As we approach the end of the year we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and share some of the highlights from the past 12 months that the team have been involved with.
 Thanks to continued support from The Holywood Trust, we are able to offer a leadership programme across D&G for young people to build their leadership skills though sport. It is open to young people aged 12–25 years. There are a range of levels to suit everyone on their leadership journey with training courses, mentored support and rewards provided to increase their skillset. There are 200 young people signed up to Choose to Lead at present and the sign up process is always open.
 Pictured presenting the award for The Choose to Lead Programme at The East Leadership Academy is Sammie Smith, Grants and Administration Officer from the Holywood Trust.
In partnership with Loch Ken Trust, a group of Choose to Lead participants took part in a water safety course that saw the young people learning new skills, building new friendships and learning about water safety in an inclusive environment. This is a partnership we will maintain into 2024, and offer to the Young People on Choose to Lead.
 Young Ambassadors
Many of our region's secondary schools have selected two senior pupils as their school's Young Ambassadors for this academic year. As part of their role, the YA's were invited to the Young Ambassador Conference at Hampden Park in September – where they took part in a variety of team building activities. The event was opened by Lockerbie Academy's YA from last year, Anna, who was fantastic, and with speakers such as broadcaster Rhona McLeod and World Champion boxer Hannah Rankin, it was nothing short of inspirational! We look forward to supporting and seeing what the Young Ambassadors do this year.
 Follow this link to see Olivia Young, who was a Young Ambassador at North West Community Campus (NWCC) last year. As part of her role, Olivia organised an event in June 2023 for primary pupils from NWCC to participate in.
  The majority of primary schools across the region engage with our Playground Leaders training, led by Active Schools and Community Sport Officers. The training is suitable for P6 and P7 pupils and teaches them about leadership, organisation, safety, confidence and making activity sessions fun. The training equips the pupils with skills to be leaders within their school at playtimes, leading activities with pupils, and can also be used to help build connections with P6’s and nursery pupils as part of the transition process.
The Active Schools Team love seeing the young people that choose to follow our leadership pathway beyond primary years and sign up to The Choose to Lead programme too.
 Congratulations to Peri and Mike on their Bikeability Scotland awards!
 Mike (or "Mikeability" as he's known in our local schools) has won the award of Instructor of the Year, and our Bikeability Coordinator Peri has won a Highly Commended Annual Achievement Award at the Bikeability Scotland Awards. A fantastic follow-up to the Highly Commended School of the Year that was awarded last year to Hardgate Primary.
Over 60% of our schools are engaging with Peri and her team in taking up the offer of Bikebability training – equipping the pupils with the confidence and knowledge of riding on the roads local to their school.
 PEPAS (Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport) events continue to take place across the region covering a variety of sports and linking with some of our local clubs – offering young people a pathway for regional and national events. We also work closely with our Disability Sport officers to ensure we are providing an inclusive programme of activities and events. We have had over 100 young people volunteering at our events providing them with opportunities to increase many skills and be part of our Choose to Lead programme.
Events that have taken place this year include: Badminton, Boccia, Cross Country, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Jigs 'n' Reels, Netball, New Age Kurling, Potted Sports, Sprint Relays, Sportshall Atheltics, Road Relays, Rugby, Table Tennis, Tennis.
   We have a video expert in the team capturing some fantastic footage of some of our events too. Watch through the links below:
 Volunteers provide an integral part of providing sport and physical activity sessions to young people within our service, and we appreciate all those who give up their time to support Active Schools and Community Sport.
Debbie Johnstone, Douglas Ewart Cluster – Primary netball volunteer
I have enjoyed volunteering with Active Schools primary netball for many years now. There is always such a great atmosphere at the club/league from the days at Minnigaff astro-turf to the Merrick Centre now. Ann makes it very enjoyable for myself and other volunteers to be part of with her enthusiasm and organisation. I love how she knows the kids so well, boosts those who need it and gets the best out the players involved.
Netball continues to thrive and develop in our small community and I am very proud to be involved in a volunteer capacity to help encourage and support the young athletes who are the future of this fantastic sport. I think the number of volunteers Ann manages to secure every year for the netball programme says it all.
Charlotte Mathieson – Volunteer with Active Schools and Disability Sport
I volunteer because it allows me to share the skills and knowledge I have learnt from competing in sport to others helping them to reach their full potential. I enjoy volunteering as I can inspire people of all ages to participate in sport and to reap the benefits that physical activity provides. Ultimately, volunteering allows me to develop confidence and self-esteem while being able to meet new people and develop new friendships.
Do you have time that you could give to be part of our sport/activity offering? This could be an hour a week for six weeks or assisting at a one-off festival – any contribution would be greatly appreciated. We would make sure it worked for you.
To register your interest or find out more, please follow the link and one of the team will be in touch:
 In partnership with our Active Communities, Bikeability and Disability Sport colleagues, we held two networking days this year – bringing our volunteer coaches and casual coach deliverers together to provide training, share good practice and provide networking opportunities.
Activities ideas being shared ranged from: Indian Club Swinging, Seated Exercise, Orienteering Games, Walking Netball and Boccia to name a few. We look forward to doing more of these days again in 2024.
 Our main focus this year has been offering family fun days – allowing families and friends to come and connect together through various sports and activities.
 
2023 has brought two new additions to the team.
Congratulations to Hayley Herdman and her husband, Michael, on the arrival of their son, Harris, in February of this year. We'd also like to offer congratulations on the more recent arrival of a daughter to Amy Niven and her partner, Andrew, in October. We hope you are all doing well and not having too many sleepless nights.
If you would like to connect with your local Active Schools and Community Sport Officer, or would like any further information from us please email Active.Schools@dumgal.gov.uk and we will get back to you.
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