited and supported a network of volunteers and coaches to encourage young people to be more active.
Official figures revealed there was a 13% increase in participant sessions in 2012-13 in comparison to the previous year – a rise of more than 500,000 to 5.1million.
Stewart Harris, chief executive of SportScotland, said: “As we move towards the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, this significant investment offers another fabulous opportunity to motivate and inspire children and young people to participate in sport and physical activity.
“Critical to the success of Active Schools is the partnership with local authorities and local sports clubs and the connections across other school sports areas.”
Cabinet Secretary for the Commonwealth Games and Sport Shona Robison, said the £50million investment was a “vital part” of the legacy from the Commonwealth Games.
“Getting young people active is key to our long term ambitions to create a healthier and happier Scotland,” she added.
The announcement was welcomed by Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing.
“We will continue to provide a contribution towards the long term success of the programme in the city, to deliver better outcomes through sport and physical activity for our young people,” she added.