Elected officials will be looking at a new strategy which sets out a long-term approach to increasing participation and making sport and physical activity more accessible in the area.

At a meeting of Falkirk Council’s executive on Thursday, November 5 members will be asked to approve the Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, which stretches from 2027 to 2037.

It sets out how the council and its partners would support more people to take part in sport and physical activity, while addressing barriers including transport,

disability access, confidence, the location of facilities and affordability for those most in need.

Members will discuss the strategy at a meeting of the executive on November 5 (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — Members will discuss the strategy at a meeting of the executive on November 5 (Picture: Submitted)

The strategy has been developed following consultation with residents, sports clubs, community organisations and partners, including 635 responses to a public survey.

Recorded visits across the council's sport and leisure network increased from around 862,500 in 2022/23 to more than 1.6 million in 2025/26. Community use of

school facilities has also risen from just under 200,000 visits to more than 640,000.

Michael McGuinness, head of growth, planning, sport and culture, said: “Participation across our facilities has grown, but we know that cost, transport, accessibility

and confidence can still prevent people from taking part.

"The proposed strategy provides a long-term framework for working with clubs, schools, communities and health partners to address those barriers and to make the best use of facilities across our area."

Proposals include establishing the Falkirk Active Communities Fund, using up to £50,000 a year from existing sport and leisure budgets to support local projects,

reviewing affordability support to better target people facing financial barriers, developing community sport networks linking clubs, schools, facilities and health

services and making better use of existing facilities and community venues.

The strategy also seeks to improve pathways between school, community and club sport using physical activity to support prevention, recovery and wider health

outcomes.

A separate Strategic Sports Pitch Plan would also be developed over the next six to nine months, examining the condition, capacity and future requirements of

pitches across the area.

Proposals for a potential regional leisure and wellbeing hub, with land near Falkirk Community Stadium previously identified as the preferred site will also be looked at.

A business case is expected to be considered by councillors in June next year.