A Fife centre giving youngsters an alternative to hanging around local streets is proving a hit.
Duloch Leisure Centre, on Dunfermline’s eastern expansion, has become a focal point for youngsters on a Saturday night since a specially-designed programme of sports and leisure activities launched in September.
Open to pupils ranging in age from primary seven to sixth year, Youthub offers football, basketball, badminton, craft work and social activities supervised by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust staff with the support of Fife Council community workers and Police Scotland community officers.
In addition, local sports clubs and organisations such as Fife College have been invited to help showcase and offer additional activities.
Fife Sports and Leisure Trust received funding from Fife Council to deliver the local project and local councillors Billy Pollock and City of Dunfermline area committee chairwoman Helen Law made a visit to the programme to meet youngsters who spend their Saturday evenings at Youthub and find out what makes it such a success.
Mrs Law said she is pleased with the approach.
“A social setting like this is a great way to encourage young people to be regularly active and can be a good way to encourage them to try out a new sporting activity,” she said.
“It’s great to hear that this is a partnership approach and having local sports clubs on board is a real asset as it means we can offer a good pathway for those that pick up a particular interest.”
James Dunbar, area leisure manager for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, added: “We have been really pleased with the increasing level of participation from local young people for us, it’s a great way to engage young people in physical activity and give them access to the trust’s facilities.
“Trust staff have been liaising with local schools to raise awareness of the project and to let parents know about the programme.
“We hope that it’s seen as a low-cost, fun and active night of entertainment.
“Youthub is a great resource for youngsters in the area and I would encourage anyone interested to come along and get involved.”
For further details on Youthub at Duloch Leisure Centre visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk.