Community leisure creates opportunities that extend far beyond sport and physical activity.

From qualifications and training to employment and career development, the sector plays an important role in helping people gain new skills, build confidence, and access meaningful employment opportunities.

Earlier this year, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Train Smart: Active Careers initiative helped create new pathways into the leisure industry through a fully funded National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) programme.

Delivered in partnership with Kingdom Works, a Kingdom Housing Association project that supports individuals from across Fife into employment, training and skills opportunities, the initiative helped remove financial barriers to entering the leisure industry.

Through funding provided by the partnership, successful candidates were able to complete the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) free of charge. The standard 36-hour, five-day course typically costs £280, making the programme more accessible to people who may otherwise have been unable to take part.

The response from the local community was overwhelmingly positive, with strong interest in the programme and a high number of applications received for the Lifeguard Assessment Centre.

Successful candidates completed the nationally recognised qualification before progressing into employment opportunities across Fife Sports and Leisure Trust venues.

The programme not only provided participants with an industry-recognised qualification, but also equipped them with essential life-saving, first aid, teamwork and communication skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Many of those participants are now part of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s lifeguard team, helping create safe, welcoming environments for customers across Fife.

One newly qualified lifeguard said: “The Assessment Centre was a really positive experience. Everyone was supportive and encouraging, and it gave me a clear understanding of what the role involved before starting the course.

Completing the qualification has boosted my confidence and opened the door to a career I hadn’t previously considered. It’s given me skills that are valuable both inside and outside of work.”

Another participant commented: “I was looking for a role where I could make a difference and be part of a team. The programme gave me the chance to gain a recognised qualification and move directly into employment.

Working as a lifeguard is rewarding because no two days are the same. Knowing that the training has prepared me to help keep people safe gives me a real sense of purpose.”

Steven Sutherland, Employability Officer at Kingdom Housing Association, said: “Working in partnership with Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has been a genuinely positive experience.  Our programme removes barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing training and employment opportunities, particularly the cost of qualifications.

Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to support individuals from across Fife to gain a recognised qualification and move directly into meaningful employment. The support provided by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust throughout the process has been outstanding, from the initial engagement through to training and recruitment.

This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations work together with a shared focus on creating real opportunities. We’ve seen individuals grow in confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps into sustainable employment, which is exactly the kind of impact Kingdom Works aims to deliver.”

By removing barriers to training and providing clear pathways into work, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is helping people gain the skills, qualifications and confidence they need to succeed. 

The impact goes beyond those who completed the course. The new lifeguards who joined the organisation are now making a difference in their communities every day, helping ensure local leisure facilities remain safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone.

Find Out More

This story is just one example of how community leisure creates opportunities for people across Fife.

Visit our Seriously Social webpage to explore more stories showcasing the positive impact of community leisure: www.fifeleisure.org.uk/seriously-social

Follow Fife Sports and Leisure Trust on social media throughout the week as we celebrate the people, programmes and partnerships helping create healthier, happier and more connected communities.