Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is excited to announce the opening of a new gym space at East Sands Leisure Centre on the 13th of June. The former café has been transformed into a modern facility to cater to the Trust’s growing membership and promote health and wellness within the community.
The two-level facility features dedicated areas for strength training, cardio, and functional fitness. With over 40 pieces of fitness equipment, the gym is fully equipped to meet a diverse range of fitness requirements. The upgraded space caters to both fitness enthusiasts and beginners, offering a welcoming environment for all levels and fitness goals.
Paul Burke, Commercial and Business Development Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust said: “The growing interest in fitness among or members prompted us to expand our gym space. Working closely with Fife Council, we have created a space where customers can pursue their fitness goals in a comfortable and inspiring environment overlooking the pool.”
Grant Stevenson, Area Leisure Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, commented: “We’re thrilled to unveil the new gym space at East Sands Leisure Centre. The team is eager to welcome everyone to explore the new gym and discover the positive impact it can have on their health and wellbeing.”
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust invites everyone to join and experience the difference the new gym can make in their fitness routine. Click here for more information about the project or the venue’s services.
#SeriouslySocial: Our Commitment to Community Wellbeing
We are thrilled to participate in the first Seriously Social Week, which kicks off today, Monday, the 27th of May. This nationwide initiative by Community Leisure UK aims to demonstrate how charitable trusts, like ours, contribute to social value by connecting communities and promoting health, happiness, and creativity.
Understanding Social Value
Social value refers to the positive impact an organisation has on the quality of life of the community and society. It includes the social, economic, and environmental benefits created through the organisation’s operations and initiatives.
Making a Difference Across Fife
At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we are committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives and enhancing the wellbeing of our community. Our mission is centred around providing inclusive and diverse opportunities for everyone to embrace an active lifestyle. In 2023, we achieved outstanding milestones, including:
- Hosting 10,400 fitness classes
- Delivering 54,537 swimming lessons
- Conducting 46,400 health classes
- Welcoming 2.27 million individuals to our venues
Transforming Lives Through Swimming
In 2023, we were recognised as the Scottish Waters Learn to Swim Service Provider of the year. We engaged 11,806 unique participants, generating over £6.5 million in social value.
Transforming Lives Through Active Participation
Our Active Options programme offers personalised fitness and wellbeing activities for people with long-term health conditions. Since its launch, we have partnered with over 300 health and social care professionals, and our specialist classes have seen an impressive 221,000 attendances.
Promoting Sustainability with Our Hydration Station Service
Additionally, we are excited to highlight that our Hydration Station service, which provides access to refillable water stations at our venues, has prevented over 1.6 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills, promoting sustainable practices within our community.
Support Us
Whether you’re a local business, community group, or individual, there are many ways to get involved. Volunteer, participate in our programmes, or collaborate on initiatives that promote health and wellbeing.
Visit our website, call us, or drop by one of our venues to learn more about how you can contribute to our
To find out more about the Seriously Social campaign, go to: Seriously Social about Public Leisure and Culture
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust Celebrates Outstanding Performance Across All Programmes in April
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is excited to share its remarkable achievements in April 2024, underscoring its commitment to health, wellbeing, and community engagement. As a leading provider of sports and leisure facilities in Fife, the Trust has not only met but surpassed its targets, showcasing remarkable performance across all programmes.
With 14 regional venues, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of the community. April’s attendance surpassed expectations by over 17%. Both aquatic and indoor facilities surpassed their yearly performance benchmarks, with aquatic visits reaching 94,966, indoor visits hitting 106,357, and outdoor visits achieving 25,166 to date. Every venue met or exceeded its individual performance targets, highlighting the operational excellence and broad appeal of Fife’s recreational facilities.
The Trust has seen record-high membership numbers due to its updated membership structure, providing access to various venues, facilities, and health and wellbeing activities. The Trust now offers over 260 weekly fitness classes, marking a 20% increase and significantly boosting participation. This strong community response highlights the effectiveness of the Trust’s strategic initiatives and the growing enthusiasm for health and fitness programmes.
Emma Walker, CEO of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: Our mission goes beyond fitness. It’s about nurturing a community that embraces an active lifestyle. We are extremely proud of the accomplishments in April, which demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and community engagement. The dedication of our team and the enthusiastic response from our members have been crucial in surpassing our targets. We are excited to build on this success and continue to offer exceptional services that benefit everyone in our community.
Key programmes such as ‘Learn to Swim’ have seen substantial user engagement and satisfaction. With 8,153 participants to date, it is one of the largest swimming programmes in Scotland. The success of ‘Learn to Swim’ is a testament to the dedication and excellence of the Trust’s instructors, who have created an inspiring and beneficial programme for individuals of all ages.
The Trust has also seen high participation rates among individuals under 18 and over 60. This trend highlights the Trust’s dedication to creating programmes that appeal to a wide audience and ensure everyone, regardless of age, has access to its offerings.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has set ambitious yet achievable strategic goals for 2024 and 2025. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, the Trust aims to drive toward long-term economic sustainability, and enable reinvestment in community programmes. With significant increases in participation rates and revenue targets, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is well-positioned to achieve its goals while continuing to deliver high-quality services that enhance the health and wellbeing of residents.
Scott Urquhart, Head of Operations at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, commented: Our recent performance is a testament to our staff’s hard work and innovation. The significant increase in participation and the success of our programmes, as well as attendance at pools, fitness classes, and facilities, showcase our ability to meet the community’s diverse needs. We are eager to pursue our strategic goals for 2024 and 2025, ensuring we deliver top-quality services and contribute to a healthier, more active Fife.
For more information on the Trust, its memberships, services, and facilities, please visit: Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)
Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre Celebrate New Rail link
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is excited to host a series of exciting activities at Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre to mark the much-anticipated opening of the new rail link. First Minister John Swinney will lead the official opening of the rail link on Wednesday, the 29th of May, with ScotRail commencing operations on Sunday, the 2nd of June.
The community is invited to join the festivities and enjoy a fantastic lineup of events at Levenmouth Swimming Pool on the 2nd of June. The morning begins with an energising beach bootcamp from 9.00am to 10.00am, offering a high-energy workout against the stunning backdrop of Leven’s coastline. From 10.00am to 11.00am, relax and rejuvenate with a soothing beach yoga session, where you can enjoy the calming sounds of the sea. Both sessions are free and open to all fitness abilities. From 10.00am to 4.00pm, bring the whole family to make a splash at the pool inflatable session, free with a train ticket, for a day of aquatic fun and laughter.
On Monday, the 3rd of June, the adventure continues with a flumes and waves session from 10.00am to 3.00pm, free with a train ticket. Additionally, juniors are invited to explore new sports through come-and-try sessions. From 11.30am to 1.00pm, juniors can try pickleball or badminton, learning and playing in a fun and engaging setting. Both sessions are free and perfect for juniors eager to try something new.
Grant Stevenson, Area Leisure Manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, added: “We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone. The opening of the rail link allows us to enhance access to our venue and connect with more members of the local community, raising further awareness of the importance of physical activity, health, and wellbeing.”
Emma Walker, CEO at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The reopening of the Levenmouth rail link is a transformative development for our community. By improving access to our centre, we hope to see more people taking advantage of the excellent facilities and programmes we offer, bringing people together and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle. This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to reduce their carbon footprint and use green transport options to engage in health and wellness activities. We are excited to see the positive impact this will have on local engagement and participation.”
The Levenmouth rail link is a monumental project funded by the Scottish Government, reconnecting the area to the railway network for the first time in over 50 years. This ambitious initiative includes the construction of 19 kilometres of track and the establishment of two new electric railway stations. Leven Station is conveniently located near Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, providing seamless integration with connecting bus services and existing active travel routes.
In addition to the rail link, a new car park is being developed to serve both the rail station and the leisure centre, offering numerous benefits for visitors and the community. The car park will feature more spaces, accessible parking for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust customers, and electric charging points to promote sustainable transportation options. This development underscores the Trust’s commitment to improving accessibility and supporting green initiatives in the region. For more details about the events and to plan your visit, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/fife-sports-and-leisure-trust-51357250743
To learn more about the rail link, go to: Levenmouth Railway Link | ScotRail
Join us in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week and discover the positive impact of movement. We’re thrilled to support this year’s theme of “moving more for our mental health”. Regular physical activity not only benefits our physical health but also helps reduce stress and anxiety while boosting our energy and self-esteem.
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Experience the Benefits of Movement
We are excited to share a short video where our team members discuss the positive impact of regular physical activity on their mental health. Whether playing football, dancing to their favourite music, or engaging in yoga, every form of movement can contribute to mental wellbeing.
Engage with Our Activities
We offer a range of activities suitable for individuals of all fitness levels to help improve health and wellbeing.
Become a Member
Our enhanced membership makes it easier to access our facilities and comes with additional benefits and perks to meet diverse preferences and needs. The comprehensive Club membership, priced at just £30 a month, provides access to all facilities and activities. Other options include the Lite membership, Club Play, family add-on packages, and concessions, ensuring everyone can benefit from the Trust’s offerings.
Explore our membership options here: Membership – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust
Group Fitness
We’ve expanded our group fitness offerings to include over 260 weekly classes, a 20% increase since January. With the addition of new studio spaces at Carnegie Leisure Centre and a gym facility at East Sands Leisure Centre, plus our upcoming On-Demand programme, there are even more ways you can get fit and experience the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Check out our class timetable and book today: Group Fitness – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust
Pickleball
Experience the fun and community spirit of pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. With 29 sessions per week spread across 9 venues, there’s always a game you can join. You can also hire a court to play pickleball, whether you prefer doubles or singles. Equipment rental is available at reception.
Visit our pickleball timetable for more information: Pickleball – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust
Gyms
Our gyms are equipped with high-spec equipment and staffed by dedicated professionals ready to help you meet your fitness goals. Members can take advantage of a personalised journey, starting with a free 1-2-1 session with one of our qualified gym instructors to tailor a workout plan just for you.
Find out more here: The Gym – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust
MYZONE Community
We’ve partnered with Myzone, a high-tech wearable system that tracks your physical activity, such as heart rate and calories burned. The system converts this data into Myzone Effort Points (MEPs), which focus on effort rather than fitness level, allowing everyone to train together. For added motivation, your Myzone device can be synced with our system in certain fitness classes, enabling you to see your performance alongside your peers on a shared screen. The Myzone app takes your fitness journey to the next level by allowing you to set goals with others, earn badges and climb up the status rankings, adding a fun, competitive edge. Moreover, Club members can enjoy a 30% discount on all Myzone products!
Ask at reception to find out more about Myzone.
Connect with Our Community
We’re dedicated to fostering a healthier, more vibrant, active community. Follow us on social media and join our Facebook groups to get involved and stay up-to-date with the latest updates.
Let’s move more and feel better together!
Olympic champion dives into Fife’s swimming success
Duncan Scott inspires next generation at Learn to Swim celebration.
OLYMPIC, World, and Commonwealth champion swimmer Duncan Scott hosted a once-in-a-lifetime swim class with young Fifers this week.
Duncan, who was recently selected for Team GB for the Paris 2024 Olympics squad, made a visit to Fife Sport and Leisure Trust to celebrate being recognised as Learn to Swim Provider of the Year.
The swimming superstar led a series of exclusive sessions at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, sharing his expertise with over 100 young swimmers aged from ages 3 up to 14 years old.
Young swimmers were inspired as Duncan taught crucial water safety skills like floating and treading water, while offering top tips across the different swim strokes.
The event commemorated Fife Sport and Leisure Trust’s outstanding work in delivering the Learn to Swim National Framework , which won Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year at the annual Scottish Swimming Awards in 2023.
Delivering vital lessons to over 8,100 participants a week, it is one of 38 local authorities, leisure trusts and aquatic providers delivering the Framework across Scotland – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water that has already seen around 106,000 children take part in swimming lessons up and down the country, and is targeting another 100,000 children by 2025.
Lee Cunningham, Activities Manager at Fife Sport and Leisure Trust, said: “Having a world-class athlete like Duncan visit was a fantastic way to celebrate our Learn to Swim programme’s success.
“Not only did it provide our talented teachers with invaluable inspiration, but it gave our young swimmers a truly memorable experience.
“Learning to swim is such an essential life skill that builds confidence, promotes exercise, and importantly teaches water safety. We’re committed to creating supportive environments where all children can embrace the joy of swimming.”
Duncan Scott, who is an ambassador for the Learn to Swim Framework, was delighted to share his passion for the sport: “It was incredible to see so many enthusiastic kids getting a solid foundation in the water. Programmes like this are vital for developing safe, competent swimmers from an early age.
“The Learn to Swim Framework equips youngsters with skills to stay secure whether it’s at their local pool or Scotland’s beautiful lochs and beaches.
“I hope my visit inspired them to keep pursuing swimming for all its benefits – it’s been an amazing journey for me.”
The National Framework centres on progress and enjoyment, aiming to cultivate a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ that adopts healthy, active lifestyles.
Euan Lowe, CEO at Scottish Swimming highlighted the importance of such initiatives: “Starting children off with proper instruction builds essential skills and confidence that can inspire a lifetime enjoyment of swimming.
“Learn to Swim gives all children the opportunity to learn and enjoy being in the water in a safe way, and to have Duncan along is an inspiration for aspiring swimmers of all levels and abilities.”
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer added: “It’s great to see the good work that Fife Sport and Leisure Trust is doing in their drive to encourage as many young people as possible into the pool – learning to swim is such an important safety skill.
“With their help, and hundreds of others across the country, we’re making a really positive difference in creating Generation Swim, a generation of safe and competent swimmers, who not only learn a vital life skill, but will also get to experience the wider health and social benefits that swimming can offer.”
Learn to Swim is a National Framework committed to creating supportive and quality environments in which children can learn to swim regardless of their age, ability, or skill level. It aims to develop safe and competent swimmers, as well as encouraging youngsters to adopt a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle with sport and fun at its heart to reach their full potential both in the pool and out.
The programme is centred around progress and enjoyment and aims to build a legacy of ‘Generation Swim’ in Scotland.
Due to the current demand of our programme, spaces are regularly filled. Therefore, parents and guardians in Fife are encouraged to keep an eye on https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/swimming-lessons for upcoming opportunities to enrol in our Learn to Swim sessions.
For more information on the programme, visit: https://www.scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim
Spotlighting Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise understanding about the importance of early detection and treatment of bowel cancer.
Why Early Detection Matters Early detection of bowel cancer can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. According to Bowel Cancer UK, over 90% of individuals diagnosed at an early stage survive the condition. However, if the diagnosis is delayed, the survival rate drops significantly. This is why it is crucial to increase awareness of the early signs and symptoms of bowel cancer (Bowel Cancer UK).
Get Involved this April
We are delighted to team up with to Fife Health and Social Care Partnership this month to hold information stands at various venues. Our goal is to provide resources and information to our community, empowering them to take control of their health and wellbeing. You can visit us between 9.30am – 11.30am on the following dates:
– Tuesday 16th April: Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre
– Wednesday 17th April: Carnegie Leisure Centre
– Tuesday 23rd April: Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre
– Monday 29th April: Levenmouth Sports Centre
Active Move: Empowering Through Fitness
At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, our commitment to promoting wellbeing goes beyond awareness. Our Health and Wellbeing team provides a range of fitness classes designed to support individuals managing long-term health conditions.
Our Active Move class is a 12-week programme specifically designed to help people who are going through and recovering from cancer. The programme is led by experienced instructors who provide a supportive and dynamic group setting where participants engage in exercises to maintain their strength and flexibility.
Real Stories, Real Impact
We feel it is important to share inspiring stories like the stories of our members, whose journeys showcase how our programmes have helped them achieve personal growth and overcome challenges. “I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. It was initially discovered in my small bowel and was removed in February 2017. Unfortunately, the cancer spread to my liver and peritoneum in October 2022. At that time, my motivation was nearly non-existent, and the mere thought of engaging in any regular activity seemed overwhelmingly stressful. However, our instructor broke everything down into simple, understandable steps and tailored the programme to suit my ability, significantly boosting my confidence. Now, I find myself more eager to participate and stay active. The welcoming atmosphere of the class plays a crucial role in making me feel comfortable and safe.” – Veronica, 48.
Join Our Health Network #TogetherWeCan
We invite Health and Social Care professionals, the third sector, and the wider community to collaborate with us and refer individuals to our health and wellbeing programmes. Together, we can expand access to essential health support across our community, ensuring that everyone has equal access to improved wellbeing. To get involved, please visit Together We Can – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)
For further details about our Health and Wellbeing classes, including our Active Move programme, please visit: Together We Can – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)
For additional information or support regarding bowel cancer, visit Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/bowel-cancer or Bowel Cancer UK: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/support-us/bowel-cancer-awareness-month/
Let’s unite this April to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by bowel cancer. Together, we can make a real difference.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is delighted to announce that a new gym space is being developed at East Sands Leisure Centre. The Trust will transform the former cafe within the centre into a modern gym facility. Anticipated to open its doors in Spring 2024, this project reflects the Trust’s commitment to promoting health and wellness.
