Be Inspired: Active

Be InspiredWest Lothian Legacy Actions

Active| 2013 – 2019

An active legacy is often referred to as the ‘healthy’ theme and specifically concentrates on bringing together all service areas to deliver, develop and introduce programmes, projects, events and initiatives, all of which, contribute towards helping ‘Scots become more physically active’. The active theme includes various indicators which collectively work towards successfully achieving three national outcomes:h Increase physical activity and participation in sport;h Improve the active infrastructure (people and places); and,h Improve Scottish sporting success.

Introduction to LegacyA culmination of worldwide historical events including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup supplies Scotland with the opportunity to raise the profile of legacy activities and, deliver lasting change across the whole of Scotland. Legacy activity is crucially important as when monitored, it contributes towards identifying significant developments as a result of Scotland hosting the games.

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West Lothian ActionWest Lothian continues to showcase achievements by delivering many actions which contribute towards meeting national legacy outcomes. An active legacy in West Lothian focuses on utilising the ‘festival effect’ linked with major sporting events by directing community members to accessible, affordable and sustainable activities. West Lothian embraces all legacy themes and strives towards successfully achieving all local priorities, one of which including:

h We live longer, healthier lives and have reduced health inequalities.

Physical Activity Implementation PlanAdapting key elements of the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity, the PAIP encompasses a series of detailed action plans which define commitments towards promoting the importance of physical activity through a range of events, programmes, projects and initiatives.

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West Lothian on the MoveWest Lothian on the Move (WLOTM) is an established programme that works in partnership with a range of services to encourage those who are inactive to take part in physical activity for the benefit of their health and well-being. With a focus on areas experiencing health inequalities; WLOTM accomplishes local and national outcomes by influencing policy development through strategy group membership, and ensuring that staff and communities have access to consistent and evidence based messages.To promote and encourage independent physical activity for individuals who may initially lack confidence to become more active through walking; a bike lending library has recently been developed along with bike maintenance training.WLOTM also supports the development of walking and cycling maps to make it easier for people to be active whilst delivering a wide range of training on the importance of activity appropriately tailored to one’s life-stage.

West Lothian Green GymThe Conservation Volunteers Scotland (TCVS) and (WLOTM) continue to work in partnership to implement a series of different green gym models across West Lothian. Green gym models have proven to be successful throughout the West Lothian community, with additional funding bids supporting future projects.

Be InspiredWest Lothian Council Legacy Actions


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Active West Lothian Strategy (Draft)The Active West Lothian (AWL) Strategy (2014/17) provides a shared vision across a range of partners to inspire the people of West Lothian to get out, get active and get results. Building on the back of major sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup, West Lothian continues to develop strategies with the aim of encouraging individuals to participate in sport and be physically active. The formation of the AWL strategy was built upon a shared vision across a range of partners including West Lothian Leisure, NHS Lothian and sportscotland. All partners actively work together to support a suite of service planning thus providing direction to programmes, activities and resources to achieve strategic outcomes, such as:h Outcome 1: We have increased participation in physical activity which will lead to improved health and life expectancy across all the life stages.h Outcome 2: We have increase participation and engagement by less active communities. h Outcome 3: We provide services and facilities which meet the needs of the community.h Outcome 4: Clubs and individuals are encouraged to reach their full potential.h Outcome 5: More people delivering better opportunities within schools and the wider community.h Outcome 6: More and better opportunities to participate in sport within schools and the wider community.

If successful, the AWL strategy will recognise an increase in sport and physical activity participation with more young people from West Lothian being selected for national teams and squads. Success of the AWL strategy will see that partners continue to work together to achieve a shared ‘active’ legacy vision of ‘helping Scots become more physically active’.

Be Inspired 5West Lothian Council Legacy Actions

Established Orienteering SitesWest Lothian currently has three permanent orienteering

sites within Beecraigs Country Park, Polkemmet Country Park and Dechmont Law. These orienteering sites

have been popular for visitors to participate at an introductory / novice level.

To build upon the popularity of orienteering and to improve the health and wellbeing of West Lothian’s population, Outdoor Education is working in partnership with Nets, Land and Countryside Service, Community Regeneration and Interlopers Orienteering Club to establish two new permanent orienteering sites within Livingston. One site is Almond Park, South Craigshill within an area of multiple deprivations; the second located within Eliburn Park, a catchment area which serves a wider community due

to its rural setting. Outdoor Education is promoting a

‘development pathway’ in orienteering for people in Livingston, from initial primary school

tuition to trying out public, permanent courses independently. The aim of such pathways is to

increase event participation and build stronger, sustainable clubs.

