Figures released by us for April 2018 to March 2019, show that there were over 2.5 million attendances to our centres. The figures show that we are delivering on our commitment to get more people more active more of the time.
Stand-out areas include increase attendances in wetside, up 1.4 per cent and outdoor facilities by 5.4 per cent. Attendances by over 60s are up by 5.2 per cent, the eighth consecutive year that older adults are getting active in increasing numbers.
A health and physical activity programme, funded through investment by us, continued its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Fife. Active Options 2, a referral-based programme for people living with long-term health conditions, saw an increase of 17.5 per cent in attendances, and Move More Fife, a programme supporting people during and after cancer, increased by 18 per cent.
Customers are continuing to benefit from our expanded online booking system with applications to our affordable membership scheme, Leisure Active, up by 59 per cent and 5.5. per cent more bookings to our programmes being made via the website.
Other specialised programmes such as our concession scheme which supports a range of customers with discounted rates is up by 5.2 per cent, and the talented sports performer programme has recorded a rise by 33.6 per cent in usage.
Despite a challenging year from increased competition from the private sector and extensive refurbishment programmes in some of our facilities, Beacon Leisure Centre, Bowhill Swimming Pool, Cupar Leisure Centre, East Sands Leisure Centre, Lumphinanns Sports and Waterstone Crook Sports Centre have recorded increases in attendances.
The figures are being released with the recent launch of own fundraising initiative, Fife Health and Wellbeing Fund, which will directly support the health and wellbeing programme delivered across Fife
Ed Watson, chief executive for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “The trust has seen some challenges this year with some temporary disruption to sites for refurbishment works and there has been greater competitive pressure from private gyms within the region along with a period of good weather over the summer affecting attendances. However, we have seen some significant areas of growth and continued success in engaging with the local community to get more active.
“As a local charitable trust, we are very aware that people who choose to use our facilities are investing in an organisation which has the wellbeing of local communities at its core – by continuing to perform well, we are able to invest surpluses back into facilities and programmes for everyone’s benefit. I’d like to thank customers for their continued support.”
Councillor Judy Hamilton, Convener said: “This is a really positive report. The trust has delivered a strong set of results with overall attendances having increased despite temporary closures in some facilities.
“It is encouraging to see the continued popularity of the Move More programme. The increase in referrals is extremely positive and can only help the health of the individuals concerned at a time when its most needed.
“The Council, FSLT and its partners work together to ensure there is affordable, accessible opportunities which allow us to give people the ability to participate in physical activities, which helps improve the health and wellbeing of all communities across Fife.”
Attendance breakdown by facility:
Beacon Leisure Centre - 147,649
Bowhill Swimming Pool - 64,761
Carnegie Leisure Centre - 445,695
Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre - 206,260
Cupar Leisure Centre - 143,863
Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre - 140,136
Duloch Leisure Centre - 163,334
East Sands Leisure Centre - 132,314
Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre - 580,814
Kirkcaldy Leisure Centre - 289,064
Levenmouth Swimming Pool and Sports Centre - 9,865
Lumphinnans Sports Hub - 38,062
Pitreavie Athletics Centre - 39,186
Waterstone Crook Sports Centre - 28,310
