Back to basics for primary school sports - Midlothian Council
Monday 25 June 2001
With recent studies showing that obese and overweight children now account for over 15 per cent of the Scottish youth population, sportscotland has committed £2.8m of Lottery funds over four years to introduce a programme that will increase physical activity levels among Scotland's primary school children.
"We look forward to seeing the programme making an impact in every primary school in Scotland."
A Lottery Fund award of £48,660 to Midlothian Council will ensure that thousands of youngsters in 38 primary schools, and later in a number of community sites, will be among the first to benefit from the TOP programmes which have been specifically designed to benefit younger children.
Originally developed by the UK-wide charity, the Youth Sport Trust, the TOP programmes consist of two elements. TOP Play introduces young children (4 to 9 years) to the essential core skills such as throwing and catching, running and jumping; while TOP Sport helps to develop the skills of 7 to 12 year olds in specific sports. Primary school teachers and other community leaders will be provided with training, resource cards and child-friendly, multi-coloured equipment to allow them to deliver the two elements.
The programme is expected to significantly strengthen the delivery of the PE curriculum throughout the region by increasing the confidence of class teachers to deliver PE. The extra-curricular sports provision will also be increased and enhanced and it will link to the existing sports development programme.
Commenting on the award, Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland, said: "Improving the level of physical activity among our young people is not just a desirable option, it is absolutely essential if we are to begin to reverse the negative trends in Scotland's health.
"Getting our children interested in physical activity at an early age is one of the best opportunities we can ever give them. As well as laying the foundation for healthier lifestyles, sport can help develop children's self esteem and teach them social skills that can be applied to other areas of their lives. This award further underlines sportscotland's determination to see school sport flourish."
Cllr Adam Montgomery, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Recreation and Sport in Midlothian, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Midlothian primary school children and community organisations to participate in a range of different sports and experience the benefits of physical activity. Such an initiative demonstrates the benefits of sports development officers working closely with schools."
Benny O'Brien, National Development Officer for the Youth Sport Trust added: "By giving children the opportunity to learn the basic skills that will allow them to enjoy all sports and activities, we increase the likelihood of them finding an activity they particularly enjoy. And by providing them with the appropriate resources to develop their abilities we increase the chances of identifying sporting talent that can be further nurtured.
"We look forward to seeing the programme making an impact in every primary school in Scotland."
- TOP Sport currently introduces 7-12 year olds to six specific sports: basketball, cricket, hockey, netball, rugby and tennis, and also provides resource cards for athletics, fitness, swimming, gymnastics, dance and outdoor activities, with the aim of expanding the number of sports offered.
- The Youth Sport Trust is a UK-wide registered charity established in 1994 to build a brighter future for young people in sport. Its mission is to develop and implement, in close partnership with other organisations, quality education and sport programmes for all young people aged 18 months to 18 years in schools and the community.
- Midlothian Council's TOP programme is being project led by Brian Renwick, Rugby Development Officer.