To promote orienteering in schools that links to the Curriculum for Excellence, external funding applications for primary and secondary schools are currently supported by Outdoor Education. Funding supports the creation of school orienteering maps and promotes CPD training to sustain activity within schools and improve the health and wellbeing of school children.

Xcite Ageing Well (50+ years)The Ageing Well “changing lifestyles” project is part funded by NHS (Lothian) and works in partnership with Xcite West Lothian to create opportunities for the older generation to be as active as possible. The project seeks

to maintain and improve the health of the over 50s by using participant skills and knowledge to develop activities and programmes accordingly. Coordinated by one full time member of staff alongside a surplus of dedicated volunteers, the Xcite Ageing Well project successfully delivers a range of activities across West Lothian, including but not limited to; tea dances, singing for health, new age kurling, walking groups, walking football, tai chi, social events and gentle exercise. The project is set to grow to include classes tailored towards falls prevention/postural stability, swimming buddy systems and a sporting memory reminiscence programme.The project is supported by a wide range of partners some of which include Age Scotland, Alzheimer’s Scotland, WLC Health Improvement Team and links with 50+ groups across West Lothian.

Going for Gold 2014 (CANAlympics)The aim of West Lothian Care Activity Network (CAN) is to increase levels of physical activity within care settings including care homes, day care, sheltered housing and care at home. The CANAlympics is an annual event introduced to encourage older people who are in receipt of care to be as active as possible to improve their emotional and physical health. Separated into various teams, all participants compete in a variety of activities, some of which including skittles, new age kurling and sock pairing.

The CANAlympics continues to be supported by various services across West Lothian including, The Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP); West Lothian Leisure; West Lothian’s Ageing Well Project; Police Scotland and voluntary and private sectors.

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Armadale Community Sport Hub (ACSH)Held up as a case study of best practise by sportscotland in opening up the school estate, ACSH has been successful in welcoming and working with all community partners to achieve three main aims:

h working together to create a welcoming and memorable experience;

h working together to aid club growth and sustainability; and,

h working together to develop pathways that assist life-long participation.Introduced in February 2012, ACSH has proven to increase the provision of sport by working closely to develop sustainable infrastructures. Clubs, working groups and organisations are provided with

multiple support mechanisms which, through time, have contributed

towards introducing sustainable sporting pathways.

Embedded in community planning, the CSH project has recognised many successes

including:

h Club growth (9 in 2011/12 to 31 in 2013/14);h Rise in club membership (373 in 2011/12 to 1807 in 2013/14);h Increase in deliverers/coaches (63 in 2011/12 to 224 in 2013/14); and,h Facility usage increased by 275% since project introduction.

Future PlanningBringing the CSH project closer to learning communities is a key focus in hub development. Inspiring youth and community leadership, bringing key partner’s together and encouraging clubs to work together supplies multiple opportunities for youths to be met with positive destinations.In an attempt to exceed national legacy objectives, the future of CSH’s in West Lothian will focus on: supplying support to existing facility infrastructures; moulding facilities to promote CSH aims and objectives; providing facility users with the opportunity to steer development; and, introducing support mechanisms to increase the provision of sport and physical activity. The CSH project identifies legacy in action and continues to present exiting opportunities for community individuals to access facilities at affordable prices to increase their levels of physical activity towards recommended national indicators.

Community Sport Hub ProjectCommunity Sport Hubs (CSH’s) are a key part of sportscotland’s contribution to successfully installing a lasting legacy for Scotland. The CSH project works towards increasing participation in sport by improving facility access, supporting the growth and sustainability of local clubs, working groups and organisations alongside developing robust sporting infrastructures.


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West Lothian Council 5 year Capital ProgrammeFacilities play a key role in the development of community activity, sport and recreation. An appropriate facilities infrastructure supports the delivery of community programmes and activities, and heavily contributes towards achieving associated health and well-being outcomes.

