There’s still time to sign up for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s exciting October Holiday Programme! Running from Saturday 5th to Sunday, 20th October, this programme is packed with budget-friendly activities to keep kids active during the school break. 
 
One of the standout features is the “Quid-a-Kid” initiative, which lets children aged 17 and under swim (Monday to Friday), play racquet sports, and enjoy football (Monday to Sunday) for just £1. Parents can also join in on the fun with affordable rates for football and racquet sports, making it a fantastic family outing. 
 
The programme also includes a variety of sports activity camps featuring gymnastics, dance, athletics, and more. These camps aim to keep kids engaged while promoting a love for movement in a fun and supportive environment. 
 
The highly anticipated 5-day Active Kidz Camps will return during the October holidays. The camps are tailored to specific age groups and will be hosted at venues including Carnegie Leisure Centre, Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Duloch Leisure Centre, and Pitreavie Athletics Centre. 
 
Lee Cunningham, Activities Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, emphasised the importance of these programmes for families: “We are thrilled to see the positive response from the community. Our holiday programmes are designed to inspire children to stay active and have fun during the school break. The camps and activities are always popular, so we encourage families to sign up soon and create lasting memories together this October!” 
 
These popular holiday programmes are made possible thanks to the support of Fife Council. Please note that activities are subject to venue programming and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait! 
 
For the complete schedule of events, times, and to secure your spot, visit the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust website: Events – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk) 

We’re excited to celebrate Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week! From 30th September to 6th October, we’re inviting women and girls of all ages and abilities across Fife to get active and inspire others to do the same.

This is the perfect opportunity to discover a sport or activity that suits you, whether it’s swimming, fitness classes, or something new. No matter your fitness level, our facilities are here to help you boost your physical and mental wellbeing while building connections within the community.

Let’s make this week count! Tag us in your activities and use #SheCanSheWill, #LetsMoveTogether, and the ‘Add Yours’ sticker on Instagram. By taking part, you’ll motivate others to join in and experience the many benefits of staying active.

Club members, don’t forget – you can bring one guest per month to our facilities, making it the perfect chance to bring a friend, daughter, mother, granny, or anyone else along! Speak to reception to organise your guest pass and share the benefits of being active together.

Click here to view our range of activities, venues, and timetables, and find out how you can get involved this Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.

For more information about activities at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, follow us on social media or visit our website. For updates on Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, follow @ActiveScotGov.

Empowering Communities and Transforming Lives Through Swimming

At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we believe that staying active is more than just about fitness, it’s about bringing people together and helping everyone feel healthier and happier. With 14 venues across Fife, including 9 with swimming pools, we are proud to create community hubs where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect through physical activity.

Making Swimming Accessible for All

We recently introduced our Club Membership, which provides unlimited access to all venues and facilities across Fife, including swimming pools. Priced at just £30 per month, this membership offers exceptional value. We also offer a concession price for eligible customers, ensuring that everyone can stay active even during peak times.

Recognising the importance of family engagement, our membership options include Mini, Junior, and Teen add-ons, enabling parents to involve their children in activities such as swimming at an affordable rate. This approach provides a cost-effective way for families to stay active together.

Our commitment to affordability is further demonstrated through initiatives such as Quid-a-Kid, funded by Fife Council. This programme allows children to swim for just £1 per session during school holidays. In 2023/24, 20,670 children participated in Quid-a-Kid, generating community savings of £57,876, equating to £1,901,640 in social value.

We also secured funding to offer free swimming lessons to 100 young people across Fife in 2023/24. This year-long programme, supported by Fife Council and Active Schools, identified children most in need and provided them with an opportunity to develop essential swimming skills, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities, regardless of socio-economic background.

Creating Social Value Through Swimming

Swimming pools play a crucial role in creating social value and promoting community health. In 2023/24, our swimming programmes generated £5 million in social value for the local community, around £97 per person, measured across four key indicators: physical and mental health, subjective wellbeing, individual development, and social and community development.

Key highlights from our social value analysis include:

  • £2.47 million generated through subjective wellbeing, demonstrating that swimming significantly improves individuals’ mental and emotional health. 
  • £1.37 million in physical and mental health benefits, as swimming helps prevent and manage chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and depression. Through swimming, we also reduce the incidence of hip fractures, back pain, and other physical health concerns.
  • £1.13 million attributed to social and community development, showing the positive impact swimming has on fostering stronger social connections within communities.   

