Game On For North Ayrshire’s Summer of Sport
- Ayrshire Daily News
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
A major programme of free and low-cost sporting activities has been launched across North Ayrshire as part of a nationwide drive to get more young people active.
North Ayrshire Council is working in partnership with sportscotland on the £20 million 2026 Summer of Sport initiative, funded by the Scottish Government and facilitated by sportscotland.
The programme will give young people aged three to 26 the chance to take part in a wide range of activities throughout the summer and beyond, with opportunities available across North Ayrshire’s six localities.
The initiative aims to remove barriers to participation, helping more children and young people try new activities, build confidence, make friends and develop healthier habits.
North Ayrshire Council’s Connected Communities team has worked with primary and secondary school pupils in recent months to find out what types of activities they would like to see in their own communities.
The council is working alongside KA Leisure, Community Learning and Development, Locality Teams, North Ayrshire Youth Work, North Ayrshire Active Schools and a network of partners to deliver the programme.
Activities will include sport, outdoor events, community-based sessions and family fun days, with the aim of making opportunities accessible to young people from all backgrounds.
Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, said: “With the World Cup and the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games just around the corner, we are set for a landmark summer of sport in Scotland.
“North Ayrshire Council is proud to be one of the 32 Scottish local authorities to be benefitting from the 2026 Summer of Sport programme.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for children and young people to try something new, get active, and experience the joy of physical activity in their local communities.
“Whether it’s through sport, outdoor events, or community-based activities and family fun days, our goal is to make these opportunities available to everyone, regardless of background.”
Forbes Dunlop, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said: “At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives.
“The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible.
“We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people to enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
Events will run across communities throughout the summer, with specific sessions, venues and times listed for each local area.
Confirmed events for June 2026 can be found in the Summer of Sport All Localities Calendar.
