SPORT is helping to keep children off the streets and out of trouble on Saturday nights in Duloch.

Open to pupils in Primary 7 through to sixth year at high school, Youthub offers football, basketball, badminton, craft work and social activities.

Backed by the police, Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, the programme at Duloch Leisure Centre has proved to be a success. Councillor Helen Law, chairwoman of the City of Dunfermline area committee, said: “A social setting like this is a great way to encourage young people to be regularly active and can be a good way to encourage them to try out a new sporting activity.

“It’s great to hear that this is a partnership approach and having local sports clubs on board is a real asset as it means we can offer a good pathway for those that pick up a particular interest.”

Sports clubs and organisations such as Fife College have also been invited to help showcase and offer additional activities to the youngsters.

James Dunbar, area leisure manager for the trust, said: “We have been really pleased with the increasing level of participation from local young people, for us, it’s a great way to engage young people in physical activity and give them access to the trust’s facilities.

“Staff have been liaising with local schools to raise awareness of the project and to let parents know about the programme – we hope that it’s seen as a low-cost, fun and active night of entertainment.

“Youthub is a great resource for youngsters in the area and I would encourage anyone interested to come along and get involved.”

For further details visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk