Local Sports Councils are managed by volunteers from the local sporting community. They meet approximately 6 times per year to encourage, develop and promote all sport by providing advice, support and assistance to affiliated clubs/organisations.

Local Sport Councils are the key partners in Scottish Borders Council events  such as the Sports Academy, Sports Development programmes and the work of Scottish Borders Disability Sport and club development. The executive committee consists of volunteer representatives, Scottish Borders Council,
local Councillors and members of the Scottish Association of Local Sports Councils.

There is a large range of sports clubs in the area of varying abilities and interests. Sport Councils exist to maximise their resources for the needs of the sporting community.

Local Sports Councils exist to represent member clubs, organisations, individuals and to assist with the achievement of their goals. There are four Sport Councils in the area representing Ettrick & Lauderdale, Tweeddale, Roxburgh, and Berwickshire areas. Many sports clubs in the Borders are already members, however there are still clubs throughout the area who are not currently affiliated and therefore missing out on the benefits that Sports Councils can offer.

GRANT AID SCHEMES

Sport Award Scheme
Finance is available to assist talented athletes with coaching costs, travelling expenses and attendance at competitions. Also funding for coach education is available.

Revenue Scheme
Funding for equipment essential to the continued development of clubs

Capital Scheme
Funding Is also available for the upgrade/provision and essential maintenance of sports facilities.

Start Up Grant Funding
provided to enable new clubs to become viable and sustainable organisations.

EVENTS AND ADVICE

Annual Awards Evening
The Sports Council have an Annual Awards Evening to recognise the outstanding achievements of the regions athletes and volunteers. A wide range of categories are available (team of the year, senior and junior coach, service to local sport.)

Information Service
Newsletter/information and  advice on a wide range of sport related topics – at local, regional and national levels.

Coaching Workshops
Reduced costs of attending Sports Coach UK workshops, coaching conferences, seminars and tutor training workshops.

James McLean Trust
Enjoy the James McLean Trust Quiz and the annual celebration dinner to recognise the outstanding achievements of the areas clubs, athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers.

Lottery Funding Assistance
Advice on awards for all lottery bids and Sportscotland lottery programmes.