Lifeguard/Leisure Attendant Recruitment Open Day
On Tuesday 12th September, we’re hosting a recruitment open day at the Royal Commonwealth Pool. With full and part time positions available, there’s a role for everyone!
Find out more information here https://tinyurl.com/37j4wtdp
Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive basketball coaching programme tailored specifically for younger children.
This initiative comes in response to valuable feedback received from a recent coaching customer survey involving parents and carers who expressed a keen interest in additional coaching options and diverse sports development opportunities for their children.
The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park and sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website. Monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.
The basketball coaching is being offered at Meadowbank and Ainslie Park, and both venues will follow the same times and schedules.
The sessions are now live for booking through the Edinburgh Leisure app and the Edinburgh Leisure website. Classes are held weekly and the monthly coaching costs £24.30 for 45-minute classes and £26.60 for a 60-minute class.
1:00 – 1:45pm Little Ballers
2:00 – 2:45pm Junior Ballers
3:45 – 4:45pm Mighty Ballers
4:45 – 5:45pm Game Time Ballers
Edinburgh Leisure recognises the importance of offering a variety of coahing options to cater to the specific needs of different age groups. Therefore, the basketball coaching programme encompasses four distinct pathways:
Little Ballers – 18 months to 3 years
An interactive and play-orientated introduction to basketball for the youngest learners. Children will have the opportunity to explore basketball equipment in a child-friendly and realistic setting. Parental participation is encouraged to foster early education and enhance cognitive and social skills development.
Junior Ballers – 3 years to 5 years
A step-by-step introduction to the world of basketball, where children will learn the basics of the sport, gradually progressing towards structured techniques. The classes will foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation, with parental involvement as needed.
Mighty Ballers – 5 years to 7 years
Mighty ballers are confident with boundless energy, and this is catered for in the lesson plans, with the classes designed to be fast-paced and engaging. Children will delve deeper into basketball fundamentals, while enjoying a fun and dynamic environment that emphasises teamwork and incorporates small-sided games.
Game Time Ballers – 7 years to 9 years
A holistic learning approach that seamlessly integrates play, practice, and understanding. These sessions not only teach essential basketball skills but also instil an understanding of when and how to apply these skills effectively in a real game scenario.
Gary Hocknull, Sports Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Recognising the well-established network across Edinburgh engaging teenage basketball players, we’ve responded to the call from parents and guardians for more diverse opportunities in sports development.
“Basketball emerged as a natural choice for younger children. Our new pathways cater for children from 18 months to 8 years, split into four age groups.”
Meadowbank Sports Centre is delighted to have entered into an agreement with Leith Athletic Football Club and their coaching partner, Technical Edge, to deliver football coaching.
From 1 September 2023, Leith Athletic who work closely with their partner and preferred supplier, Technical Edge will be taking over delivering the existing classes held on a Wednesday and Thursday at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
There will be no change to the time, duration, or location of the weekly football sessions at Meadowbank Sports Centre. Longer term it is hoped to grow the coaching programme on Mondays to Fridays at Meadowbank, between 4:00 and 6:00pm.
Donald Goldsmith, Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, there has been a renewed interest and enthusiasm for more coaching opportunities in the beautiful game for both boys and girls.
“Like many organisations, there have been recruitment challenges and the lack of available football coaches was limiting the EL development programme at Meadowbank.
“This joint venture is an exciting development and will provide greater opportunities for junior football coaching at Meadowbank and the wider community. Leith Athletic FC has a long history with Meadowbank and a great reputation for children’s football pathways.
“All 36 children across five classes in the Edinburgh Leisure football coaching programme at Meadowbank will have the option to transfer to the new coaching arrangement.
“The 500 children active on Leith Athletics programme will move to Meadowbank for their coaching, providing access to high quality 3G pitches, suitable changing facilities, and the opportunity to bring the training inside if it’s raining.”
As Leith Athletic FC and Technical Edge will be fully responsible for delivering the new football coaching programme at Meadowbank, all enquiries regarding their programme, contact:
Liam Burns at Technical Edge – liam_technicaledge@outlook.com –
For bookings, enrolment and coach feedback
Leighton Jones at Leith Athletic FC – leighton.jones@leithathleticfc.com –
General enquiries
Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, has begun the search for a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), following the announcement of the retirement of their current CEO, June Peebles (who was part of the original team that helped establish Edinburgh Leisure in 1998).
June led the organisation through the unprecedented period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the various lockdowns and venue closures, leading with unflappability and transparency.
Although venues were closed, some projects were fast-tracked including staffing reviews, and building projects continued where possible, including retiling the Royal Commonwealth diving pool, upgrading the front façade at Portobello Swim Centre and the refurbishment of Warrender Swim Centre (one of Edinburgh Leisure’s five much-loved Victorian pools).
June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s current CEO said: “I reached the conclusion that, for me, there is no ‘right’ time to leave Edinburgh Leisure.
“I love my work, irrespective of how challenging or less challenging things are, and hardly a day goes by when I don’t experience a proud moment, whether that’s because of the performance of a colleague or from seeing and/ or hearing about the impact of our work on people’s lives. I feel very fortunate to work in an industry and for an organisation I feel passionate about. But there comes a time…and after 38 years, now feels like the right time to retire.
“I leave whoever picks up the baton with an organisation that is mature and certain of its purpose, the value it brings to the city of Edinburgh and, importantly, with the ambition to do more. This is a great opportunity for someone to put their own stamp on how Edinburgh Leisure continues to thrive.
June continues: “A charity with one clear purpose – to make a positive difference by creating opportunities for everyone to get active, stay active and achieve more, the new CEO will be required to ensure that Edinburgh Leisure continues to deliver on its purpose in a sustainable way.
“Leading an experienced, enthusiastic and committed team – all of whom are focused on making a positive difference through physical activity, working effectively with our many partners (especially the elected members and officials at the City of Edinburgh Council), and providing all our customers with a great experience.”
Eden Scott is handling the recruitment and interested applicants should contact Sarah Gracie, Associate Director on 07999 421 314
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, the city’s biggest sports and leisure provider has lots of activities to keep the kids active and entertained this summer.
Edinburgh Leisure is offering a range of sports camps and fun activities for children and families to enjoy at different venues across the city. Whether your child is crazy about climbing, silly about soft play or they simply love to swim, Edinburgh Leisure has it covered.
Their summer activities programme covers swimming, diving, tennis, soft play, climbing, gymnastics and more geared towards ages 3 to 18 years. From week-long sports camps to just a fun way to spend an hour, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for a fun-packed week of sport, arts, games, and activities from a trusted provider? Each of their clubs has a sporting speciality, including multi-activity, multi-sports, aquatics, gymnastics, and racquets. Bookable by the day or the week, Edinburgh Leisure offers an early drop off and late pick up available at no extra cost.
Don’t need full day camps? Don’t worry! Edinburgh Leisure has week-long half-day holiday clubs running from 9am – 1pm.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Multisport Camps, at Gracemount Leisure Centre, is aimed at 8 years+, and puts the emphasis on the ‘multi’. Children can look forward to trying a range of sports, as well as trying out different arts, challenges, games, and educational activities.
Edinburgh Leisure’s Gymnastics Camp – Stage 2, is available at Tumbles at Portobello. This half-day gymnastics camp is for the more experienced little gymnast and will allow your budding ‘Beth Tweddle’ or ‘Max Whitlock’ to develop their skills on vault, beam, bars, and floor, as well as having fun on trampolines, a fast track, a tumble run and in foam pits.
If you’re looking for your child to perfect or learn a new skill, then their summer coaching offering is for them. There’s everything including climbing, gymnastics, Gym Nippers (perfect for pre-schoolers), swimming, diving, tennis and match play.
And it isn’t just the kids who get to have all the fun. This summer, Edinburgh Leisure is offering Adult Beginner and Improver swim lessons at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre and Leith Victoria Swim Centre.
And for adults who want to dive into something more challenging, they’re offering hour-long bookable adult-dive sessions, suitable for divers currently attending the Edinburgh Leisure Adult Divers and Masters sessions. Divers will work with a qualified level 2 coach on a variety of skills and techniques on the poolside at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and on the 1m, 3m and platforms.
Summer activities for all the family
Wherever you’re at on the map, Edinburgh Leisure has something fun and active for all the family to enjoy together including Aquadash, Badminton, Clip ‘n’ Climb, Soft Play, Family Swim Sessions, Taster Climbing sessions, Table Tennis and Tennis, across lots of our venues in Edinburgh.
You can even try your hand at Pickleball, the world’s fastest growing sport. New to Edinburgh Leisure, it’s a hybrid of ping pong, tennis, and badminton. Book on the Edinburgh Leisure app under social sports or online. Pickleball can be played at Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, the new Meadowbank Sports Centre, and Craiglockhart Tennis Centre.
As the biggest club in town, with50+ venues across the city, which includes 1 world-class climbing centre; 12 superb swimming pools, 32 tennis courts; and 141 sports pitches, Edinburgh Leisure has built a reputation as a trusted sports and leisure provider who will guarantee your kids an adventure of fun this summer.
Head to Edinburgh Leisure’s blog to find out more.
Go to www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/summer-holiday-camps for more information and to book.
With our divers ramping up their preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Edinburgh Leisure is on the hunt for the next generation of divers.
For those who have been inspired by divers such as James Heatly, Grace Reid, Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix (daughter of Fred!), Tom Daley and Matty Lee, Edinburgh Leisure is offering the opportunity for children to come and try diving with their Performance Diving Coaches at the Royal Commonwealth Pool to see if they have a talent for the sport.
Children should be between 5 and 16 years old, able to swim 10 metres unaided, confident in deep water and submerge in water without googles.
No experience in necessary as they will be learning basic skills but those interested in gymnastics, trampolining, acrobatics or similar sports might enjoy this opportunity to try a new sport.
Priced at just £3, the diving taster sessions at the Royal Commonwealth Pool are offered on: Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August at 16:00 – 16:25.
To secure a place, interested people should visit the Edinburgh Leisure website – https://edinburghleisure.bookinglive.com/book/add/p/307
Edinburgh Leisure offers a world class diving programme at their diving pool at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, complete with a dedicated Dry Dive Area with trampolines and harnesses, which enables more experienced divers to practice the twists and turns before trying them out on the boards.
Their diving programme follows the National Diving Award Scheme right through to competitive level.
Athletes training at the Royal Commonwealth Pool include local Edinburgh boy, James Heatly (GB) and Yona Knight-Wisdom (Jamaica). Grace Reid, who grew up in the capital, previously trained at the Commie.
For more information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/dive
Get free soft play membership when you sign up your under 5s for coaching
Encourage your pre-school child to get active from an early age by signing them up the under 5s coaching at Edinburgh Leisure and you will get one-month’s free soft play membership in August. The offer also applies to existing soft play members.
The offer is valid for those signing up for under 5s coaching before 30th July 2023 and gives unlimited access to all three of Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play venues across the city at Tumbles at Portobello; Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool or Scrambles at Edinburgh’s International Climbing Arena.
With designated baby, toddler, and junior zones, each soft play ensures fun and adventure for kids and a café for tasty treats and snacks for the adults and children.
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. And it’s never too early to start.
And as the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, Edinburgh Leisure is well-placed to encourage your child to reach their full potential, help them build confidence, learn skills, and meet friends.
From football, tennis, gymnastics or swimming, you can even mix it up with their Jump into Sport, Gym and Jump or Athletics classes.
To find out more and to sign up for this offer, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/coaching-offer
Free Friend Day Soft Play
And for existing soft play members, Edinburgh Leisure is offering Free Friend Days at their three soft play venues on selected days in July and August.
Valid for 1-hour slots, the offer only applies to soft play members who pay by Direct Debit and members must accompany their friend and take part in the same activity.
The Free Friend Days are available at:
Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool:
Tuesday, 25 July; Thursday, 17 August
Tumbles at Portobello:
Tuesday, 1st August; Thursday, 24th August
Scrambles at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena:
Tuesday, 18th July; Thursday, 10th August; Wednesday, 30th August
For further information and to sign up for Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play membership, visit:
EXPLORE THE CITY TO DISCOVER A WORLD OF FITNESS
Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is launching an exciting competition next week, The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop, so that wherever you’re at in the city, you could be in with the chance to win a year’s membership with Edinburgh Leisure.
The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop competition runs from 17th – 28th July. They will be giving away six free Edinburgh Leisure memberships.
To be in with the chance of winning, all participants must do is to find the pin (a branded box featuring a pink geolocation), which will be ‘dropped’ somewhere in Edinburgh and take it to their nearest venue.
The first person to do this will win a year’s membership and can choose from Full Fitness, Climb, Golf or Single Child Soft Play membership.*
Over the duration of the competition, Edinburgh Leisure will be ‘dropping a pin’ in six different locations around the city and sharing some clues and photos on their social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Pins will be dropped at 11am on the following days during the competition:
Participants will have two hours to find the box from 11am when the clue is posted on social media. The person who finds the box then has until Edinburgh Leisure’s participating venues close on the same day to redeem their prize. Venue closing times vary, so people should check closing times of their closest venue.
Participants are encouraged to tag Edinburgh Leisure in their Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop posts on social media and use the hashtag #WhereverYoureAt.
As the biggest club in town, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city.
*Competition information, terms and conditions and participating Edinburgh Leisure venues can be found by visiting: rb.gy/qbh9o
Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this summer, then look no further than some free summer football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.
Suitable for young people aged 11+ years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm every Tuesday and Thursday of the summer holidays.
Participants can come along, stay active and socialise while enjoying the outdoors. Sessions don’t need to be booked – kids can simply turn up and have fun.
Wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life.
In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust they provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.
Avoiding the Scottish weather? Bring the kids along to AquaDash for a guaranteed few hours of fun!
Slip and slide along our inflatable water assault course while racing against each other – everyone will love it!
Book your space today https://edinburghleisure.co.uk/launch-aquadash
