SPORTS sessions held at Lochgelly High School have received additional funding from Fife Council due to their popularity.

Shell Twilight multi-sport sessions, held every Thursday for any 12-21-year-olds, have proved so successful that extra cash has been found to enable them to run on Tuesday evenings as well.

Councillor Rosemary Liewald recently joined representatives from title sponsor Shell and partner organisations including the Clued-up Project and Police Scotland to view a session in Lochgelly first-hand.

The activities are organised by Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) and run from 6pm until 8pm. The sessions provide a safe alternative for young people at a time of peak anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Liewald said: “The work SSF is delivering at Lochgelly Shell Twilight is outstanding, by providing sport and physical activity sessions that are open to all in the heart of our communities, in a safe, secure environment that is familiar to all.

“The leaders, alongside partners Shell, Police Scotland and the Clued-up Project, have developed a fun place to make friends, develop skills, and allow our kids to get active, which as we come out of Covid is so needed.”

Led by SSF Young Leaders, the sessions are fun and provide an opportunity for young people to meet friends and be active, as well as increase their confidence, skills and aspirations.

Jason Thomson, east central regional manager from SSF, said: “Many of the young people attending the Lochgelly sessions have told us that they are struggling at school and that they lack confidence. Our sessions are designed to change that and build up their confidence so that they realise there are lots of opportunities open to them.

“We are very grateful to Shell and Fife Council for their continued support and recognition that by nurturing young people they have so much to offer and give back to their communities.”

Craig Burnett, manager at the Shell Fife NGL Plant, said: “Shell Twilight is an exciting initiative that is making a real contribution to social inclusion by giving young people the opportunity to make a number of positive choices for their futures while having fun and learning vital skills.

“We are delighted to be able to continue partnering with SSF in delivering this programme.”

Last year the charity supported 5,320 young people in Scotland most at risk and more than 1,000 of them successfully completed training and 63 secured jobs.