Hundreds of children in Cadder, north Glasgow, are getting more active through the introduction of fun, sporting sessions in their community.
The Inspiring Cadder! programme by Achieve More Scotland and Young Movers (YoMo) Glasgow received £64,160 from the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity Fund to provide a physical activity programme to children and young people aged 5 to 19.
It is one of 17 projects to benefit from the £1m fund, delivered by sportscotland, The Robertson Trust, Spirit of 2012 and Scottish Government, with the aim of changing lives and creating a more inclusive and healthier nation.
A range of free activities now take place in Cadder Community Centre five nights a week, including football, gymnastics and dance classes, as well as an after school youth club, which all aim to help improve children’s physical and mental wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem.
Working with Cadder Primary School, the project also runs breakfast and lunchtime clubs four days a week.
Everyone can participate
A team of close-knit coaches and volunteers, led by youth worker David Sinclair, host the sessions, which welcome between around 25 children each night.
David said: “Many of the children and young people who come along to our sessions didn’t take part in any sport or physical activity before the project launched. Everything we do is free so it doesn’t limit families who might not be able to afford football and gymnastics classes. Everyone can participate.
“Putting on this volume of free activities has created a hub for Cadder. It brings everyone together, and we’ve seen a massive change in the community as a result.
“The young people love the sessions and you can see they’re enjoying the physical activity. Their confidence and willingness to try new things continues to grow and they’re also making new friends and are more focused.
“The number of young people getting involved is remarkable. There wasn’t much in the community for kids to do before and it’s so well attended. It’s important we deliver sport and its benefits to this community which had limited access to activities previously.”
Real change
sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris, said: “Sport has the power to bring communities together and transform the lives of children and young people, and this project in Cadder shows this in action.
“The Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity Fund helps organisations across Scotland make a meaningful difference to people’s lives through sport and the work Inspiring Cadder! is doing is delivering real change to young people in the north of Glasgow.”
The programme has also brought the small community of Cadder even closer together, creating links between the primary school and community centre for the first time.
With more activities, including cricket, wrestling and healthy eating workshops planned for 2020, it’s thought the coordinated approach to improving the young people’s wellbeing will have a positive impact long into the future.
Find out more
- Discover the 17 projects funded by the Changing Lives Through Sport and Physical Activity fund
