Scottish Borders Council (SBC) is launching its Sport and Physical Activity Strategy for the region. The strategy will be presented at full Council on 29 January 2026.
The strategy, which forms part of the councils ongoing transformational change programme, aligns with Public Health Scotland’s Physical Activity for Health Framework, but it is first and foremost a plan to strengthen sport in the Scottish Borders an d help more people build active habits that last. It will support communities, schools, clubs and individuals, while also recognising the vital role of coaches and volunteers in providing opportunities across the region.
Through the strategy, SBC is looking to ensure that everyone living, working, and visiting the Borders can benefit from being involved in sport and physical activity, creating opportunities for everyone to take part, develop skills, volunteer, and stay active for life.
The Strategy aims to establish a seamless approach aligned to both national and local priorities, promote participation, tackle barriers to access, and support stronger local pathways into sport. Its objective is to establish a seamless approach aligned to both national and local priorities; promote the importance of sport and physical activity; tackle inequalities in communities; enhance participation rates and ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to be active.
Scottish Borders Council Leader, Councillor Euan Jardine, said: “I am thrilled to see the new Sport and Physical Activity Strategy coming forward. Whether you are involved in elite sport, part of a local club, a volunteer coach, or you simply looking to get more active, there is something in this Strategy for you.
“Sport has the power to transform lives building confidence, perseverance, and teamwork. Alongside the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we want to make sure everyone in the Borders has the chance to experience these benefits. Our strategy seeks to lead the way, celebrating our traditions while meeting the needs of modern communities.
“We’ll keep celebrating traditional sport, but we’re also exploring modern routes including Esports as a way to engage more young people and build healthier routines around it, encouraging movement, confidence and real-world activity alongside screen time.”
This strategy is about opening pathways and opportunities for everyone to develop lifelong healthy habits strengthening sport, supporting volunteers, and helping more people across the Borders to be active, more often.