Sport and Outdoor Education work with internal and external partners to develop a number of facility projects throughout West Lothian. In this current financial year (2013/14), the total spend on allocated projects is £4,760,000. Projects currently in development include:

h A new changing pavilion and social area at King George V Park in Whitburn – servicing four football pitches within the park and supporting the current provision of football delivered through the Whitburn Community Football Association. This project has a budget of £900,000.

h New football changing rooms and showers at Uphall Community Centre - replacing the current changing pavilion and servicing the football pitch.

h A new skate park in Blackburn led by Community Action Blackburn - local youth residents supported the design and development of this project with a similar skate park being developed in Whitburn.

h New Synthetic turf pitches are being developed in Broxburn Academy, Blackburn, Linlithgow and Fauldhouse.

Various projects including but not limited to the above, look to develop community sports facilities that will; support the on-going development of local sports clubs, support club growth and increase sport provision for children, young people and adults.

Legacy 2014 Active Places FundWest Lothian and partners work continuously to develop an environment that will both inspire and encourage community individuals to become more physically active.

Be Inspired 7West West Lothian Council Legacy Actions

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Xcite Facility DevelopmentIn response to the growing demand for sport and leisure amenities, West Lothian Leisure (WLL) is committed to upgrading and developing existing facilities to improve and introduce new services. Since 2013, WLL has developed five existing facilities, including:h Craigswood Sport Centre;h Xcite Bathgate;h Xcite Livingston; and,h Xcite Whitburn.Further projects are planned and support WLL towards fulfilling their vision of engaging and working with partners to deliver an excellent sport, health improving and physical activity service that enhances the lives of the people of West Lothian.

Outdoor EducationIn an attempt to increase visitor use and enhance the public’s experience, Outdoor Education has been allocated £500,000 from West Lothian Council’s Capital Plan to undertake internal improvements and developments in Low Port Centre during 2015 to 2017. Improvements include:h extensive renovation of the residential wing, energy efficiency measures and an increase in the number of room facilities;h surface replacement and extension of the existing indoor climbing wall;h a new multi-use dance studio;h installation of Wi-Fi; and,h a new booking system. Such developments will improve the overall design of the Low Port Centre and increase provision for diverse individuals from targeted ‘hard to reach’ groups. When completed, improvements will serve to enhance the customer experience and improve the efficiency of the Sport and Outdoor education Service.

Upgrading Open SpacesA programme of open space upgrades throughout West Lothian aims to encourage people to be more active outdoors, and to ensure that all environments are more wildlife friendly. Working alongside all service areas; the NETS, Land and Countryside Team focuses on increasing accessibility to a large number of open spaces to encourage active travel. Current developments include: h sports pitch drainage projects;h new paths in parks;h bike tracks; andh play and skate parks.

Be Inspired West Lothian Council Legacy Actions

Legacy 2014 Active places fund

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Young AmbassadorsYoung Ambassadors is a national legacy

programme for young people within secondary schools. Their role is to motivate and inspire other young people to become involved in sport and to generate enthusiasm for major games and events.West Lothian has thirty-three Young Ambassadors. These pupils have been selected for their leadership skills and to act as role models for other pupils within

schools.

Club Golf Active Schools have been supporting

West Lothian primary schools to deliver the programme to P5 pupils since 2006.

Comprehensive training is given to teachers, parents and volunteers building confidence and knowhow that

leads to successful delivery of the programme. During the 2013/14 session Active Schools supported 57 primary schools deliver the programme to 1,913 pupils.

Sainsburgh’s Sport ReliefFrom 21 - 23 March 2014, over a million people across the country got involved in the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.In addition to the Sport Relief Mile event at Armadale Academy, pupils from primary and secondary schools across West Lothian got sporty to raise money for good causes. Bathgate Academy did a sponsored spin bike cycle covering the distance from Bathgate Academy around all the Commonwealth Games Venues and the Ryder Cup venue back to Bathgate Academy (around 250 miles). The pupils took it in turns to do 20 minute slots on the bike and the completed the challenge raising £842.79.

Champions in SchoolsChampions in Schools is a role model programme that places Scotland’s top international athletes in the classroom to deliver a series of inspirational workshops on the topics of goal setting, fitness and nutrition and winning attitudes. The 2013/14 programme involved 24 schools and included athletes from eight Commonwealth sports: Judo, Rugby, Athletics, Hockey, Netball, Bowls, Triathlon and Swimming.

Active Schools NetworkThe Active Schools Network works together with organisations and individuals, including physical education staff and the Sports and Outdoor Education Service to provide a wide range of opportunities connect to physical education, school sport and club sport. Active Schools aims to provide more and higher quality opportunities for children to participate in school sport and to increase capacity through the recruitment of volunteers.

West Lothian Council Legacy Actions

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Early Years ProvisionActive Schools support Early Years provision through the Sport and Physical Education CPD calendar. There are a number of Early Years opportunities offered to school staff and volunteers including free Dance, Active Play and Start to Play courses and qualifications.

Fit for GirlsFit for Girls is a national programme funded by the Scottish Government aiming to increase girl’s participation in PE, physical activity and sportAs a result of this funding, Active Schools have provided opportunities for over 600 girls and young women across West Lothian’s 11 secondary schools to experience a free motivational day of dance. These girls were also given the

opportunity to attend Easter & Summer Dance Training courses leading to over 80 girls qualified as Level

1 Dance Leaders. The girls can then utilise these qualifications to help deliver and support additional dance sessions for other girls and young women across West Lothian.

School-Club LinksActive Schools work in partnership with over 80 community and commercial sports clubs in West Lothian. Active Schools provide a key link between pupil’s first experiences of a wide range of sports and activities and provide a pathway for pupils to

attend club sessions within the community. During the 2013/14 session, each of West Lothian’s schools

had links to an average of three local sports clubs.

School Sport PartnershipThe SSP delivers a comprehensive secondary school

competition calendar facilitated by the SSP Active Schools Coordinator.

The purpose of the school sport competition calendar

is to:h enable schools and, more specifically PE staff, to increase the profile of sport amongst students and the wider school community;h provide a safe, positive and engaging environment for any student wishing to represent their school in competitive sport;h recognise and celebrate sporting excellence and allow students performing at a regional or national level (e.g. ESSP students) to represent their school and be positive role models to their peers; and,h increase links with the community and local clubs by developing and improving the pathway from school to club sport.

Festivals and EventsFestivals and events are the key elements for curricular pupil engagement with participative and competitive school sport in West Lothian. Primary events take place through the academic year and provide a pathway to regular extracurricular participation. Last year Active Schools delivered to over 70 primaries and 30 secondary multi-school festivals and event attended by over 20,000 pupils.

Extra-Curricular ActivityExtracurricular clubs can take place at any point during the primary and secondary school day when the pupils are not in class, usually in the form of lunchtime or after school clubs. Last year Active Schools recorded over 7,000 distinct primary and secondary pupils taking part in 43 different sports and activities. Active Schools recruited and supported 483 volunteers to deliver over 800 different extracurricular opportunities within our schools indicating that pupils in West Lothian are now more active than ever before.


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Continued Professional Development CalendarDisability sport CPD is currently catered for in West Lothian via Sports Coach UK’s ‘How to Coach Disabled People in Sport’ workshop, which 12 coaches have attended in 2014. Furthermore, bespoke autism awareness for sports coaches’ workshop was delivered to 4 coaches at the Active West Lothian Coach Education and CPD Weekend.

Future provision will increase the number of ‘How to Coach Disabled People in Sport’ workshops delivered each calendar year, with quarterly workshops planned for 2015. Additionally, the advanced course ‘Inclusive Coaching: Disability’ will be incorporated in to the CPD calendar as a progression for those coaches who have attended ‘How to Coach Disabled People in Sport’.

Physical Education Disability Inclusion Training (PEDIT)Contributing towards including disabled young people in Physical Education and sports, the PEDIT project supports every school pupil achieving minimum national requirements during Physical Education.

West West Lothian Council Legacy Actions

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Queens Baton RelayPassing through six towns in West Lothian on Sunday 15 June, the Queens Baton Relay showcased legacy at its best with all service areas working together to deliver a culmination of sport and cultural activities, all contributing towards approximately 30,000 participants taking part

throughout the day. A post event evaluation process detailed

that there was an exceptional turnout of spectators which could be attributed to

partnership working and promotion. A multi-agency approach ensured excellent partnership working to deliver a memorable occasion for West Lothian residents. Clubs, working groups and organisations shared positive feedback, all of which raised awareness of their activities. Community groups were recognised

for their achievements in magazines, with others welcoming additional

participants attending forums and community sport clubs. Facility letting

enquiries increased in numerous venues including Xcite Bathgate which furthermore demonstrates the immediate impact introduced by hosting the Queens Baton Relay in West Lothian.

Support Your Nation ChallengeTo mark the 2014 Commonwealth Games, West Lothian Leisure introduced a challenge which saw 250 members complete a number of health activities over a six week period. Performance outcomes placed challengers at various levels relevantly categorised as Bronze, Silver and Gold. The challenge was successful in motivating members and in the spirit of legacy; West Lothian Leisure rewarded the top eight performers with prizes, which included various 3 – 6 month membership packages.A large variety of events are will be delivered annually to continue a lasting legacy throughout West Lothian Communities.

Games for ScotlandA larger number of events planned, delivered, reviewed and monitored throughout the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games provided individuals with the opportunity to take part; enjoy and receive memorable experiences. All events collectively contributed towards achieving a lasting legacy in West Lothian, with some partners demonstrating an increase in sport and physical activity provision.


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Put your West Foot ForwardPut Your West Foot Forward (PYWFF) is a West Lothian project driven to encourage people to become more active through walking and/or cycling. The project provides a range of opportunities for West Lothian residents to live longer, healthier lives and have reduced health inequalities, some of which include:

h trained volunteers leading and tailoring community walks in line with participant capabilities;

h community bike rides and lending libraries established at West Lothian venues; and,

h a virtual walk where individuals can upload their achievements.

All of the above successfully contribute towards motivating residents to keep active and increase general health.

The Health Improvement Team continues to work towards successful delivering PYWFF by undertaking many duties including:

h recruiting and training volunteers to lead walks within the local community;

h developing materials to promote walking in the local community including maps; and,

h providing information and practical tools to those walking with people to encourage walking as part of everyday life.

Paths for AllPaths for All, brings together over twenty organisations that are committed to increase awareness and promote walking for the development of health. By utilising multiple path networks throughout Scotland, individuals are encouraged to walk and/or cycle, in and around their local communities all of which, contributing towards living happier, healthier, greener and more active lives.


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Encouraging Active TravelSupporting sustainable transport and encouraging all to become more active contributes towards improving levels of physical activity; increasing accessibility, reduce congestion; and, reduce carbon emissions. The Health Improvement Team (HIT) continues to work with individuals and groups to provide information on alternatives to the car, and offer the resources, opportunities and motivation to try out alternatives. A wide range of services in West Lothian currently include:h Put Your West Foot Forward;h West Lothian On the Move;

h West Lothian Green Gym; and,h CANAlympics.

Working in partnership to make activity accessible has proven to be successful with the HIT delivering successful opportunities for West Lothian residents to become more active and lead healthier lives.

Active Travel StrategySupporting sustainable transport, active travel activities such as walking and cycling can help reduce carbon emissions, congestion and improve levels of physical activity. Active travel is based on making key destinations more accessible for the local population to encourage people to become more involved.


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Active Travel Strategy

Continued Professional DevelopmentThe Sports Development Team delivers an annual CPD calendar to support West Lothian’s clubs, coaches and volunteers. This typically includes workshops including but not limited to:h emergency first aid at work for sports coaches;h safeguarding and protecting children;h in safe hands;h coaching children and young people; h introduction to sport psychology;h introduction to strength conditioning; and,h introduction to sports nutrition.In addition to the above, Active West Lothian recently held its first ever coach education and CPD weekend at Armadale Community Sport Hub. The purpose of this event was to provide affordable, convenient, essential and desirable CPD opportunities for West Lothian’s voluntary sports coaches. The result was 90 participant sessions across nine different workshops over the weekend, with 98% of attendees indicating that they would attend an annual coach education and CPD weekend.By growing the number and the knowledge of coaches, the Sport Development Team are increasing physical activity participation levels and creating an organised sporting workforce in West Lothian.

West Lothian Council Accreditation SchemeWest Lothian Council Community Club Accreditation Scheme is a well-established area of work that helps local sports clubs to develop robust and sustainable administration while improving

the quality of sporting opportunities available to local communities. Since its inception in 2005, the scheme was utilised by sportscotland as a model of good practise and is also now cross matched with a large number of Sport’s Governing Body equivalent schemes. The scheme ensures West Lothian’s sports clubs are supported through officer time, up to date resources and training and encouraged to progress through the three stages of accreditation: access; community and development. The accreditation scheme helps to develop more effective club management, ensure clubs meet minimum operating standards, promote safe club environments and help raise the club profile. The scheme has currently provided support towards the development of 57 clubs, each of which undertake club reviews every three years, annual health checks and online self-assessments alongside receiving multiple benefits which include:h financial rewards provided for each level of the scheme;h direct officer support;h discounts available for coaching courses, workshops and CPD events;h access to sporting grants scheme; and,h club promotion through the Active West Lothian website.

