Thursday August 27th 2026
Edinburgh City Chambers
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Children and young people across Edinburgh are being offered a range of free and low-cost sports activities through a new Summer of Sport programme.
The initiative, funded through the national Summer of Sport programme in partnership with sportscotland, is aimed at people aged three to 26 and has been inspired by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The programme aims to encourage more young people to get active, try new sports and enjoy the physical, social and mental wellbeing benefits of taking part.
Activities are being delivered by Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Leisure, the University of Edinburgh, local sports clubs and community organisations.
The funding supports free and subsidised activities which began during the summer holidays and will continue until the end of March 2027.
Activities include swimming, tennis, football and rugby, as well as opportunities for children and young people with additional support needs.
The programme will also expand community sports provision in areas experiencing higher levels of poverty and support young people who are care experienced, unaccompanied or learning English.
A £170,000 grant will also be provided to local sports clubs and community organisations to deliver activities for young people at greater risk of poverty.
The investment will also support the development of Edinburgh’s sports and physical activity workforce through coaching opportunities, qualifications and training.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “This is a great opportunity for children and young people to get active, try something new like lawn bowling or cricket and enjoy the benefits of taking part in sport.
“Through the Summer of Sport programme, we’re working with partners across Edinburgh to provide more free and affordable opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and shaped around the needs of local communities.”
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said: “Every young person deserves the opportunity to be active, build confidence and develop new skills, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to that.
“By working with schools, community organisations, and sports clubs across Edinburgh, we’re creating more opportunities for children and young people to stay active, make new friends and discover sports they can continue to enjoy for years to come.”
Perrotine Orr, Operations Director of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “This investment is helping us create more opportunities for children and young people across Edinburgh to take part in sport and physical activity, regardless of their background or circumstances.
“We have already seen strong engagement throughout the summer, and the real opportunity now is to build on that momentum over the coming months.”
Further information about activities and how to take part will be available on the Council website and the Edinburgh Leisure website.
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