To mark the eighth anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week (September 30-October 6), Scottish Government Ministers have been visiting the projects across the country which are working to encourage more women and girls to take part in sport and physical activity.
This year the campaign focuses on leadership, celebrating the strong leaders and role models who motivate and inspire others to take part in sport and physical activity as well as remove barriers which discourage women and girls from participating.
Ivan McKee, Minister for Public Finance, visited Easterhouse Sports Centre to meet the people behind a unique partnership that is using sport and physical activity to help deliver social change.
Easterhouse Sports Centre has been a valuable part of the local community for years but remained closed following the Covid-19 Pandemic and its future was under threat. It was rescued and reopened in October 2023 by Easterhouse Henosis – a partnership between basketballscotland, Easterhouse Phoenix and Easterhouse Community Sports Hub.
Following discussions with Glasgow City Council, a 25-year lease of the centre by Easterhouse Henosis was approved as part of the People Make Glasgow Communities (PMGC) programme, a scheme which allows charities and community groups to manage local facilities.
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The centre provides an accessible and affordable programme of activities for local people, whilst also providing space for people to become and remain active. The three organisations involved in Easterhouse Henosis are making a huge impact in the community.
While the focus is to reach and help as many people in the community as possible, improving sporting opportunities for women and girls is a key priority. Sports available at the centre include: basketball; gymnastics; volleyball; badminton; pickleball; walking football; wheelchair rugby; taekwondo; jujitsu and judo.
A varied range of community services are also provided. including: alternative education programmes for disengaged young people from local primary and secondary schools; barista training and providing hospitality experience; delivering groups designed to tackle social isolation for older people; supporting young families with a parent and toddler group; providing meals to the most disadvantaged through a partnership with FARE Scotland; operating a school uniform bank; providing youth clubs and free sporting access for teens at key times for antisocial behaviour and hosting drop-in cafes with Alzheimer's Scotland and More than Fibromyalgia.
Easterhouse Community Sports Hub is part of the national sportscotland Community Sport Hubs (CSH) programme, a National Lottery funded network that brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland. Five of the hub’s member clubs and groups are based at Easterhouse Sports Centre.
The hub receives ongoing support from Glasgow Life through a Sport Development Officer, a role funded by sportscotland.
Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week aims to reach as many women and girls across Scotland as possible. The campaign is designed to show women that whatever their age, location or life stage, there is a sport or physical activity that’s right for them. The hope is to reach as many women and girls as possible to help boost their physical, mental and social health which all comes from being active.
The week also provides an opportunity to promote the visibility and participation of women and girls as role models in sport and physical activity to help break down barriers and inspire women and girls to be active.
Finance Minister, Ivan McKee, said:
“I’ve been pleased to learn more about the Easterhouse Henosis partnership at Easterhouse Sport Centre this Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week.
“It is encouraging to hear their focus on improving sporting opportunities for women and girls to be more physically active.
“The Easterhouse Henosis partnership is an excellent example of empowering communities to inform services delivered in their neighbourhoods.”
Kevin Pringle, Chief Executive of basketballscotland:
“At basketballscotland, we believe that sport has the power to positively impact on individuals and communities. We’re committed to the partnership that has reopened Easterhouse Sports Centre and we are delighted to be part of the great work being delivered by a wide range of partners across the community.
“The opportunities at the Sport Centre really compliment the youth work that we deliver in local secondary schools supported by Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme and, along with partners, we want to continue to play our part, using sport to change lives in Easterhouse.”
Kevin Martin, Senior Community Impact Manager, Easterhouse Sports Centre, said:
“Easterhouse Henosis is proud of its ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls to make a positive impact within the Easterhouse community and beyond.
"Our organisation recognises the vital role that women and girls play in sports and community development.
“We are fortunate to collaborate with a diverse group of dedicated coaches, volunteers, and partners who share this vision. Easterhouse Henosis will continue to support woman and girls through our services as we grow as a grassroots charity organisation.”
Steven McLaren, Chair of Easterhouse Community Sport Hub, said:
“Our mission is to use sport as a tool to address the social challenges our community faces. Together with our partners, we’re building a healthier, more connected community.”
