Tag: leisure

Reach 2 Your Future with a career in sport

Edinburgh Leisure offers employment and training opportunities for young people  

Edinburgh Leisure is reaching out to young people aged 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport to register their interest for a forthcoming ‘2 Your Future Project’, which aims to give young people employment and training opportunities in sport.

Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “The project is a fully funded opportunity that provides a combination of sports based activities and tailored employment support for your people not currently engaged in education, employment or training or young people at high risk of falling into this category.

“We’re looking for young people between 15-24 years, who have a passion for sport and who would be able to commit to the project for up to 16 hours per week over an eight-week project.”

The project will be delivered between March and April 2017 at Gracemount Leisure Centre, but city-wide travel to alternative Edinburgh Leisure venues will be expected over the programme.

‘2 Your Future’ provides a number of opportunities including: sports coaching experience in football and athletics; SCQF Level 4 in Sports Leadership qualifications; quality, structured sports coaching sessions and the opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity; the opportunity to volunteer and experience being part of a major sporting event; Active Start Multi-Skills training; Emergency First Aid at Work training; Positive Coaching Scotland training; advice and guidance on further education and training opportunities; and increased confidence and self-esteem.

One participant rebuilding their lives through ‘2 Your Future’ is Ryan Aird. Ryan suffered an unexplained cardiac arrest in 2012 whilst at Meadowbank Sports Centre and was saved by the quick response of the team at Edinburgh Leisure.

Although he started a Mechanical Engineering course at Heriot Watt University in 2013, he dropped out after a year in 2014, before finally starting a ‘2 Your Future’ course last summer. He is now employed as a freelance sports leaders course tutor, helping groups of young people learn new skills for the job market, using the power of sport.

“The confidence I have gained from participating in ‘2 Your Future’ has been immense,” said Ryan. “It’s given me a totally different career path than the one I originally embarked on when I started at university.  Through sport I have managed to transform my life and hope that I can go on to inspire and motivate others to personally develop and transform their lives too.”

Prospective candidates for the next ‘2 Your Future’ course are asked to register their interest by filling in the project’s registration form available on the Edinburgh Leisure website and return the form by Thursday 2nd March.

All those who register their interest will be invited to attend an Information Day on Friday, 3 March from 10am-2pm, where they will get a full project overview, meet the ‘2 Your Future’ tutors; and take part in a discussion with the tutors on their suitability to gain a place on the project.

For further information about the project, please contact: Jack Martin, Positive Destinations Project Development Officer – jackmartin@edinburghleisure.co.uk

 

Have your say on the new Meadowbank

going-for-gold-design-for-a-new-meadowbank

The public are being invited to give their views on a new sports complex to replace the existing Meadowbank Stadium and Sports Centre.

The City of Edinburgh Council is intending to submit a planning application early next year as the kick-start for the project to deliver a modern, fully accessible high quality sports complex for sports clubs and the local community.

To help the Council shape the planning application they are asking people to let them know their views to ensure everyone’s needs are taken into account.

There is an online survey for people to take part in and two public information events will be held at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Thursday 17 and Tuesday 22 November both between 3pm and 8pm.

Current proposals for the new sports centre include:

• An outdoor athletics track with a 500 seat stand
• Two multi sport games halls
• Three fitness studios
• A gym
• A gymnastics hall
• Two squash courts
• A combat studio for martial arts
• A  boxing gym with ring
• A 60m 6 lane indoor athletics track and jumps space
• An outdoor athletics track with jumps space
• An outdoor throwing area
• Two FIFA 1 3G (all weather) pitches – one which will be in the centre of the athletics track
• Cafe and meeting rooms

The first multi sport games hall would be equivalent in size to an eight court badminton hall with permanent seating for 420 and additional bleacher seating for 725. The second hall is set to be the equivalent of a four court badminton hall with permanent seating for 430.

The new centre will be partly funded by residential and commercial development on parts of the existing site that are not required for the new sports complex. This will include development of affordable and low cost housing through the Council’s 21st Century Homes Programme.

In addition to the planning application for the new sports complex, a masterplan for the wider site development will be submitted with the aim of gaining outline planning permission.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We want the new Meadowbank Stadium and Sports Centre to be a venue fit for the 21st Century and the public’s views on our proposals are key to this.

“Transforming Meadowbank into a brand new sports complex would provide a modern, fully accessible high quality sports centre for sports clubs and the local community.

“I would urge everyone to tell us what they think about the range of facilities being proposed and the masterplan. The public can either take part in our online survey or come along to one of our two public information events.

“Not only would we see a new Meadowbank but more homes would be built to meet the city’s housing needs. The new venue will also bring health and wellbeing benefits across the city by supporting even more people to become and stay active.

“Public consultation on our proposals and submitting a planning application are the next important steps to realise our ambition of redeveloping Meadowbank.”

