A wing of Fife Council has been recognised with a national prize for its dedication to outreach work among secondary schools in the local community.
The Kirkcaldy Sport and Leisure Alliance (KSLA) won the Outstanding Contribution to the Community award at the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Conference Awards, sponsored by Sports Directory and The LEGO Group.
The award, sponsored by Class for Kids, celebrates harnessing the power of PE, sport and play to develop interventions which bring people and communities together.
The Youth Sport Trust is the UK’s leading children’s charity improving every young person’s education and development through sport.
The @ChildrensComm #TheBigAmbition report published today shows this generation of children and young people are crying out for change. We strongly believe that increasing levels of physical activity is integral to developing a generation who are happier, healthier, and more… https://t.co/YeD7N58FdX
— Youth Sport Trust (@YouthSportTrust) March 25, 2024
Senior wider achievement coordinator Darren Wilson, who has been working with four Kirkcaldy secondary schools, said: “We’re delighted to have even been put forward for the award.
“We’ve implemented a new programme called Set for Success that has come to Fife which we’re piloting in Scotland.
“We’re so happy to drive that forward in Scotland and hopefully make some changes to the way that young people access education through sport and physical activity.
“It’s the impact on young people’s wellbeing but also the belief and resilience in themselves that has grown so much.”
Reigning heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was also in attendance to recognise those who have gone above and beyond from across the country.
The 31-year-old also sat down for a keynote speaker session and shared advice and anecdotes from her athlete career.
She said: “It’s been a really great evening and event.
“Sport is what I do and how I’ve been brought up through youth development and all the competitions that I did through this organisation as a kid.
“It’s nice to be here and giving back and it’s great to hear so many inspiring stories.
“I don’t know who I am without sport and that came from PE lessons doing high jump when I was younger.
“From that young age, I found an identity through it where I was known for being good at something.”
More than 120 nominations were received from across the seven categories, and judging panels of experts reviewed the shortlisted entries to decide the finalists.
Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver added: “There have been so many incredibly worthy nominees for the various awards.
“I’m so excited about all the innovation and tremendous practice that is going on across the country to build brighter futures for young people through the power of sport.”
The Youth Sport Trust Annual Conference Awards celebrate schools, settings, trusts, and individuals who, working alongside Youth Sport Trust, have made a real and impactful change to the lives of young people. Find out how the Youth Sport Trust is building brighter futures for children through sport and play.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here