Active NL's Golf Team has been awarded Community Team of the Year at the Scottish Golf Union (SGU) Golf Awards, recognising their work in making golf more accessible for people of all ages and abilities across North Lanarkshire.
A celebration event was held at Lochview Golf Course, bringing together staff, partners, and volunteers who contributed to the programme's success. Over the past year, the team focused on inclusion, development, and creating positive experiences through sport.
Programmes for Schools and Young People
The team collaborated with ASN (Additional Support Needs) schools to introduce golf to pupils with a wide range of needs, helping young people build confidence and develop skills in a welcoming environment. Links with mainstream schools were also strengthened, with local pupils invited to access Lochview free of charge on Friday afternoons.
More than 100 children regularly attend Lochview Academy as they begin their golf journey. Programmes for women and girls continue to thrive, with 75 girls participating in the popular Girls' Hub programme last year.
Quotes from Officials
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 NLC’s 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.”
