sportscotland – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Dedicated Midlothian volunteer honoured at sportscotland COV Awards

A sports volunteer from Midlothian has won the Volunteer of the Year award at the sportscotland Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering (COV) Awards 2024.

Stevie Halliday has been recognised for the time and dedication he has given to rugby in the area, particularly at Dalkeith RFC.

Serving as the Director of Youth Rugby last year, Stevie has transformed Dalkeith RFC’s mini and youth rugby sections. Under his leadership, the club fielded its first under-18 team in over a decade, culminating in Dalkeith RFC’s inaugural appearance in a national final. 

The club’s mini and youth sections have seen remarkable growth under his guidance, now boasting over 300 boys and girls. Thanks to Stevie’s hard work and organisation, Dalkeith RFC consistently fields boys’ teams at under-13, under-14, under-16, and under-18 levels, along with its first girls’ youth teams. 

One of Stevie’s focuses has been providing opportunities for girls graduating from mini rugby to continue playing at Dalkeith RFC. This initiative has been a success with 27 girls now actively participating in youth rugby.

Stevie also coaches the under-18 side, steering them to the National School Bowl Final at Murrayfield, marking the club’s first national final in its history.

Stevie’s support for Dalkeith RFC’s youth players extends beyond coaching. He has organised first aid courses, mental health workshops and encouraged players to take on roles in running the club and coaching. His commitment to Dalkeith RFC is longstanding, having served as a player, Club Captain and President.

Stevie said: “My view is you always gets out of something what you put in. I met my wife at the rugby club, we’ve got two kids who are both involved in the rugby now so that drives me on to make sure there’s a place for them to be.

“It’s been a place that’s been a good environment for me and I want to make sure it stays that way for everyone else.”

Jason Hendrie, First Team Coach at Dalkeith RFC, said: “He’s always pushing everyone at the club to make things better. He’s always wanting the best for the club, if we didn’t have Stevie I don’t know where we’d be. He drives it so much.”

The sportscotland COV Awards celebrates the people who make sport happen in communities across Scotland, who inspire and enhance the lives of others and often commit their own time to help make sport accessible to as many people as possible.

This year nearly 300 nominations were received covering 34 different sports and all 32 local authorities.

The COV winners were invited to collect their award at a presentation ceremony at Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday 7 November.

Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “Every year the Coaching, Officiating and Volunteering Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the people across the country who have given so much of their time and dedication to Scottish sport and are making such an impact on their sport and their community.

“Across Scotland, there are thousands of people who recognise the impact that sport can have on us all. The people we are celebrating have taken that recognition and ,with a huge amount of hard work, helped to change people’s lives.

“Individuals like Stevie have dedicated a huge amount of their time to helping others realise their sporting potential.”

Edinburgh sport facility set to benefit from £200,000 Sportscotland investment

Community sport across Scotland is to receive a boost thanks to almost £1.2million of investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund to local partners, including £200k for Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled (Ravelrig RDA).

The organisation is one of 10 projects across Scotland to receive investment from sportscotland to develop their facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

It sees much-needed funding for rural communities, areas of deprivation, and for projects designed to make sport more accessible and inclusive. The investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

Ravelrig RDA have been awarded £200,000 towards a new indoor riding arena in Balerno which will increase participation throughout winter when the use of the current outdoor venue is at the mercy of the weather. The organisation support people with a range of disabilities and provide therapeutic and recreational riding opportunities.

The work will also ensure improved accessibility between the new arena and the existing stables, office, clubroom, grazing field and toilets. The new arena is predicted to increase participation by 28%, with bad weather and poor light currently causing 15 weeks of cancellations throughout the year.

Ravelrig RDA work with a wide range of children, young people and adults with physical, learning disabilities, emotional and behaviour difficulties and mental health challenges supported by over 100 volunteers. With an ever-growing waiting list and demand high from ASN schools and the community, a year-round facility will help satisfy that demand.

Work is already underway and its hoped will be completed in February 2025.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “It is inspiring to see the number of projects looking to improve opportunities for sport and physical activity in the latest round of Sport Facilities Funding.

“We know that sport and physical activity have an important role to play in bringing communities together and building resilience. Thanks to the continued commitment of our local partners more people will have an opportunity to become physically active and feel part of their local community.

“Ravelrig RDA has demonstrated a real commitment to ensuring that more people in Edinburgh will have an opportunity to become physically active and connected to their local community.”

Welcoming the investment, Elaine Jefferies, Chair of Ravelrig RDA, said: “The new arena has long been a long-term goal of Ravelrig RDA volunteers, participants and supporters. to enable lessons to continue all year round. At our previous outdoor arena many are rescheduled or cancelled due to the challenges we have with the weather.

