North Ayrshire Active Schools celebrate 2026 graduates

Saltcoats Town Hall welcomed 180 young people in an inspiring afternoon celebrating young people who have gone above and beyond in their schools and communities.

The North Ayrshire Active Schools Leadership Graduation ceremony took place on Friday 29 May and was attended by S5 and S6 pupils from across North Ayrshire’s six localities.

Pupils were celebrated for their volunteering contribution to the North Ayrshire Sports Academy (NASA) programme. NASA is one of several youth leadership programmes run by North Ayrshire Active Schools.

Central to the Council’s Wellbeing Priority, North Ayrshire Active Schools form part of the Community Learning and Development Service, providing a dedicated service for young people - supported by sportscotland - to ensure equal access to lunchtime and after-school sports such as football, badminton, netball and basketball.

A highlight of the year, the ceremony shone a spotlight on sports coaching achievements and young people’s participation in a series of other programmes.

Leadership programmes recognised included the CLIMB (Connect, Lead, Inspire, Motivate, Be Yourself) mental health and resilience programme, North Ayrshire Active Girls Committee, Young Ambassadors, Team Inspire and NASA (North Ayrshire Sports Academy).

Stand-out Young Ambassadors were recognised at the ceremony for going above and beyond in their duties. Youth sports coaches from Team Inspire were also applauded for their commitment to nurturing the next generation of NASA recruits, supporting youth participation events and championing the sporting achievements of pupils and peers.

Previous NASA and Team Inspire members were also welcomed to share their journeys since graduating and demonstrate the impact on how Active Schools programmes have increased their confidence, fitness and commitment to local schools and communities.

Activity in the programmes includes: sports coaching, events management, providing peer support, developing leadership skills, running groups and tournaments and supporting with vital school transitions from primary to secondary.

North Ayrshire Provost, Councillor Anthea Dickson opened the proceedings, sharing: “Congratulations to all of the young people recognised and to the additional 1,000 young people who weren’t present at the ceremony, however have also been in involved in North Ayrshire’s Move and Improve programme.

“Our young people’s commitment to sport and physical activity is truly remarkable. Not only have they supported their own personal development, they have also had a meaningful impact in their schools and wider community.

“Across the past year, I was amazed to learn that the young people have accumulated an incredible 6,000 hours of sports volunteering across community venues and schools, as deliverers, event organisers, planners, officials and mentors. The value of this contribution is extraordinary, and this equates to a social value saved of more £120,000 being reinvested back into communities.

“The Active Schools graduation is always a highlight of the year, and it has been wonderful to celebrate inspiring young people who lead not only with skill but with heart.”

The ceremony ended with a warm thanks to parents and carers for their vital support and encouragement.

National Governing Bodies, who play a key role in providing progression pathways and qualifications alongside KA:Leisure were also thanked for their strong partnership approach to delivering another successful North Ayrshire Active Schools programme over the past year.

If you want to be part of the action, speak to the Active Schools Coordinator in your school or drop the team a DM via North Ayrshire Active Schools on Facebook.

Published: 18 June 2026