Record Number Of People Getting Active

Figures show that more Fifers are getting more active, with older adults in particular choosing to visit leisure centres in record numbers.

Figures released by Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, the organisation launched in 2008 to operate and manage Fife Council's 13 facilities across the region, show another year-on-year growth for overall attendance levels. Compared to the previous year, 2013 to 2014 saw an increase of 13.66%, with a total of 2,403,648 visits, an increase of 288,808.

All three of the Trust's key attendance categories were up with wetside recording an increase of 4.5%, dryside 22.04% and outdoor 21.32%. 

In addition, all user group categories recorded increases, with the Over 60s showing an impressive 58.07% rise with 111, 446 visits, an increase of 40,943. The 18 to 60-year-old category recorded 1,506,902, an increase of 165,867, a 12.37% growth, and, the Under 18s category recorded 785,300 attendances, 81,998 up on the previous year, an increase of 11.66%.

2013 saw two new leisure centres officially opened as part of Fife Council's Future of Leisure investment programme, both Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes and Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre proving overwhelmingly popular since doors opened. 

The Trust's Talented Sports Performer Scheme, which allows discounted access for training in sports and leisure facilities operated by the organisation – continued to attract local talent with 1,646 attendances recorded, up 11.42%.

The Trust's membership scheme, Leisure Active, which gives affordable access to all of its facilities, saw over four thousand new members, an increase of 60%. Leisure Active Corporate, which is a discounted membership for businesses across Fife, saw 1,919 more employees of local companies and organisations take advantage of the Trust's facilities. 

Other significant achievements recorded for the period were 32 new posts created at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre and Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre, Duloch Leisure Centre in Dunfermline welcoming its one millionth visitor and strong participation levels for two youth programmes which give discounted access to 12 to 17-year-olds on Friday and Saturday evenings at Carnegie Leisure Centre and Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre recording average attendances of 70 to 120 young people per session. 

In addition, the re-introduction of free summer swimming for juniors saw 67,737 attendances recorded at the Trust's nine pools across the region. Both initiatives were helped with additional funding from Fife Council.

A health and physical activity programme, funded through investment by the Trust, continued its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Fife, particularly those living with long-term health conditions. A range of referral-based programmes designed to help people suffering from long-term health conditions such as diabetes, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as cardiac rehabilitation for patients affected by a cardiac incident, saw 
25,063 visits. 

A newly-launched programme Move More Fife, a physical activity programme for people who are undergoing, or who have completed, cancer treatment, delivered in partnership with NHS Fife and Macmillan Cancer Support has seen 549 attendances. 

Ed Watson, chief executive for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said:

"The Trust's latest performance figures are confirmation that the organisation is continuing to deliver facilities and programmes which are attractive and affordable, to see more and more people enjoy our leisure centres is the 
best feedback we could ask for. 

"The 2013-14 period saw a lot of commitment and hard work on the part of staff, particularly with regards the opening of two new leisure centres, and I would like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication in continuing to provide the highest standards in customer service.

"The Trust has recently set out its corporate strategy for the next three years, and, we are committed to engaging with all ages and abilities to increase participation in physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing of local communities across the region."

Scott Urqhuart is from the trust.