First for Fife as new youth sports hub opens in Tayport

Young Fifers can now take can now take advantage of free sports activity thanks to a new partnership venture in Tayport.

Based in the newly opened Larick Centre in the town, a new youth sports hub will welcome around 30 young people between P 7 and S1 each week for free sports and healthy snacks.

The partnership between Fife Council, Tayport Community Trust, Tayport FC and the Waterstone Crook Community Sport Hub has pulled together to give youngsters a more positive outlet to build confidence, self-esteem and social development.

Ross Taylor, Fife Council's Community Sport Hub Officer commented: "This is fantastic example of the local community coming together with local organisations and providing a really positive project for local young people. We are delighted to have the support of Active Schools, Active Communities and our Waterstone Crook community sport hub partners in this project. A big thanks must also go to Tay FM Cash For Kids, the National Children's Lottery and St Andrews Dance society for their funding support, which will allow this project to have a wider social impact on the young people who will attend."

Yvonne Wynia, Project Coordinator at the Larick Centre added: "This is an exciting new project for the young people of the community of Tay Bridgehead and offers the opportunity for young people to build friendships, be active and feel good. With the contribution of the Sports Clubs and with help of volunteers we hope it will become a great success.

Convener of Fife Council's Community and Housing services sub committee Cllr Judy Hamilton is delighted that the project has got off the ground. She commented: "Sport and physical activity can have a truly positive impact on the physical, mental and emotional health of young people across our local communities.

"I hope this new model can be replicated elsewhere in Fife to give our youngsters much needed facilities and social opportunities for their health and wellbeing. It's an exciting model that leads the way and demonstrates how communities can support each other in smaller, more rural areas."