Organised Sporting WorkforceAn organised sporting workforce helps to deliver high-quality coaching and strongly contributes towards widening participation opportunities alongside strengthening sporting pathways in a number of disciplines.


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Sporting Grants SchemeThe Sporting Grants Scheme (SGS), managed by the Sports Development and Facilities Team, administers the voluntary organisations budget to West Lothian’s community clubs, coaches and individual athletes on an annual basis. The SGS has offered grants assistance for over 15 years, and has developed with the needs of its users throughout this period. It aims to create a sustainable infrastructure for community clubs by supporting costs with new sections, equipment, events and an organised sporting workforce via coach education. There are five categories that make up the SGS, including: h coach;h club; h individual;h facility;h disability; and,h Nelson Mandela sports bursary.The SGS panel considers applications three times a year, with application deadlines set as 1 February, 1 June and 1 October. In 2013/14, 149 sporting grants were awarded, totalling £137,403.83. Compared to the previous financial year, there was a 60% increase in the number of applications and a 39% increase in the amount of funding allocated to applicants. It is expected that these trends will continue to increase this year, with increased marketing and promotion and a more user-friendly application form being credited for this increased usage.

West Lothian Council Volunteer Development ProgrammeMultiple services in West Lothian including Active Schools and Sports Development, supply a variety of volunteer development opportunities to all who wish to be involved. Volunteering allows individuals the opportunity to:h gain practical experience;h develop transferable skills and learning;h foster key relationships with local partners;h access training and qualifications; and,h make a difference whilst having fun.The Volunteer Development Programme encourages volunteers to grow within a chosen discipline; whilst providing each with the ability to develop confidence through communication with groups, listening to individuals, and supporting young people to become more physical active through sport and physically activity.


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Coach Development SchemeThe Coach Development Scheme (CDS) was developed to

further support West Lothian Council’s sessional coaches, who deliver in school and community settings. CDS looks to create a more skilled organised sporting workforce by encouraging sessional coaches to take increased ownership of the development of their coaching practice, by recognising strengths and areas for improvement, and by rewarding excellence. It is also believed that CDS will aid with the recruitment and retention of such staff by creating a culture of self-development within West Lothian Council’s organised

sporting workforce.CDS has incorporated the key principles of both Positive

Coaching Scotland (PCS) and Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on Mindset to encourage mastery coaching and growth mindset

environments for West Lothian’s young athletes.A combination of meeting particular criteria and observation scores, results in the award of BronzeMark, SilverMark or GoldMark, respectively. Constructive feedback is provided by a responsible officer in a one-to-one meeting, consequently increasing self-confidence in existing strengths and enhancing self-motivation to further develop highlighted areas for improvement. Coaches will have the valuable support of a mentor to guide them.

Positive Coaching ScotlandPositive Coaching Scotland (PCS) is a cultural change programme designed to create a positive environment for young people in sport and is based on a highly successful US model, ‘Positive Coaching Alliance’ (PCA) which was developed to combat escalating health and social problems. PCA was conceived to help tackle the alarming drop out of young Americans from sport at an early age, due mainly to negative sporting experiences and stemming largely from the win at all costs mentality prevalent in professional sports. It is founded on extensive research in sports coaching, business practice

and educational psychology. PCS was piloted with the SFA and five Local Authorities from 2007 and is now supported by the SRU, Scottish Athletics, Tennis Scotland, Netball Scotland, Cricket Scotland and Basketballscotland and is being rolled out across all other Scottish Local Authorities.Since 2013, workshops have been delivered to Club Leaders, Coaches, Parents, Teachers and Young Leaders in West Lothian. The 2014/15 plan has predominantly focused on delivery to these key influencers at the Armadale Community Sport Hub, West Lothian Council Club Accreditation Scheme, Excellence in School Sport Programme (ESSP) and the Sports Leaders classes that are delivered at all eleven high schools in West Lothian. During 2014/15, West Lothian Council’s tutor workforce of 9 will deliver 66 PCS workshops to all of the key influencers in a young athlete’s life. The principles of PCS have also been incorporated into the Coach Development Scheme (CDS), which aims to further support West Lothian Council’s sessional coach workforce.

