“The continued commitment to the Active Schools programme will ensure local children have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities in Renfrewshire”, said Derek Mackay MSP (SNP – Renfrewshire North and West).


Renfrewshire Council’s Education Policy Board approved a report on the Active Schools programme, highlighting the successes of previous years and the plans for the future.  Sportscotland have committed £1.76million for a four year programme from April 2011 to March 2015, with the Council providing match funding of £725,000. 
 
The report highlighted the main achievements for active schools during the period April 2010 to March 2011. Active schools has achieved key milestones throughout the year including:
 
·         83 coaching courses provided to staff and volunteers.
·         1692 coaching qualifications achieved.
·         Over 5600 pupils participated in a range of sport festivals.
·         Over 900 young people participated in ‘Gateway to the Games’.
·         325 volunteer coaches have been recruited, trained and deployed.
 
Derek Mackay MSP said:
 
“Active schools is a key element of the Scottish Government’s drive to get Scotland more active; a commitment outlined in the National Physical Activity Strategy, ‘Let’s Make Scotland More Active’.
 
“There has been some excellent work carried out in our schools, recruiting, supporting and sustaining a network of volunteers, coaches and sports leaders to help promote sport in Renfrewshire.
 
“The success of the programme is based on a strong, qualified workforce of volunteers, consisting mainly of teachers and students from Renfrewshire School of Sport Education.
 
“By providing an excellent and robust coaching and training programme within active schools 151 qualified adult coaches and 174 qualified senior pupils now assist in the delivery of the programme”.