“The vision, drive, commitment and support of everyone involved past and present is wholly appreciated and we’d like to thank sportscotland and our other funding partners for helping make the new arena a reality.”

The Sports Facilities Fund prioritises projects that widen access to participation or allow people to progress further within their chosen sport locally by removing barriers, particularly in rural areas or areas of deprivation, and for under-represented groups.

In addition to the investment, projects can benefit from the expertise within sportscotland’s facilities team to maximise the impact that their plans will have, ensuring they meet the needs of their local communities now and in the future.

EICA:Ratho bouldering facility benefits from sportscotland investment

Edinburgh Leisure’s flagship climbing arena at Ratho has benefitted from a major funding investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund.

The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena has received £100,000 towards bouldering redevelopment which will improve opportunities to progress at all levels of the sport.

The redevelopment will ensure that Ratho becomes the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic standard facilities for all three climbing disciplines (lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering).

This investment has been made possible thanks to National Lottery players, who raise £30 million each week for good causes across the UK.

Welcoming the investment, Emma Ogilvie-Hall, Head of Operations at Edinburgh Leisure said: “We’re delighted and very grateful to receive the sportscotland funding that means we can replace our outdated bouldering facilities at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA).

“With indoor bouldering now the most widely practised form of climbing it will ensure that the EICA can continue as a world class venue for all three climbing disciplines – lead, speed, and bouldering – while continuing to provide climbers of all ages and abilities with access to opportunities to participate in and progress through the sport.

“It will also mean that Scotland is able to host bouldering competitions and national training camps and allow the EICA to keep our national and international profile as a world-class climbing facility.”

The EICA:Ratho is among 18 projects across Scotland to share a total of £1,506,263 from sportscotland to develop existing facilities or create a new home for sport and physical activity.

Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said: “The aim of the Sports Facilities Fund is to support sustainable and inclusive projects with their ambitions of using sport and physical activity to enhance the lives of their local communities. This investment would not be possible without National Lottery players who continue to raise vital funding for sport across Scotland.

“The physical and mental health benefits of sport are well documented, but equally important is the ability to create a space where everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.

“Projects like this one at the EICA not only create opportunities for people to take part in sport and physical activity but can also provide a place for communities to come together.”

Meadowbank Sports Centre is open

The new Meadowbank Sports Centre was officially opened at a special ceremony yesterday (Friday 4 November).

The new £47m centre is a state-of-the-art community sports facility built on the site of the original Meadowbank, which closed in December 2017.

The new Meadowbank opened its doors to the public in July this year and features a wide range of enhanced facilities and will support physical activity, sport, health and well-being in Edinburgh for generations to come.

The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities with two multi-sport halls with seating, a gym and three large fitness studios.

In recognising the legacy and heritage of the old Meadowbank and its 50+ years of sporting history a Wall of Honour has been unveiled in the atrium featuring over 45 names.

The wall honours people who have made significant contributions to Meadowbank’s past and its legacy as a sport and community venue. The honourees have been nominated by the public in four categories: Competitive Achievements, Community Service, Professional Service and Special Contribution.

Inductees include sport heroes Chris Hoy, Lynsey Sharp, Allan Wells and Jake Wightman and sport coaches such as gymnastic coach Maggie Bissett and athletics coach Bill Walker.

Cllr Day was joined by Scott Haldane from Edinburgh Leisure and Mel Young from sportscotland to welcome partners, elected members and representatives from sport governing bodies and sports clubs and Wall of Honour inductees.

To coincide with the official opening, Edinburgh Leisure will be celebrating with an open weekend at the centre with free activities available from Friday 4 until Sunday 6 November 2022.

Over the weekend, there will be children’s coaching, gym, fitness classes, racquet sports, and the running track and athletics area will be available for everyone to come and try for free.

Council Leader, Cammy Day, said: I’m delighted that with our partners we have been able to provide this fantastic facility which will offer year-round opportunities for both adults and young people to take part in sport.

“We are committed to encouraging and enabling everyone to become more physically active and enjoy the associated benefits. It’s important for sport to be as accessible as possible for our residents and our investment in fit-for-purpose sports facilities is helping to ensure that as many people as possible can get involved in sport throughout the year.

“The Wall of Honour has been a great way for our citizens to pay a lasting tribute to the Meadowbank legacy and to some outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on sport in the city and gained national and international recognition for Edinburgh.

“More names will be added to the wall in the future as we continue to honour those who inspire and deserve to be recognised and celebrated for years to come.”

