Meadowbank Sports Centre – The NEN

Strut Your Stuff at a Super Saturday Fitness Festival

Edinburgh Leisure is pumping up the volume with their first festival of fitness classes at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Saturday, 4^th May 2024.

The Super Saturday Fitness Class Festival will be an opportunity to try over 15 different fitness classes on a Super Saturday Workout like no other.

You can work up a sweat with the crowds at popular high-octane favourites like Bodypump and Zumba or try out some new acts like Shapes. And if you prefer life in the slower lane, their relaxation stage will be offering more peaceful Yoga and Pilates sessions.

With activities starting from 9am across four different stages, there will be something for everyone. Spaces are limited so make sure to book your classes now online or on the app.

Entry is free for Edinburgh Leisure members and just £5 per class for non-members. All classes must be pre-booked.

Edinburgh Leisure offers more classes across the city than any other provider and they have recently unlocked their Fitness Class Membership to ensure customers have access to all the classes they want, wherever they’re at, in the city or in life.

Their Fitness Class Membership now offers full access to more than 750 fitness classes a week across all their venues.

And if you sign up before 31 May 2024, you can take advantage of their No Joining Fee Offer – available for a limited time only.

To join now, https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/join

To find out more about Super Saturday and to pre-book the fitness classes on offer, visit: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/super-saturday.

If you’re on the Edinburgh Leisure app, click the Fitness Class Bookings or the Super Saturday Tile on the Meadowbank Sports Centre’s tile.

Free football to keep the kids amused this February half-term

Looking for ways to keep the kids amused this half term, then look no further than some free football being offered by Edinburgh Leisure.

Suitable for young people aged 11 – 18 years, the football sessions will run on the main pitch at Meadowbank Sports Centre from 1:30pm – 3:00pm on Tuesday, 13^th, Thursday 15^th and Friday, 16^th February..

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, we’re the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city. As a charitable trust we provide activities for everyone as they move through their lives.

Snooker’s Biggest Stars Set For Edinburgh

All-time greats including John Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump and Mark Selby, as well as World Champion Luca Brecel and defending champion Gary Wilson, will be among the field when snooker’s BetVictor Scottish Open takes place in Edinburgh next month.

The third event in this season’s BetVictor Home Nations Series will run from December 11 to 17 at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh, as 80 players battle for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.

Tickets from just £15 are on sale now but must be booked fast – for details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

The top 16 seeds will be in action on the opening day on Monday December 11th and the match schedule is:

10am session

Gary Wilson v Elliot Slessor

Mark Selby v Sean O’Sullivan

Ding Junhui v David Grace

Jimmy Robertson v Amaan Iqbal

Not before 1pm

Ronnie O’Sullivan v Liam Graham

Mark Williams v Sam Craigie

Barry Hawkins v Pang Junxu

Ali Carter v Zehuang Long

Not before 2pm

Luca Brecel v Iulian Boiko

Shaun Murphy v Liu Hongyu

Hossein Vafaei v Daniel Wells

Jack Borwick v Ishpreet Singh Chadha

Not before 7pm

Judd Trump v Sydney Wilson

Kyren Wilson v Mostafa Dorgham

Robert Milkins v Mark Davis

Anthony McGill v Oliver Lines

Not before 8pm

John Higgins v Oliver Brown

Mark Allen v Jamie Jones

Jack Lisowski v Mohamed Ibrahim

Alfie Burden v Matthew Selt

Get tickets booked fast! For the full draw and match schedule visit www.wst.tv

Edinburgh Leisure’s Festive Gymnastics Display Tumbling Towards Success

Tickets are now on sale for Edinburgh Leisure’s annual Festive Gymnastics Display.

Now in its 17^th year, over 600 gymnasts and cheerleaders from six Edinburgh Leisure venues plus guest clubs will be coming together to delight audiences with their annual display at Meadowbank Sports Centre on Sunday, 3 December 2023.

Gymnastics Development Officer Dorothy McQueen said: “Gymnastics is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

“Our classes have many benefits and help children to gain strength, stamina, balance, coordination, and flexibility as well as self-confidence and the opportunity to build relationships and make friends.

“This non-competitive gymnastics’ event gives the participants within Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme the opportunity to showcase what they have been working so hard on throughout the year.

“In addition, it allows them to see performances from guest Clubs of all levels and different disciplines, inspiring them to reach for the stars … or maybe even that Gold, Silver or Bronze medal in the future!”

As well as featuring over 30 performances from Edinburgh Leisure gymnastics, there will also be special guest appearances from Clubs across the region, including Acrobay, Cheer Evolution, City of Edinburgh, Falkirk, Jack Kane and Kestrel.

Tickets cost £5 each and all spectators, 5 years and over, require a ticket for entry. Participating gymnasts do not require a ticket. Under 5s tickets are free but will not have an allocated seat.

Tickets are available for either the morning or afternoon session and can be bought from Ticket Source. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinburgh-leisure-events

Edinburgh Leisure’s Gymnastics programme offers classes for the Under 5s including Baby Nippers from Walking to 18 months, Gym Nippers and Gym & Jump from 18 months- 5 years and then General Gymnastics, Display Gymnastics and Trampolining for Primary 1 upwards. Gymnastics is just one of the 12 sports coached across 17 venues in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Leisure’s coaching programme helps children to develop new skills, improve their agility and grow confidence.

For more information on gymnastics classes and other coaching opportunities at Edinburgh Leisure, get inspired by visiting:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/activities/coaching

Try before you buy – Meadowbank Open Day

Edinburgh Leisure’s state-of-the-art and newest venue, Meadowbank Sports Centre is hosting an Open Day on Sunday, 19 November to entice the people of Edinburgh to try before they buy.

Opened in July 2022, it will be an opportunity for people to try out the range of facilities at this £47m venue, and encourage customers, old and new to try something different, including the racquet and track facilities.

The programme on offer will include the gym, gym-based and fitness classes. Customer can also try racquet sports including badminton, table tennis, squash, and the newest ‘kid’ on the block, Pickleball, which is fast growing a big following. And if running is your thing, there will be a chance to try the indoor and outdoor running tracks. The Café Refresh will be open from 8.30 am – 5 pm for a range of drinks and snacks.

Picture – Chris Watt Photography 07887554193 info@chriswatt.com www.chriswatt.com

Josh Anderson, Operations Manager at Meadowbank Sports Centre said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. But we’re conscious that a lot of people still haven’t paid us a visit to our incredible £47m refurbishment.

“Hence why we are opening our doors and hosting an Open Day, which will be a great opportunity for existing adult members to perhaps try something new, such as the track and racquet facilities and for potential new members to come and try for free before they buy and see just how great our facilities are.

“And as an added incentive for new members, there will be an opportunity to sign up for an adult Meadowbank Gym or Fitness Class membership on the day at the Meadowbank reception with a £0 joining fee.”

The new Meadowbank has much to offer the local community and communities throughout Edinburgh and includes the following facilities:

An outdoor eight-lane athletics track with a 499-seat stand and outdoor throwing and jumps area.
A 60m six-lane indoor athletics track and jumps space.
Two multi-sport halls with fixed and moveable spectator seating
A hall for dance and other events, including hosting bouncy castle birthday parties.
Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights.
- A fitness class timetable with 77 classes
A Cycle Studio (capacity – 30) with Life Fitness IC7 bikes and ICG myride and Les Mills RPM classes
A gym with Life Fitness equipment, dumbbells up to 50kg, Watt bikes, SkiErg, row and Cybex SPARC machines (capacity – 90)
- Combined bumped plates weighs in the gym – 2927.5kg
- Combined dumbbell weight in the gym – 1,918kg
- 40+ pieces of resistance and free weights equipment
Two squash courts
A purpose-built dojo for martial arts
A boxing gym
Two 3G (synthetic) pitches, including one with a 499-seat stand.
A hospitality Suite and event-hosting facilities
Cafe and meeting rooms

To get involved in Meadowbank Sports Centre Open Day, gym sessions do not need to be booked but fitness and gym-based classes, and racquet sports, and use of the track need to be booked.

The activities are now available to book online or via the Edinburgh Leisure app.

Find out more – https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/meadowbank-sports-centre/open-day

Edinburgh Leisure launches new Basketball Coaching for younger players

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 joins forces with Leith Athletic to deliver football coaching

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

Free summer holiday football

Keep the kids amused with free football at Meadowbank

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.

Edinburgh To Host Snooker’s All-Time Greats

Snooker’s biggest names will return to the Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh later this year for the BetVictor Scottish Open.

The world ranking event will be back in Scotland’s capital city from December 11 to 17, 2023. Tickets are NOW ON SALE, for full details visit www.wst.tv/tickets

Standard tickets start at just £15, or only £12 if you take advantage of our special opening offer. Book quickly for the chance to see the world’s best on the green baize!

The tournament was staged at the Meadowbank Sports Centre for the first time in 2022 and Gary Wilson lifted the trophy, beating Joe O’Connor in the final.

Also in the field were all-time greats including home favourite John Higgins, World Champion Luca Brecel, world number one Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson – and a strong line-up is expected again in 2023.

Televised by Eurosport, discovery+ and many other broadcasters worldwide, the BetVictor Scottish Open is part of the BetVictor Scottish Open Home Nations Series, alongside events in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

OPENING OFFER – ENDS MONDAY 9 OCTOBER

Booking fast to secure discounted tickets!

Book tickets before midnight on Monday 9 October and receive 20% discount off tickets between Monday 11 December and Thursday 14th December.

Terms and conditions apply. A limited number of tickets are available at this special price.