Construction for the project is scheduled to begin on Monday the 25th of March. The Leisure Centre will remain open and operate as usual during this time. However, the area surrounding the cafe will no longer be open for pool spectators. Alternative viewing options are available at the poolside gallery.
Grant Stevenson, Area Leisure Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be developing a new gym space at East Sands Leisure Centre to help our members pursue their goals. The gym will have a wide range of equipment, including strength, cardiovascular, free weights, and functional training apparatus, catering to diverse fitness routines.”
In addition to this exciting venture, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has several other projects underway. This includes the renovation of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and two new innovative studio spaces at Carnegie Leisure Centre. The first studio at Carnegie is set to open this spring, with further details to be announced.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust thanks its customers for their support during the development. The project marks a significant stride in improving the facilities at East Sands Leisure Centre and expanding fitness options for members.
Click here for more information about East Sands Leisure Centre.
Following discussions, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is pleased to announce that Fife Council will continue to operate the café services at Carnegie Leisure Centre, Duloch Leisure Centre, and Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre.
Emma Walker, Chief Executive Officer at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Fife Council to ensure the operation of café services at these three leisure centres. The cafes are not just places to grab a drink; they are welcoming community hubs where our customers can unwind and connect after their fitness activities. The Trust is grateful for Fife Council’s continued support and looks forward to working closely with them to provide the best possible experience for our customers. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to enhancing the overall experience for our members and our mission to grow our leisure offerings across Fife.”
Tariq Ditta, Head of Service for the Facilities Management Service at Fife Council, commented: “We have listened to the concerns of leisure centre users, and we confirm that we are not withdrawing catering services from these three leisure centres. Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust managers will collaborate to develop an agreed action plan to grow the catering service for customers.”
As the leading provider of sports and leisure facilities in Fife, the Trust remains committed to promoting health, wellbeing, and community engagement. With 14 regional venues, the Trust offers an array of services tailored to the community’s diverse needs, including leisure memberships, sports programmes such as learn-to-swim initiatives, and various health and wellbeing activities.
Aligned with its growth strategy, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust recently unveiled a revamped membership structure. It’s also expanded its fitness programme to offer over 250 weekly classes, a 20% increase since the membership launch. Additionally, the Trust is exploring an On-Demand programme to give customers access to workouts from their homes.
The Trust has several exciting projects in the works, including the refurbishment of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and the development of two new studio spaces at Carnegie Leisure Centre. The first studio at Carnegie is set to open this spring. More information on this will be available soon.
The Trust values the input of its members and the wider community and encourages individuals to share their feedback and suggestions regarding services through the ‘Talk to Us’ feedback platform on the Trust’s website.
Please click here for more information on venues or facilities.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is excited to announce the arrival of brand-new pool inflatables at Carnegie Leisure Centre, East Sands Leisure Centre, Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, and Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre. These inflatables are set to take aquatic adventures to the next level, providing young visitors with a thrilling and action-packed experience.
The inflatables offer the perfect balance of fun and fitness, allowing kids to bounce, climb, and navigate through floating obstacle courses while competing with friends in dual lanes. They are perfect for birthday parties, splash discos, and other events where kids can create unforgettable memories with friends and family.
Sharon Johnstone, Operations Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “We aim to continuously enhance the leisure experiences we offer to our community, and these new inflatables are a testament to that commitment. Whether it’s a splash disco, a birthday celebration, or just some fun with friends, our inflatables promise endless entertainment. With options available at four different pools, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
A member at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre commented: “The inflatable disco has truly become the highlight of our Fridays. The addition of the new inflatables has taken the excitement to a whole new level. My kids are already counting down the days until the next event, and they can’t wait to bring their friends along to join in on the fun!”
To find out more about Inflatable Discos and find an event near you, please contact the respective leisure centre. Fife Sports and Leisure Trust also offers private hire packages, complete with disco music to enhance the party atmosphere. For more information, contact reception or visit the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust website: Birthday parties – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)