Our Active Schools Team, funded by sportscotland and Stirling Council, is dedicated to ensuring that every school pupil in Stirling has the opportunity to engage in extra-curricular physical activities. We aim to create pathways to sports clubs and community activities. By partnering with school staff, we recruit, train, and support parent and community volunteers to lead these activities. Additionally, we focus on developing young people as leaders in their communities.

20 years of Active Schools

This year, we’re proud to mark 20 wonderful years of Active Schools—two decades of inspiring stories, lasting friendships, and incredible achievements across Stirling’s school communities.

From the very beginning, our Active Schools Team have gone the extra mile—fuelled by passion, dedication, and a deep belief in the power of sport and physical activity. Their tireless efforts, along with the incredible support from our partners and volunteers including teachers, school staff, sport leaders, young ambassadors and families, have created opportunities for children and young people to get active, feel connected and build confidence.

Let's see their journey so far in celebrating Active Schools!

A special shout out to our amazing volunteers who have been with us from the very beginner.

  • Catherine Taylor, Teacher at St Ninians Primary School
  • Rhoda Keenan, SLA at Strathyre Primary School.
  • Sammy Hibbert, SLA at Killin Primary School

Their stories are a powerful reminder of the impact Active Schools has had—and continues to have—on our communities.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey over the past 20 years—we couldn’t have done it without you.

Click below to hear their inspiring stories!

PRIMARY KEY AREAS INCLUDE

Active Beyond the School Bell

Our extra-curricular clubs offer fun, inclusive opportunities for pupils to get active before school, at lunchtime, and after school. Whether it’s trying a new sport, making friends, or building confidence, every session is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and full of energy.

Why Participate in Our Clubs?

  • Boosts daily movement and builds healthy habits
  • Improves focus, mood, and classroom readiness
  • Develops teamwork, friendships, and confidence
  • Encourages new skills and sporting interests
  • Led by supportive staff, volunteers, and modern apprentices
  • Free, inclusive, and open to all abilities

Look out for letters and school posts to see what’s available for your child.

Powered by Our People

Our clubs are delivered by a dedicated team of:

  • Parent Volunteers – bringing energy and care to every session
  • Community Club Coaches - providing expertise and skills to sessions
  • School Staff – creating safe, supportive spaces
  • Sports Leaders and Delivery Academy – inspiring peers through fun, active sessions

Together, they help create a strong sense of school community where every child feels encouraged to take part and enjoy being active.

Interested in volunteering? Visit our Active Schools Volunteering page to get involved.

Encouraging Every Child to Move, Play, and Thrive

We work closely with schools to provide targeted support for pupils who benefit from extra provision through sport and physical activity. These small-group sessions are tailored to individual needs, helping children build confidence, develop key life skills, and enjoy being active in a safe, inclusive environment.

Led by trained staff and modern apprentices, sessions focus on turn-taking, co-operation, communication, and motor development—while also sparking a lasting enjoyment of physical activity.

“It’s been a highlight of her week—she’s felt valued, respected, and has grown into a role model for younger pupils.” – P7 Teacher

What Makes Our Targeted Work Effective?

  • Tailored Sessions for Individual Needs
    Activities are adapted to support each pupil’s development and learning style.
  • Delivered by Skilled Staff
    Led by trained modern apprentices and co-ordinators who build strong, positive relationships with pupils.
  • Supportive, Inclusive Environment
    A safe space for pupils who may find traditional PE settings challenging.
  • Building Confidence & Engagement
    Sessions help pupils grow in self-belief and feel successful through movement.
  • Encouraging Lifelong Enjoyment of Sport
    Designed to inspire a positive, lasting connection to physical activity.
  • Strong School Partnerships
    Collaborative planning ensures sessions align with wider educational goals.

If your school feels targeted support could benefit your pupils, please contact your Active Schools Co-ordinator.

Meet the Active Schools Team

Angela Hunter

Active Schools Team Manager

Neil Thomson

Active Schools Coordinator Balfron

Paul Rodger

Active Schools Coordinator Bannockburn

Emily Kelly

Active Schools Coordinator Dunblane

Michael McPake

Active Schools Coordinator McLaren

Grace Morrison

Active Schools Coordinator St Modan’s

Kim Bruce

Active Schools Coordinator Stirling

Paul O’Shea

Active Schools Coordinator Wallace

OUR PARTNERS