Our data further reveals that regular participation in swimming reduces the need for GP visits, generating over £82,000 in savings on medical costs, while also contributing to reduced psychotherapy sessions, reinforcing the importance of swimming in improving both physical and mental health.

Award-Winning Lessons: Learn to Swim Provider of the Year

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is one of 38 local authorities, leisure trusts, and aquatic providers delivering the Scottish Swimming, supported by Scottish Water, Learn to Swim National Framework. The programme has reached approximately 106,000 children across the country, with a target to engage 100,000 more by 2025. Currently, 82,317 children and adults are learning to swim every week, and with over 8,200 participants attending lessons weekly, we contribute nearly 10% to the national total – making us one of the largest providers in Scotland.

We are the only provider in Fife delivering lessons based on pathway, ensuring high-quality instruction across 9 swimming venues and 4 community-use venues in local high schools. Participants in our Learn to Swim programme also receive free access to recreational swimming at our venues. This additional benefit allows learners to enjoy the water more frequently and get the most out of their learning experience.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Swimmers:

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust was named the Scottish Water Learn to Swim Provider of the Year 2023. This award celebrates our success in expanding swimming provision across Fife and our dedication to developing a skilled team of swimming instructors. We take immense pride in creating a generation of safe, confident swimmers who benefit from both water safety and the social and health advantages of swimming.

As part of this award, we were honoured to welcome Duncan Scott, Olympic, World, and Commonwealth champion swimmer and Learn to Swim Ambassador, to Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in April 2024. Duncan led swim sessions for over 100 children, inspiring them to continue their swimming journey.

Promoting Water Safety: Drowning Prevention Week

Each year, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust proudly supports Drowning Prevention Week, an important campaign led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK). Children in Fife participate in specially adapted lessons designed to teach the Water Safety Code and what to do in the case of an emergency. These lessons provide vital guidance ahead of the summer holidays, including the importance of floating in cold water and understanding beach flags.

We have run numerous social media campaigns over the years and held activities in our centres to promote water safety awareness. We also host an annual water safety poster competition, where participants have the chance to win 12 months of free swimming lessons.

Our Community Impact:

  • Widespread Adult Participation: In 2023/24, 32,467 adults, representing 10.8% of the adult population in Fife, took part in our swimming activities. Of these, 56% swam more than twice a month on average. Nearly one third of all adult swimmers were aged 30-44, while over 25% were older adults aged 60+.
  • Youth Engagement: In 2023/24, our venues welcomed 31,373 young swimmers, accounting for 45% of the under-18 population. An impressive 82% of participants swam more than twice a month. Half of the swimmers were aged 5-9, followed closely by those aged 1-4 and 10-14.
  • Social Value: Of the £5 million in value generated in 2023/24, subjective wellbeing was the largest contributor at £2.47 million (50% of the total). The remaining value came from physical and mental health (27%), social and community development (23%), and individual development (0.3%).
  • Social Value Index Score: Our 2023/24 overall social value index score is 82, placing us in the top quartile when benchmarked against other DataHub sites within the wider sector.
  • Award-Winning Programming: In 2023/24, 11,699 unique participants engaged in Learn to Swim activities across our sites. We were honoured to be named Scottish Swimming Learn to Swim Provider of the Year in 2023.

For more information about our venues and swimming lessons, please visit: Swimming – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)

To find out more about the Seriously Social campaign or the Seriously Social Awards, which support people over profit for social good, connect communities, and help individuals become healthier, happier, and more creative regardless of age or ability, visit: Seriously Social about Public Leisure and Culture.

#SeriouslySocial #Community 

Leon’s Transformative Journey at Levenmouth Swimming Pool & Sports Centre

Leon, a 24-year-old from Methil, Fife, has become an inspiring figure at Levenmouth Swimming Pool & Sports Centre. He enjoys swimming, walking, and football. However, this wasn’t always the case! Leon’s life took a significant turn nearly two years ago when he embarked on a transformative fitness journey.

At the start of his journey, Leon was severely overweight, nearly bed-bound, and consuming up to 20,000 calories a day. Leon received a free year-long membership as part of our community funding initiative in partnership with Fife Council. Recognising his need to change and motivated to lose weight and improve his health, Leon’s friend introduced him to Levenmouth Swimming Pool & Sports Centre. He said:

“I knew I needed a drastic change, and the Fife Sports and Leisure Trust membership was the perfect opportunity to start my journey!”

Leon’s initial steps were daunting. However, the small victories, such as noticing his clothes becoming looser, spurred him on. Swimming quickly became his favourite activity. The ability to use the pool as much as he wanted and the supportive staff at the venue made a significant difference. He speaks highly of the lifeguards and other staff members who cheered him on and celebrated his achievements. Leon said:

“The staff at Levenmouth are incredible. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with open arms. The lifeguards, receptionists, and trainers all knew my name and would cheer me on every step of the way. Their positive words and smiles were a huge part of my journey. Knowing that they believed in me helped me believe in myself. I looked forward to going to the pool not just for the exercise but for the support and camaraderie. They made me feel like part of a community, which was crucial in keeping my spirits high and my motivation strong.”

Leon’s mother has also supported him, helping him prepare healthy meals and encouraging his progress. He added:

“My mum has been my rock. She’s been there every step of the way, cooking healthy meals and cheering me on.”

The changes in Leon’s life have been nothing short of remarkable. From struggling with basic tasks like tying his shoelaces, he now enjoys a more active and balanced life. Leon’s physical transformation is astounding. He has shed an incredible 293 pounds (21 stone), dropping from 483 pounds (34.7 stone) to 190 pounds (13.8 stone).

This transformation was symbolised by his progress down the locker numbers at the pool. He started with the highest-numbered locker, making his way down as the pounds dropped. He now uses locker 190, matching his current weight in pounds. He explained:

“Each locker I moved down felt like a huge accomplishment. It was a physical representation of my progress. Seeing the numbers decrease was incredibly motivating. It wasn’t just a change in a number; it was proof of all my hard work and dedication. Every time I moved to a lower-numbered locker, it reminded me of how far I had come and kept me focused on my goals.”

His story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of a supportive environment, and the profound impact of physical activity on overall wellbeing. To those considering joining Fife Sports and Leisure Trust or starting their own fitness journey, Leon advises:

“If I can do it, anyone can. It’s all about taking that first step and not giving up. It will be a tough but rewarding journey. Be honest with yourself and get to the root cause of your problems. “

Leon recalls a humorous moment when his old swim shorts nearly fell off due to his weight loss, highlighting how far he has come.

“It was a bit embarrassing but also a proud moment. It showed how much weight I had lost! Now that I’m lighter and have more movement, I can try new techniques in the water. I am able to do the butterfly stroke with ease as I’m not restricted.”

His success has inspired others at Levenmouth Swimming Pool & Sports Centre, and he often shares tips and advice with fellow members on their weight loss journeys.

“Helping others and seeing them succeed has been incredibly fulfilling. When I see someone else achieving their goals, knowing that I played a part in their journey, it fills me with immense joy. That sense of community and purpose is something I never expected to find, and it’s incredibly rewarding. I’m glad I can give back.”

Leon’s journey is a powerful reminder of the positive changes that can come from dedication and support. His story is not just about weight loss; it’s about reclaiming life, gaining confidence, and finding joy in everyday activities.

#SeriouslySocial #Community

Leon before and after.

On Thursday, 5th September, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust hosted a Work Inspiration Day at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, offering young people a unique opportunity to explore careers in the sports and leisure sector. Forty S3 & S4 pupils from Balwearie, Kirkcaldy, Lochgelly, and St Andrews RC High Schools attended the event, which was organised in collaboration with the Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance (KSLA) and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Scotland.

Pupils were divided into groups to take part in various hands-on activities led by experienced staff members. These activities provided valuable insights into different roles, including administration and memberships, gym instructing, leading fitness and activity sessions, as well as first aid and lifeguarding. Each session was designed to give students a practical understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities of Fife Sports and Leisure staff and the pathways to building a career in the sector.

Karen Marsh, Human Resources Manager at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The atmosphere on the day was fantastic, and it was really inspiring to see the students so engaged and excited about the different roles within the industry. The staff at Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre’s dedication and passion really shone through as they led the sessions and shared their own career journeys. We’re eager to build on the success of this event to offer young people valuable opportunities to develop practical skills and gain experience through volunteering, training, and work placements, so they can take the first steps toward a career in this sector.”

