The Active Futures programme, funded by the Big Lottery, was launched in Scotland in November 2004. The programme, worth £5.5 million, targets young people aged 17-24 years old, who do not have access to sport and physical activity. Applications to the programme are prioritised for women, disabled people or ethnic minority communities. In addition the programme particularly encourages those living in rural communities and those who may be disadvantaged by social and economic deprivation.

In March 2006 Orkney Islands Council received confirmation of a successful application to facilitate .The club’s objective is to increase participation in sport and physical activity among 17-24 year olds and to sustain participation among people in this age group who are currently active.

In February of this year an Active Futures Project Worker, Kim Hamilton, and an Active Futures Programme Assistant, Amy Cromarty, were employed to co-ordinate the project, and implement .

Kim is a University of Stirling graduate (BA Hons in Marketing with Sports Studies) and has experience as a summer camp programme director in North Carolina, USA.  Since moving to Orkney in 2004 she has worked at the Pickaquoy Centre and was the Marketing officer for the St Magnus Festival last year, encouraging a younger audience to attend performances. Kim also teaches regularly at Cruan Riding Stables as well as for the local pony clubs.

will offer a range of activities in a variety of settings throughout the remote and rural island parishes of Orkney, promoting inclusion across the whole community. It will build on existing opportunities as well as introducing new ones, supported by appropriate training and the Active Futures team. A range of venues and times will be offered to suit this diverse group of people including singles, males and females only, and family fun sessions, with promotions and incentives to encourage involvement.  will be able to offer its members discounts at leading retailers and leisure facilities in order to encourage membership, and offer sports and physical activity orientated programmes to encourage participation.

Kim and Amy are looking forward to  being operational and are in the process of arranging a club structure and membership system. The club will offer a range of different activities, discounts at local businesses and facilities, and incentives to promote the health benefits of being involved with the programme. It is important for the Active Futures team to understand what type of activities will attract this age group, and overcome any difficulties that may be preventing them from participating in sports and physical activities. So Kim and Amy have held several focus groups and have spoken to lots of people within the age range to discuss possible activities to offer and any difficulties which could prevent them from participating.

The official launch date of  will be announced soon, but in the meantime several taster session programmes will be on offer starting in mid April. If you would like further information please call 01856 888731 or e-mail activefutures@pickaquoy.com