Angus schools event promotes benefits of sport

National School Sport Week was created by the children's charity, the Youth Sport Trust, and has run every year since 2008. In 2020, the event became National School Sport Week at Home - encouraging children and their families to take part and be active while under lockdown restrictions.

The celebration championed the return of youth sport and its power to bring people back together as well as highlighting the health benefits of sport. This is done through sports days being held up and down the UK. In 2021, the theme was 'Together Again', and in 2023, the theme is 'Belonging – a place in sport for every child'.

The council works in partnership with Sportscotland to invest in and support the Active Schools Network. The Angus team features a staff of 14, dedicated to developing and supporting the delivery of quality sporting opportunities for children and young people.

Mr Dey spoke with Andy Garnett, Active Schools lead co-ordinator, about the importance of encouraging pupils to be active, and met with representatives from Skilz Academy and Arbroath FC Community Trust.

Mr Dey said: “I was very pleased to meet the Active Schools Team at Arbroath Sports Centre to learn more about their new initiative to promote sports in Angus schools. It was interesting to hear how the framework will be used as the basis for planning all future school sport, with the aim of increasing participation, removing barriers for this who currently don’t or can’t take part, and ensuring more pupils have the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

Mr Garnett added: “National School Sports Week has provided a great opportunity to showcase how we are using the power of sport and physical activity to improve children and young people’s access to opportunities and make a positive impact on their lives. The event is also a fantastic example of partnership working and collaboration with schools and community trusts and clubs.”