Emma Walker, CEO of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, commented: “We’re incredibly proud of the partnership between Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance, and Developing the Young Workforce Scotland. This Work Inspiration Day is a perfect example of how we can come together to give young people real, hands-on insights into careers in the sports and leisure industry. The impact of this kind of event goes beyond just a day’s experience – it opens doors for young people to see the wide range of opportunities available in leisure, from lifeguarding and fitness instruction to management and operations. By offering these opportunities, we’re helping young people build the confidence and skills they need to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in an industry that supports health, wellbeing, and community spirit.”

Darren Wilson, DYW Wider Achievement Coordinator, stated: “The Work Inspiration Day in collaboration with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is an excellent example of how connecting schools with employers can offer relevant pathways into volunteering, work experience and employment. A wide range of potential career pathways were demonstrated by local members of staff who shared their experience and career pathways through engaging the young people through practical activities.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust are an organisation offering various routes and employment opportunities it is important that we make our young people aware of what is on offer in developing the skills and how they access this pathway. I am excited to see how the partnership strengthens, and we continue to grow opportunities for young people to progress and thrive in this sector.”

Lewis Cleland Guidance Teacher at St Andrews RCHS Kirkcaldy, added: The event was excellent a very productive day for pupils to experience a breadth of workshops and gain an insight into the opportunities in the Sports and Leisure industry.

The event was part of a broader initiative by the KSLA to support young people in exploring career pathways within the local community. The partnership with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust plays a key role in promoting employability and creating opportunities for work experience and volunteering in the sports and leisure sector. Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, offering young people practical experience to build their skills and confidence.

For more information on volunteering, work experience, and career opportunities with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, visit: Join Our Team – Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (fifeleisure.org.uk)

A large group of teenagers and young adults and staff members at Fife Sports and Leisure Trust posing for a photo in a sports hall.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, designed to bring fantastic benefits to the club’s loyal fans and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

The primary objectives of this partnership are to increase membership engagement, support players’ recovery with access to Fife Sports and Leisure Trust facilities like pools, and promote both brands through shared activities. The partnership also aims to strengthen ties with the local community by fostering collaboration between the club, the Trust, and the surrounding community.

As part of this collaboration, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is offering exclusive discounts to Dunfermline Athletic season ticket holders, unlocking access to a wide range of fitness and leisure facilities. In addition, all season ticket holders will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win an annual Club membership, valued at £300. This incredible prize offers full access to all Fife Sports and Leisure Trust venues, including swimming pools, gyms, and fitness classes.

Dunfermline Athletic Football Club will also host ‘Fife Leisure Fridays’ on their official social media channels. Every Friday home game for the rest of the season, fans will have the chance to participate in exciting giveaways and win prizes including Family Swim passes and Flex Memberships. This initiative is set to engage the fan community and encourage families to enjoy the fantastic facilities offered by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.

Fraser MacKenzie, Head of Sales & Commercial Development, commented: “We are delighted to partner with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club. We believe this partnership will provide tremendous value to the supporters and encourage them to take advantage of the excellent facilities we have across Fife.”

Alister Burn, Commercial Manager at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, added: “We are excited to announce our partnership with Fife Sports & Leisure Trust. Over the past few months, we have been using the fantastic facilities at Carnegie Leisure Centre to aid with the recovery and rehabilitation of our first team players. As a club committed to the community, partnerships like this are extremely important in highlighting the many benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to working with Fife Sports & Leisure Trust throughout the season to provide our supporters the opportunity to utilise the facilities through special offers, prizes, and activations.”

Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, located in the heart of Dunfermline, is close to several venues including Carnegie Leisure Centre, Duloch Leisure Centre, Pitreavie Athletics Centre, and Dalgety Bay Sports and Leisure Centre. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for both Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Dunfermline Athletic Football Club, with a shared commitment to fostering a healthier, more active community.

Season ticket holders eager to take advantage of these exclusive offers are encouraged to reach out to Dunfermline Athletic Football Club by emailing: football@dafc.co.uk.

For more information on the partnership and to stay updated on ‘Fife Leisure Fridays’, follow Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Dunfermline Athletic Football Club’s official social media channels.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is excited to announce a special celebration in honour of Dalgety Bay Sports and Leisure Centre’s 30th birthday. On Saturday, 24th August, the venue will host an open day with activities for all ages, inviting the entire community to join the celebrations.

The day will feature a mix of events, including unique outdoor sessions like an Outdoor Bootcamp and a Yoga class with Silent Disco headphones. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in seven different group fitness classes, included in the Club membership. Whether looking for the peaceful flow of Les Mills BodyBalance or the high-energy challenge of Old School Gym Circuits and Metafit, there’s something for every fitness enthusiast. These popular classes are expected to fill up quickly, so early booking is encouraged, with registration opening eight days in advance.

Children can look forward to a range of fun activities, including Bouncy Castle sessions, a family-friendly Silent Disco, and “Come & Try” racquet sports sessions such as Pickleball, Table Tennis, Badminton, and more.

The celebration continues on Sunday, 25th August, with two exciting football tournaments in collaboration with Swifts Football Club. A 5-a-side competition for children aged 5-9 years and a 7-a-side tournament for those aged 10-16 years. Teams can enter for a small fee of £5, payable on the day, with the option to register as a team or be placed in one upon arrival.

Area Leisure Manager James Dunbar expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone event: “Reaching our 30th birthday is a remarkable achievement that reflects the unwavering support of our community and the hard work of our dedicated team. We’re excited to celebrate this occasion with a day full of activities that highlight our venue’s diverse offerings.”

A Receptionist at Dalgety Bay Sports and Leisure Centre shared their thoughts on the upcoming celebration: “It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. We’re pulling out all the stops to ensure this day is not just a celebration of the past but a vibrant showcase of what the future holds for our members and new visitors alike.”

For more information and to secure your place at this not-to-be-missed event, please visit: https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/dalgetybay30

At Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. British Sign Language (BSL) is an essential form of communication for many individuals in our community, and we are committed to enhancing accessibility and support for BSL users across Fife.

In October 2017, the Scottish Government produced its first British Sign Language (BSL) National Plan. This plan sets out Scotland’s ambition to be the best place in the world for BSL users to live, work, and visit. The Act requires local authorities to produce a local BSL plan detailing the actions each authority will take to achieve the National Plan’s long-term goals. We are proud to announce that Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has been selected as a partner agency for Fife’s 2024-2030 BSL Local Plan. This plan aims to promote the use of BSL and ensure that users across Fife have equal access to support and services.

Our Role in the BSL Local Plan

We are collaborating with various stakeholders, including Fife Council Deaf Communication Service, Fife Cultural Trust, NHS Fife, Fife College, and other local organisations, to develop a unified approach to support BSL users and make a positive impact throughout Fife.

Accessibility and Inclusion Initiatives

Staff Training and Awareness

We are dedicated to promoting health, fitness, and wellbeing and understand the importance of making our facilities and services accessible to everyone. To ensure our team can offer the best possible service to BSL users, we are working closely with Fife Council Deaf Communication Service to provide staff with BSL taster sessions and cultural awareness training. These sessions will be conducted by experienced trainers to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Website and Communication Updates

Our commitment to accessibility includes regularly updating our website and other communication channels to meet accessibility standards, such as WCAG compliance. These updates will make information about our services more accessible, allowing everyone to take full advantage of our facilities and programmes. Users can expect improved navigation, enhanced readability, and accessible content.

Future Commitment

The journey towards full accessibility and inclusion is ongoing. The 2024-2030 plan provides a clear roadmap, and we are committed to playing our part in achieving its goals. To ensure continuous improvement, Stakeholders Local Plan meetings will continue to progress in implementing Fife’s BSL Plan for 2024-2030. Accessible meetings will be set up twice yearly to enable BSL users to give feedback on how the plan’s implementation impacts their lives and discuss areas for further improvement in Fife. Progression reports will be produced and presented to relevant governance groups of all stakeholders, including the Health and Social Care Partnership’s Clinical and Care Governance Committee.

Stay Informed

The 2024-2030 BSL Local Plan and a BSL translation are available on Fife Council, Health and Social Care Partnership, and other stakeholders’ social media platforms and websites. Click here to find out more: www.fife.gov.uk/fifeDCS.

For more information about our initiatives, please follow our social media channels or contact us at fslt.hq@fifeleisure.org.uk.

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