Active NL’s Golf Team has been recognised on the national stage after winning Community Team of the Year at the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) Golf Awards.
The award celebrates the team’s outstanding work in making golf more accessible and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across North Lanarkshire.
A special event was held at Lochview Golf Course on 25 June to celebrate the achievement, bringing together staff, partners and volunteers who have helped make the programme such a success.
Over the past year, Active NL’s Golf Team has continued to grow participation across local communities while focusing on inclusion, development and creating positive experiences through sport.The team has worked closely with ASN schools to introduce golf to pupils with a wide range of additional support needs, helping young people build confidence, develop skills and enjoy being active in a welcoming environment.
Links with mainstream schools have also strengthened, with local pupils invited to access Lochview free of charge on Friday afternoons. The initiative has helped introduce more young people to golf and has contributed positively within the local community.
Programmes designed specifically for women and girls continue to thrive, with 75 girls taking part in the popular Girls’ Hub programme last year. More than 100 children also regularly attend Lochview Academy as they begin their journey in the sport.
John Kelly, Golf Operations Manager with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This recognition belongs to the whole team, our staff, coaches, volunteers, grounds team,partners and participants.
“What makes this especially rewarding is seeing the difference golf can make beyond the game itself. We’ve seen young people grow in confidence, families get involved together and people discover opportunities they may never have thought were available to them.”
Councillor Geraldine Woods, Convener of the Communities Committee, said: “This award is a fantastic achievement and a real reflection of the commitment and passion shown by everyone involved in delivering golf opportunities across North Lanarkshire.
“The team has created something that goes well beyond sport. They’ve opened doors for people, supported communities and made golf accessible and welcoming to more residents.”