A PUBLIC meeting next month will discuss the formation of a community sports hub in Arbroath.
The concept, backed by Angus Council and sportscotland, is aimed at bringing clubs in the area together to look at how they can better share resources and encourage youth involvement.
The initiative is sportscotland’s flagship programme and contribution to the Scottish Government’s legacy plan from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Up to 150 hubs will be established throughout Scotland, with the aim of helping local clubs grow and development.
Development officer Jordann Cunningham, has been appointed to create a number of sports hubs around Angus.
She said: “A consultation between sports clubs in the area is the first step before we move forward.”
“The meeting will discuss what the concept is all about and an open discussion will follow about people’s views.
“Sports hubs can help to increase sports participation and open up better ways between clubs and other organisations in communities.
“They can also assist in the training of committees, volunteers and coaches.
“There has been a good amount of interest from schools and a number of sports clubs already.”
The meeting will take place at Arbroath United Cricket Club on Keptie Road on February 11 at 7pm.
Sports clubs and community organisations in the Arbroath High School catchment area, as well as interested members of the public, are encouraged to attend.
Sportscotland is providing funding to establish hubs across the country and plans to hold meetings about the concept in other Angus towns are in the pipeline.
An Angus Council spokesperson said: “The specifics of each hub and what it offers will vary according to local need and resources.
“There are already a large number of clubs in Angus catering for a variety of sports and Angus Council supports the development of clubs in a number of ways.
“It is hoped that involvement in this scheme brings a new, positive dimension that can help clubs and all those who participate in them provide a valuable asset, which will contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities.”
There are currently more than 60 community sports hubs up and running, with plans for 150 in operation across Scotland by 2016.
The strategy is key to sportscotland’s aspiration of developing a world-class sporting system at all levels across the country.
Sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris added: “Community sport hubs are a key legacy component of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014.
“With a dedicated CSH (community sports hub) development officer now appointed in Angus the progression of the hubs for the region will begin to gather pace.
“Every hub works on the same basic principles, but each has the flexibility to identify the needs of their community.
“This focus on local needs ensures that all partners get behind the approach and the work they do has the biggest impact.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk