Have you heard about our Active Schools team? They’re a group of dedicated individuals who work together with schools, parents and communities to offer children and young people the opportunities and motivation to adopt active, healthy lifestyles, now and into adulthood.

We caught up with Active Schools Coordinator Bart for a chat about the work Active Schools does and the opportunities available to young people.

What is your position within Live Active?

Hola! Bart here from Live Active. Some of you may remember me from Bell’s Sports Centre where I’ve worked for over 5 years. I am currently an Active Schools Coordinator with Live Active Leisure.

How long have you worked for Live Active?

I have been a Duty Leisure Manager at Bell’s Sports Centre for over 5 years before seizing an opportunity to work with Active Schools in September 2022.

What do you love most about your job?

The thing I love most about my job is that I can use the power of sport and physical activity to inspire younger generations in our community. I am privileged to watch young people become the best versions of themselves through staying active. To me, it’s a journey I wish to support all people to embark upon, regardless of what stage they’re at.

Do you take part in any sport or activities yourself?

Yes, I do, I am a passionate mountain biker. I enjoy downhill – a very fast and gnarly ride on big 2 wheels. Lucky to live in Scotland as I am genuinely surrounded by fantastic terrain. Apart from biking, I still play a bit of basketball and go to the gym as often as I can.

How important is physical activity and sport in a young person’s life?

I think we would need to ask young people themselves. Mountains of literature suggests that sport has an extremely positive impact on everyone’s physical, mental, and social factors. From developing as a healthy human to illness prevention and maintaining positive mental health and wellbeing. I do believe that sport does it all!

From my own journey, I simply wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for sport, and I've been lucky to have the support and encouragement of a few people along the way!

So, what exactly is Active Schools?

We are a bunch of professional enthusiasts who work in partnership with schools and communities to provide more and higher quality opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school, and to develop effective pathways between schools and sports clubs in the local community. Our focus is very much on increasing the number and diversity of children and young people who take part.

If a young person at school wants to try out a new sport, how would they find out what’s on offer and how to get involved?

Every school operates slightly differently; however, the easiest way to find out what’s on is to drop in to PE, check the bulletin, timetables or social media channels. Or, go see your Active Schools Coordinator! We are all based in our Secondary Schools and we do try to make ourselves as present and available as possible.

Are there any opportunities for young people who are interested in becoming leaders in sport such as a coach?

Yes, we deliver and coordinate a variety of opportunities young people can take part in. From “just getting involved” during programmes to structured and accredited courses such as “introduction to coaching” and Governing Body coach education courses such as “Education through cashback” "Community Sport Leaders Award” etc. We are also about to launch our 'Aspiring Coaches' programme as well as a few other exciting projects that will support young people to become leaders of sport in schools and/or local community sports clubs. These will all be widely promoted through PKC secondary schools and via Active Schools social media.

And are there any volunteer opportunities for people who’d like to get involved in Active Schools?

Yes, we are constantly on a lookout for more volunteers. Whether you’re a young person, a parent or someone who is just passionate about sport- we can get you involved! Anyone interested should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Who can people contact if they want to find out more about any of the work Active Schools do?

People can contact us via the Live Active website, social media channels (yes, we’re on all of them) or through the school. Or contact Tammy McKinlay, Active Schools Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We'd love to hear from you!