June Peebles, CEO of Edinburgh Leisure said: “The team at Meadowbank has enjoyed welcoming customers, old and new to this amazing new facility since we opened our doors on 19 July and the reaction from customers has been very positive.

“The centre has a large variety of activities on offer, and we have been developing the activity programme in response to demand and customer feedback, ensuring the new Meadowbank Sports Centre establishes itself with a new generation.

“And to coincide with the City of Edinburgh Council’s official opening on 4 November, we are celebrating the occasion by opening the whole venue for free from Friday, 4 to Sunday, 6 November.

“There will be children’s coaching (football and multi-activity), gym, fitness glasses, racquet sports and the running track and athletics area will be available for everyone to come and find out first hand for themselves what all the fuss is about.

“I would encourage everyone to pay us a visit and join in the fun!”

Mel Young, Chair of sportscotland, said: “Meadowbank has long been at the heart of sport and physical activity in the City of Edinburgh and it’s fantastic to see that tradition continuing with the opening of this magnificent new centre.

“At sportscotland we work closely with partners like City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh Leisure to ensure that the facilities that we invest in are in the right place and will really meet the long term needs of the community, whether that’s an introduction to sport and physical activity, or supporting the aspirations of some of Scotland’s best athletes.

“This new, inclusive Meadowbank Sports Centre really delivers on that ambition which is why we were delighted to invest £5million of National Lottery funding through our Sports Facilities Fund to support this important project.”

Meadowbank Sports Centre opens tomorrow

The much-anticipated reopening of Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh takes place tomorrow, as the new £47m project opens its doors to the public at 7 a.m. Tuesday, 19 July 2022, after a closure of four and a half years.

Owned by The City of Edinburgh Council and managed by the charity, Edinburgh Leisure, this new state-of-the-art community sports facility, will support physical activity, sport, health, and wellbeing in Edinburgh for generations to come, whilst also recognising the legacy and heritage of the old Meadowbank.

The new venue supports accessible participation and has improved indoor facilities including two multi-sport games halls with seating, three fitness studios and a gym with triple the number of exercise stations.

Commenting on the reopening, Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive, June Peebles, said: “Donald Goldsmith, the manager at Meadowbank, and his team are incredibly excited (as I am) about this much anticipated opening and are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new to this multi-million-pound investment which will provide countless opportunities for Edinburgh citizens to be active and will undoubtedly contribute to the wellbeing of our City.

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “The City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We are delighted with the new Meadowbank Sports Centre – I believe it will be one of the best facilities for community and club sport in the country. I hope the fantastic and top of the range facilities will encourage people to get more active and more often. I was very impressed when I was given my first look and I’m confident members old and new will be too.

“Participation and accessibility are at the heart of the centre, and it will bring huge physical, mental, and social benefits to generations of local people for years to come. There is a packed programme of activity and range of classes for all interests and ability. Meadowbank has been an iconic part of the Capital’s sporting history and I’m in no doubt that the new Centre will build on this legacy.”

Chair of sportscotland, Mel Young, Chair said: “Meadowbank Sports Centre has been a sporting and social hub for so many people in the Edinburgh area over the years. Thanks to this incredible £47million refurbishment, people of all ages and abilities will be able to reap the benefits of newly refurbished facilities.

“The re-opening of Meadowbank will provide the local community with access to a state-of-the-art sport and physical activity centre on their doorstep, creating significant participation opportunities.

“This collaboration between The City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure and sportscotland is a great example of partnership working developing genuine opportunities that will help make sport, and physical activity a way of life for local people.’’ sportscotland contributed £5million to the project.”

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 trampolining and dance
Two fitness studios (capacity – 30 each), which include world-renowned Les Mills programme of classes, smart tech bars and weights
- The fitness class timetable will open with 92 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 combat studio 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

Opening times and how to buy memberships are available on Edinburgh Leisure’s website and social media.

Pictures: Chris Watt Photography

£700 million Budget boost for UK’s sports and youth clubs

Chancellor expected to confirm £700 million to improve sports and youth clubs.
Up to 8,000 state-of-the-art sports pitches to be built or improved across the UK to ensure every young person has a chance to take up sport.
Hundreds of youth facilities to be built or refurbished across England and the National Citizen Service to continue helping young people to build confidence and leadership skills outside of school.

As part of the government’s drive to level up the country, local communities will benefit from a £700 million wave of investment in football pitches, tennis courts, and youth facilities to help build the next generation of young talent, the Chancellor is expected to announce next week.

Following on from England’s roaring success at the Euros (Eh? – Ed.) and Emma Raducanu’s US Open victory, Rishi Sunak is set to announce new funding to build or improve up to 8,000 state-of-the-art sports pitches in villages, towns, and cities across the UK, as well as supporting a range of projects, including new clubhouses and community buildings.

This sits alongside the government’s commitment to refurbish more than 4,500 tennis courts across Great Britain.

Up to 300 youth facilities, which could include scout huts, youth centres and activity centres, will also be built or refurbished in the most deprived areas, and funding will be committed to continue the National Citizen Service until 2024/25 – which provides 16-17 years olds from all backgrounds the opportunity to mix with their peers outside of school.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “We’re backing the next generation of Ward-Prowses and Raducanus, not just sporting stars, but inspiring young leaders. Sports can be a fantastic way for young people to make friends and learn skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives – leadership, teamwork, and determination.

“This funding will level up access to sport and social clubs for youngsters ensuring they can get together and play the games they love most.”

Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “I want every young person, no matter where they’re from, to have the chance to get the best start in life and achieve success.

“This £700 million investment is a downpayment on our commitment to open doors for those who have been shut out. It will give young people the pitches and clubhouses they deserve to reap the benefits of sport and youth groups and help level up the country for the next generation.”

Robert Sullivan, Football Foundation Chief Executive Officer, said: “This investment is welcome news for all those involved in grassroots football across the country.

“We know that playing on good quality facilities helps people get fitter, improves mental wellbeing, grows confidence and builds stronger relationships. This is all essential for individuals and communities as we emerge out of the Covid-19 crisis.

“With the government, Premier League and The FA’s investment, we have made plenty of progress in the last two decades, but there is still lots of work to do to ensure all communities across England get the standard of local sports facilities they need and deserve.

“This new funding will unlock the power of even more pitches to help transform people’s lives.”

Mark Bullingham, Chief Executive of The FA said: “This investment into grassroots football pitches and multi-sport facilities is fantastic news for communities throughout the country.

“It will help the nation get active as we emerge from the impact of Covid. This is an important part of the Government’s £550m commitment to transform our grassroots football infrastructure, which will have a massive social and economic impact”.

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO of Sport England said: ‘We welcome the government’s decision to continue to invest in our young people and provide vital funding to support the facilities we need to enable sport in our communities.

‘There has never been a more important time to get the nation active and give people the opportunity to play sport, no matter their background.’

The government is investing £173 million to fund the continuation of the National Citizen Service in England; £368 million to fund up to 300 youth centres across England; and £155 million additional funding is being provided to invest in multi-use sports pitches and facilities throughout the UK.

DCMS will also receive a further £20 million to invest in youth services in England and the government will set out more detail in due course.

This builds on the government’s commitment to sport, having announced £50m of UK sports facility funding in July, as part of our ambition to ensure that you are never more than 15 minutes away from a high-quality pitch; and is in addition to the £30 million investment to refurbish more than 4,500 tennis courts across Great Britain; and the £25 million provided by the Chancellor for grassroots sports facilities throughout the UK at Spring Budget 2021.

The UK Government’s Plan for Jobs is also helping young people find new opportunities and better paid work; the government recently announced a £500 million extension of its supported schemes – targeted at young workers – including extensions to the Kickstart scheme, Job Entry Targeted Support Scheme, and the £3,000 incentive payment for businesses to hire apprentices.

New fund aims to get young women into sport

Fifteen projects aiming to get more women and girls in Scotland taking part in sport and physical activity are set to benefit from £300,000 of investment from the Scottish Government’s Women and Girls fund.

Among them is a coalition bid from North Edinburgh. The Youth Work Coalition receives £15,000 to deliver an inclusive outdoor education programme to young women and girls in North Edinburgh. Continue reading New fund aims to get young women into sport

City schools make the grade in delivering school sport

Gold status for Oaklands, Blackhall, Trinity and Royal High

Local schools are among 35 from across the capital to have been awarded a prestigious national award from sportscotland, the national agency for sport, for this academic year.

Continue reading City schools make the grade in delivering school sport

Record number of schools win SportScotland awards

Praise for Active Schools programme

Active Schools is going from strength to strength with figures at an all-time high and 7.3 million participant sessions delivered in 2017/18, an increase of 6% from 2016/17. Local politicians have welcomed the latest figures. Continue reading Record number of schools win SportScotland awards

Young Ambassadors win funding to host a family fun day of sport

Join in a free physical activity and sport event at the Meadows on Friday afternoon, 14 September, hosted by young people for young people. Continue reading Young Ambassadors win funding to host a family fun day of sport