Perthshire church sports hub nominated for national award

A Perthshire church sports hub is “delighted” to be in the running for a national award.

St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church’s leads the St Madoes Active Sports Hub, just one of three community clubs nominees for the community hub, club or school of the year.

The community development coordinator at the church, Anthea Bircham, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated for this national award because it gives us a chance to celebrate the achievements of our participants who, without the hub, wouldn’t have taken part in sport.”

The church set up the sports hub in partnership with local groups in 2016.

The hub then worked to get funding for new facilities and to look at ways of increasing community participation across all ages.

The minister of St Madoes and Kinfauns Parish Church, the Rev Marc Bircham, said: “In Scotland the church has a long heritage in involvement in sport.

“Personally, I love attending as many of the classes as I can and have noticed a huge difference in my own fitness.”

The sports hub works to be inclusive; for example, by providing more specialised sessions such as Boccia that can be played by those with disabilities.

Other classes include preschool tennis, seated exercise for older adults and crèche facilities to allow parents to attend classes.

The hub has seen its participants improve their fitness through taking part in the classes.

The winner of the award will be announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh on October 3.