CashBack for communities

Jul 14 2011 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

YOUNGSTERS in West Lothian can enjoy free badminton and tennis, thanks to cash taken from criminals.

The CashBack for Communities scheme is the Scottish Government’s programme of free activities for young Scots (aged 10-19), which is funded by money taken from the proceeds of crime.

Badminton Scotland together with West Lothian Council, Community Safety Partnership and Sports Development are providing free badminton at the Fauldhouse Partnership Centre beginning Friday, July 22, from 8pm until 10pm.

CashBack aims to expand young people’s horizons and increase the opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills in an enjoyable, fulfilling and supported way.

All equipment and coaching will be provided at these free sessions and no experience is necessary.

Kathryn Graham, Sports Development officer, said: “West Lothian Council are delighted to pilot the CashBack for Communities’ badminton sessions at the newly opened Fauldhouse Partnership Centre.

“Historically, badminton has always been a popular sport within the local area and it is hoped that the pilot can replicate the success of the midnight football Leagues and eventually develop into other areas of the West Lothian Community.”

Anne Smillie Badminton Scotland Chief Executive said: “It is fantastic we are able to work with West Lothian to introduce activity to the Fauldhouse area.

“We are committed to working with communities offering this free activity to provide positive sporting opportunities to young people.”

Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, said: “The programme of activity to be undertaken by Badminton Scotland, thanks to CashBack for Communities funding, is one which will bring benefits to communities across Scotland.

“Sport contributes to the health and well-being of young people and this investment is an excellent example of how CashBack can make a positive impact by offering our young people opportunities to be active in a range of activities.

“By taking funds from crime and putting it back into our communities we are making them safer and helping to ensure our young people lead longer, healthier lives.”

Since its launch in 2007 by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, over £40million has been reinvested back into communities across Scotland through sporting, cultural, youth and third-sector organisations.

To date, over half a million young people have benefited.

Meanwhile, CashBack Tennis Summer Camps have also been confirmed at two venues in West Lothian over the summer, and are as follows (Monday, August 1, and Friday, August 5, at James Young High School Tennis Courts):

Sessions are open for 10 to 12-year-olds between 10am and 11am; 11am to 12 noon for 13 to 19-year-olds; and at Kirkton Park Tennis Courts, Bathgate; between 1pm and 2pm for those aged between 10 and 12, and from 2pm until 3pm for those aged between 13 and 19.