Edinburgh Leisure has been awarded nearly £250,000 by the Big Lottery Fund in order to deliver new sporting and leisure services for 17- to 24-year-olds.

The funding will enable the leisure trust, in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and Capability Scotland, to deliver a range of sport and health and fitness programmes over the next three years through a combination of information workshops, taster sessions and outdoor activities.

All of the programmes are intended to empower young people, in order for them to make more informed decisions about their lifestyle.

Another key element of the project will be to support young people’s progression within sport and leisure over the long-term. Links will be forged with local clubs, sports programmes, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and other training and volunteering programmes.

Michael Pinkerton, of Edinburgh Leisure, said: “People in the 17- to 24-year-old age group lose regular access to sports when they leave school as they no longer go to PE classes. If they do not go on to further education, opportunities can become very limited.

“this is all about giving them an opportunity to get back into sport and leisure and ensure there is a pathway for them to continue with their choice of sport.”

Head of sports and service development and Edinburgh Leisure, Fiona Wernham, added: “This fantastic award from the Big Lottery Fund will allow us to work closely with our community partners, the council and Capability Scotland to bridge this gap and help this age group step back into leisure.

“This project, and others, demonstrates Edinburgh Leisure’s commitment to making leisure services in Edinburgh accessible to all, regardless of their age, ability or social standing.”

The Big Lottery Fund is the joint operating name of the New Opportunities Fund and the National Lottery Charities Board. It invites funding bids of between £50,000 and £500,000.