June Peebles, chief executive of Edinburgh Leisure, added: “Meadowbank is part of Edinburgh’s sporting heritage and continues to attract thousands of customers, participating in a wide range of physical activities, through its doors every week. However, appreciating the age of the venue and the changing needs of customers, it is in need of attention.

“Edinburgh Leisure is therefore delighted to be working with the Council on this exciting project which could create a new Meadowbank for the city, creating an inspiring and welcoming venue that supports even more people to get active, stay active and achieve more.”

The existing Meadowbank was originally built for Edinburgh’s 1970 Commonwealth Games (

Scottish swimming team, Commonwealth Games 1970. Pictured at the Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh

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AfriFest: next weekend at Summerhall

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AfriFest – a vibrant celebration of Africa Arts and Culture, and the unique input black performers have made to the artistic and cultural landscape of Scotland.  2 day festival will include live music, dance, workshops, film and food, as well as the culture of people of African descent, supporting artistic expression and the pursuit of excellence and innovation. Performers include the award winning Senegalese kora maestro Seckou Keita.


Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 October
Summerhall, Edinburgh
All events, and food, are free.

Countdown to Octoberfest

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With less than a month until Edinburgh’s fourth Oktoberfest, event organisers reveal the secrets to ‘absolutely enjoy’ the event:

#1: Let’s get bier!

Oktoberfest is fundamentally about beer. On offer is the one-and-only
Oktoberfest beer called Bavarian Festbeer. It is a dark golden lager with
brownish hue and comes with a touch of sweetness and a strong and slightly
bitter aftertaste. The beer has traveled 993 miles from a respected brewery in
Bavaria to Edinburgh in a 24-thousand-liter beer tanker. During the whole
process, the beer is always kept cool in 2°C to guarantee its freshness. Then,
it is pumped into guests’ glasses through a refined craft system.

#2: Get yourself stuffed

“Oktoberfest is much more than just beer”, claims Carsten Raun, festival
director. A selection of typical Oktoberfest food is on offer such as Hendl
(grilled chicken), Schweinebraten (roast pork), Brezel (bread), and of course,
a lot of wurst (pork sausages). Don’t forget to try Bratwurst, German-specialty
pork sausage, pan-roasted and served hot with slightly-pungent yellow mustard
and fermented sauerkraut (cabbage). A cold beer from tap with a plate of
sizzling Bratwurst would complete your Oktoberfest experience.

#3: Dress to impress

No suit or evening gown needed, you can still impress by wearing traditional
Lederhosen and Dirndl. Lederhosen, short or knee-length leather breeches, is
traditionally made for Bavarian men. Mostly considered as leisurewear nowadays,
it is a perfect costume for Oktoberfest. Dirndl, a classical-looking outfit for
Bavarian women, consists of a bodice, blouse, full dress and an apron. It is
believed that the apron knot implies the woman’s marital status. Make sure you
send out the right signal!

#4: The early bird gets … the best seat
The party tent is limited to 3300 people and tickets for the weekend are selling
quickly, so if you want to attend the fabulous party, remember to book tickets
as soon as possible. Tickets are also available at door if the event is not sold
out beforehand. Don’t forget to turn up early to guarantee entry!

#5: “Cash up”

Even though you can pay by card at the events, it is advisory to bring cash on
hand. It will save you unnecessary hassle and spare you more time to enjoy the
wunderbar atmosphere!
General information:

Date: 5- 10 October | Venue: Princes Streets Gardens West, Red Square
Ticket info: Edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk
Email: info@edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 3239 5070 | Press: +44 20 3239 5032

Try table tennis at Leith Victoria

table-tennis

Been inspired by table tennis at this year’s Rio Olympics and want to have a go? Now you can at Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre.

The session will be held at the following times of the week in studio 2:

Day Time
Monday 09:00 – 13:00
Wednesday 12.00 – 17:00
Friday 14.30 -17.00
Saturday 12:00 – 17:00
Sunday 13:00 – 19.00

Nicola Duffy, General Manager at Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre said: “Table tennis is a great way to exercise the body and mind, whilst developing hand co-ordination. A game of table tennis can be surprisingly intense and can really get the heart pumping. It also improves cardiovascular fitness and endurance levels.

“Table tennis is one of the most accessible sports around – it can be played at any level from the Olympics to an impromptu game in your dining room with a line of old videos as a net or indeed at Leith Victoria. We’ve got the equipment and bats and balls. You just need to turn up.”

Table tennis helped end the Cold War. In 1971, a group of US players became the first Americans to visit China since it had become a Communist state in 1949. The trip, which spawned the phrase “ping-pong diplomacy” is often credited with reviving diplomatic relations between the countries.

Booking is recommended for each 60 minute session. Edinburgh Leisure is offering 50% off prices quoted below from 1 September – 1 December.

Cost
Standard £8.10
Discount Card / Members £6.05
65+ & Concession Discount Card £4.90
Junior & Disability Discount Card £4.10
Young Scot (during timeframe) £2.00

To book in for the event contact: Edinburgh Leisure’s Leith Victoria Swim Centre on 0131 555 4728 or visit the reception at Leith.

For further information, visit:  www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Life in the fast lane with Edinburgh Leisure

Lane_Fit_image

Appealing to those who want to use swimming as part of their fitness programme, Edinburgh Leisure is piloting ‘Lane Fit,’ which is their new lane only swimming sessions. It is being rolled out at six Edinburgh Leisure sites initially from 1 July, providing more lane swimming opportunities every week across the city.

At the ‘Lane Fit’ sessions, the pool is exclusively programmed for lane swimming  offering slow, medium and fast lanes, making them suitable for all fitness levels and swimming abilities. To enhance the experience, each session will provide floats and pool buoys for swimmers to use and Edinburgh Leisure will be providing guidance on how to use lanes effectively, including lane etiquette.

Shelagh Jackson, Aquatics Manager at Edinburgh Leisure said: “Our customers have told us they’d like more opportunities for lane swimming, whatever their level of fitness and swimming ability. Lane Fit provides this and we’re delighted to offer this pilot in so many of our venues across the city.”

Swimming is an excellent whole body workout and an all-round wonder sport, whatever your age or ability. It improves muscle, tone, strength and improves flexibility. Taking part regularly can reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and stroke. The support of the water makes it low impact on joints, and done regularly it will improve flexibility and strength.

Edinburgh Leisure offers a swim membership for £33 per month, which gives unlimited swimming across all Edinburgh Leisure pools and access to all of our aquatic fitness classes. Joint, student and 65+ memberships are also available.

For more information:www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/memberships 

Customers are encouraged to download the free Edinburgh Leisure app to reserve their place or book online for the new Lane Fit sessions in July to be entered into a prize draw to win a Speedo giveaway.

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City’s young people encouraged to ‘Join In’

YOUTH GAMES 2008 045 (2)

With the Olympics just around the corner, Edinburgh Leisure will be inspiring the young people of Edinburgh to try out a variety of sports and games in the Meadows on Friday 1 July – plus there’s a free summer sports programme running from 4 July at various venues across the city.

At the free ‘Join In’ event, children can kick off their summer with American Football, or get into the swing of things with tennis. Old favourites like football, gymnastics and cycling will also be available for youngsters to try as well as football speed shot, tug of war, volleyball and much more. Sport experts will also be present to help them get the most out of their day in the beautiful green setting of the Meadows.

Children’s sedentary lifestyles are a ‘ticking time-bomb’ for the NHS. A recent poll of 1,039 parents conducted by ComRes, found 75 per cent of parents agree that it is more difficult for parents today to encourage children to become physically active than for previous generations, and just 47 per cent of parents thing there are enough affordable opportunities for children to be active in their local areas during school holidays.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Weight Management Development Officer, Conor McLean, said, “We all know about the positive health and mental benefits of getting active. Edinburgh Leisure is passionate about making sport accessible to young people. Last year, over 300 children turned up to experience our taster sessions.

“We run a variety of projects and classes for this age group, and this is a great chance to provide a way in to a healthy and active lifestyle for Edinburgh’s children, as well as a fun day out. And what’s even better is the day is free.”

Children are welcome to come and go as they please at the ‘Join In’ event, which runs from 1pm – 4pm on Friday, 1 July. Children under the age of 9 years must be accompanied by an adult. Children and young people aged 9 and over can attend on their own or with friends. There is no pre-registration or booking required but all young people must register at the sign-in desk on the day.

Edinburgh Leisure will also be running a free summer sports programme at different venues. Events will take place at the Meadows every Wednesday and Friday from 2 – 4 pm, starting 6 and 8 July respectively to 10 and 12 August.

There will also be sports at Saughton from Monday, 4 July – 8 August from 2 – 4pm. Younger children (primary school children, aged 5 and up) will be catered for with outdoor play sessions at Hunters Hall, by Jack Kane Sports Centre, every Tuesday from 2-4pm, which will run from 5 July.

There will be spaces for 60 children at the Meadows, 44 at Saughton and 20 at Hunter’s Hall to get involved in the free sessions. No pre-booking is required but everyone must register at the sign-in desk on the day and it will be on a first come, first served basis.

Andy McIntosh, Youth Development Officer continued: “Giving children a balanced play diet is as beneficial for their development as a balanced nutritional diet and we want to encourage all children to get active and stay active. So let’s get them off their screens and down to Saughton, The Meadows or Hunters Hall for some active fun this summer. Who knows, we may even encourage the future generation of Olympians.”

Participants enrolled in Edinburgh Leisure’s ‘2 Your Future’ project, will be helping to deliver the activities. ‘2 Your Future’, a 16 week programme, provides a combination of sports based activities and tailored employment support for young people not currently engaged in education, employment or training.