Aquatics DevelopmentWest Lothian Council, West Lothian Leisure and Scottish Swimming recently joined forces to further develop aquatics in West Lothian. The recent appointment of an Aquatics Activities Co-ordinator will contribute towards increasing participation by developing an aquatics programme that provides a range of opportunities for all community members. Supporting and liaising with a variety of local swimming clubs, the Aquatics Co-ordinator will strengthen existing pathway and coaching structures to ensure a seamless swimming pathway is produced.


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Excellence in School Sport Programme (ESSP)ESSP was established in 2008 as part of the council’s initiative to support elite athletes in West Lothian. The programme is acknowledged as the first of its kind with a number of local authorities looking towards replicating its success. Working closely with a large number of internal

and external partners including sportscotland, ESSP ensures a natural progression towards athlete

development.Providing support mechanisms to a total

of 88 high performing athletes across 17 sports throughout 2014/15 academic term, ESSP works towards achieving targeted aims and objectives, including:h supporting our talented and aspiring athletes to combine training with academic qualifications;

h providing high quality and accessible sports coaching and

support services;

h encouraging positive role models in secondary schools;h developing a strong and vibrant sporting ethos within the learning community; and,h assisting West Lothian schools to achieve a national track record in Sport. Objectives are continually met by the Sport Development and Facilities team, with all athletes successfully reaching positive sporting destinations after completing a comprehensive programme made up from performance coaching, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice, sport psychology and physiotherapy.

Sporting Grants (individual)Individual sporting grants are available via the Sporting Grants Scheme, to support West Lothian’s elite athletes who have been selected to compete for Scotland or for Great Britain. A maximum of £500 may be available towards the cost of items such as travel, accommodation, camp/tournament fees, or essential kit. In 2013/14, 17 athletes were supported by an individual sporting grant.

High Performance SportDeveloping sporting infrastructures contributes significantly to supporting talented athletes to achieve sporting success. Providing each athlete with the opportunity to receive additional support aids further development and increases the chances of all athletes achieving success through the medium of sport.


Athlete Scholarship PassesWest Lothian Council’s Athlete Scholarship Passes allow talented youth and adult athlete’s free access to Xcite facilities across West Lothian. Applications from athletes, who are West Lothian residents and are considered to be performing at regional, national or international level by their sport’s national governing body, are reviewed by the sporting grants scheme panel each October. Coaches of successful applicants may also be issued with a pass if it is an essential aspect of making use of the available facilities. In 2013/14, 41 passes were awarded which provided athletes access to gym and additional sport specific facilities.

High Performance CentreHigh Performance Centres (HPC’s) have a reputation for development. Utilising existing facilities to improve performance, contributes towards a specialised service and furthermore raises the profile of sports locally, regionally and nationally. Securing funding supports the opportunity to investigate the introduction of an HPC in West Lothian. To increase the likelihood of success, funding will support a 10 week pilot programme in an area which has:h proven success in club development;h sustainable sporting infrastructures;h caters for multiple sports; and, is equipped with high quality facilities. Reviewing all potential facilities, Armadale Academy home to a Community Sport Hub will support the planning, implementation, reviewing and evaluation of the HPC project. Solely targeted towards club members, support mechanisms such as strength and conditioning, psychology and physiotherapy will be available to elite club performers to aid further development and club performance.

Although the HPC is reliant on funding, the outcome of the project will determine if such a service is of benefit to club development going forward.

Scottish Football Association 20:20 Development CentresWest Lothian is recognised as a catchment area whereby all primary schools are invited to send their very best performers to regional trials. Trials serve to identify the ability of performers with the most talented progressing to inter-regional trials. A review of player abilities continues with elite performers being invited to be part of the 2020 regional squad. Introduced as a link between the grass roots game and elite performance, football players are selected from across the non-professional game to take part in specialised training sessions. All 2020 centres contribute towards widening the talent pool of male and female performers alongside providing an inspirational programme, designed to help individuals achieve their full potential in football.To provide individuals with opportunities to achieve success, West Lothian will continue to target elite performers by conducting trials in a positive environment; allowing participants to relax and perform to a high standard throughout the footballing community.

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Be InspiredWest Lothian Legacy Actions Active| 2013 – 2019

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