Launched on 27th March 2007, this strategy is the culmination of a wide range of consultations between Scottish Borders Council and key partners including NHS Borders, sportscotland, District Sports Councils, Borders Sport and Leisure Trust and many other key stakeholders. It seeks to deliver national and local priorities for sport through six main themes:

Promoting well-being through physical activity
Developing facility provision and community access
Sustaining and developing coaches and volunteers
Supporting thriving clubs and organisations
Creating athlete potential
Physical education

Cllr Hutton and Glenn Rodger, Director of Education and Lifelong Learning, Scottish Borders Council with young Borders sports men and women at the strategy launch on 27th March 2007

Glenn Rodger, SBC's Director of Education and Lifelong Learning says: “This strategy reflects the excellent work and tremendous enthusiasm for sport, physical activity and education across the Borders. We take pride in our successes but have huge ambitions to do better. This co-ordinated and strategic approach, together with the continuing support of our key partners (professionals, organised groups, agencies, community groups, national bodies and volunteers) will enable us to provide a wide range of physical activity, sport and PE to the long-term benefit of individuals and communities in the Borders.”

Iain Kennedy, Partnership Manager for sportscotland, congratulated Scottish Borders Council on the development of the strategy: “Scottish Borders Council has been an excellent example of a local authority working with their key partners to strive to achieve an integrated approach to the strategic development of physical activity. Pulling the strategy together has been a significant task and it is now important that all partners take ownership of the strategy and work together to ensure its effective implementation. sportscotland looks forward to continuing to work with the council and welcomes the benefits that the implementation of this strategy will bring to the residents of Scottish Borders in the future.”

Doug Folan, the Council‘s Sport and Physical Education Manager, added: “There is no doubt that physical activity and sport make a huge contribution to well-being of all Borderers from a very young age and into adulthood. This plan sets targets which can help meet the needs of existing and emerging communities and recognises the regional context for the development of physical activity.”

For more information, or if you would like a copy of the strategy document, please contact Doug Folan, SHAPE Manager on 01835 824000 extension 5033, or email dfolan@scotborders.gov.uk.

To download a copy of the Strategy or the Summary, click here

Our Scottish Borders, Your Inspiration