ALMOST 100 per cent of children taking part in supported sport programmes across Scotland say it makes them feel healthier and more confident.

A new research report into the work of sportscotland has found that participation programmes supported by the national agency for sport are having a life-changing effect on those who are taking part.

The independent research, published by sportscotland just weeks after it was confirmed that participation levels on national programmes in Scotland are at record high, found that schemes such as Active Schools were making 98 per cent of children and young people feel healthier, while 92 per cent felt more confident.

Welcoming the findings, Chief executive of sportscotland, Stewart Harris, said: “In recent years we have seen a significant increase in sports participation thanks to national programmes across the country including Active Schools and our support for local clubs and community sport hubs. Our work in these areas is changing lives as can be seen from the findings of this research.

“We are creating more and better opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport thanks to these programmes and along with our partners, including local authorities, leisure trusts, Scottish governing bodies, clubs and schools, we are determined to build on that.”

The research showed that 87 per cent of participants have made new friends through the Active Schools programme, while 76 per cent of secondary school participants said sport and physical activity is helping them achieve their goals.

According to the Active Schools Outcomes Framework: Schools and Education and Clubs and Communities Environments report, compiled by Research Scotland, the work of sportscotland is encouraging people to lead active lifestyles with 85 per cent of club members now meeting Chief Medical Officer guidelines for physical activity.

The report, which considered survey responses from 3000 sport club members and just under 15,000 pupils also highlights the positive effect programmes are having in terms of tackling inactivity, with significant drops in this area thanks to Active Schools and support for clubs.

Publication of the report comes the day before members of the Scottish Parliament debate the success of Team Scotland at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and the strength of the sporting system as a whole in Scotland.

Sport Minister Aileen Campbell said: “The success of Scotland’s athletes at the Commonwealth Games and the findings of this research show clear evidence that Scottish sport is growing in strength and depth, with sportscotland and Scottish governing bodies developing talent and creating opportunities at all levels.

“Through sustained investment and commitment in our whole sporting system we are enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to regularly take part in physical activity across Scotland, from the grassroots right through to performance level.”