The Earlston Active Schools team in the Scottish Borders is working with local schools and Borders College to support the delivery of two multi‑week activity blocks for primary school girls. The girls‑only netball sessions are a standout example of effective collaboration, showing how a systems‑based approach to sport and physical activity can make a real impact. The partners involved are helping pupils develop their skills, build confidence, make friends, and feel more prepared for the transition to high school.
The girls‑only netball sessions attracted high participation, leading to their return at the start of 2026. Primary 6 and 7 pupils showed impressive commitment, with many attending every session available.
Active Schools Coordinator for the Earlston cluster, Gemma Ross, works across eight primary schools and a high school in the Scottish Borders and has been influential in the planning and delivery of the netball sessions.
Gemma said: “For many of the girls, this is the only extra-curricular club they attend, so it’s important to get them involved in sport and physical activity and have fun. It enables them to meet and mix with their peers.”
She added, “It’s well known that girls’ participation in sport often drops off when they move into high school and some of the primary schools in the cluster area are very small, so that exposure is very important for them.”
Active Schools is a partnership between sportscotland and all 32 local authorities. The network consists of over 400 managers and coordinators dedicated to developing and supporting the delivery of high-quality opportunities for young people to take part in sport and physical activity before school, during lunchtime and after school. Each year, circa £13M of Scottish Government funding is invested into local authorities to deliver the Active Schools programme.
A new chapter for girls’ netball
Across Earlston’s eight primary schools, term one PE centres on netball, with a six‑week training block building towards area competitions. The winners from each area then advance to the Borders final, and the sport’s popularity continues to grow year on year.
However, opportunities beyond school were limited and each year the girls asked if there was a local club they could join.
Laura Murray, PE teacher at Lauder Primary, said, “There was a high standard of netball at the tournament, and this extra-curricular club has given the girls the chance to keep playing. It brings together players from all the cluster schools that feed into Earlston High School, so for those moving up next year, they’ll already know each other, which really supports the transition.”
Cadha, 12, said, “I like that we get to meet new people that we normally wouldn't mix with and it makes me feel excited that I get to do a sport that I love.”
Sunne, 11, said, “It’s a really good opportunity to make new friends for high school, and I’ve also become more active.”
When thinking about the feedback received from parents and participants, Gemma said, “What’s been especially rewarding is seeing the change in confidence. Some of the quieter, more shy girls who were hesitant in week one, are coming through the door full of energy and enthusiasm, simply because they’ve enjoyed it so much.”
Erin, 11, regularly attends the girls-only netball sessions and played football and hockey in school. Erin says that netball feels very different because it relies on teamwork - everyone has a specific position and role, which she really enjoys.
Erin, said, “I've fallen in love with netball and it's just amazing to have a session for us girls. It’s so much fun getting to meet new people from different schools and some that I’ll be going to high school with.”
A supportive network
Prior to delivering netball sessions as part of the school curriculum, PE teacher Laura attended a CPD course through Active Schools. She says the coaching opportunity allowed her to apply what she learned directly in the girls-only netball sessions.
Laura said, “I feel like the CPD course has been part of the journey of creating this buzz and enthusiasm around netball.”
She added, “As a PE teacher, you've got responsibility for all of the different subjects and sports within PE, and inevitably we have to move on. Thanks to Active Schools, the girls who had loved their netball can now carry on playing through this club and it’s fantastic.
Active Schools has worked with schools for over 20 years providing opportunities for children and young people to get involved, and stay involved, in sport. When reflecting on the wider impact of the Active Schools programme, Laura said:
“I think it's allowing more children to participate in a greater variety of sports and Active Schools are able to support what we're teaching within the PE curriculum, like teamwork, resilience, cooperation, respect, and also commitment.”
Abigail, 11, attends afterschool netball sessions at Earlston High School. She said, “Netball is fun and it's giving me so much more confidence in all my sports. The atmosphere is really nice.”
Making an impact together
Gemma said, “Last year, through our link with the local college, we supported students to complete placements in local primary and high schools. For the pilot, I connected with Vikki, a former pupil who was a keen netball player, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to try something new.”
For the second year of the girls -only netball Gemma approached keen 5th year pupils Isla and Maisie, who were already involved in helping coach netball at Earlston High School, and they were delighted to take on the primary sessions too.
Isla said, “Through the girls only netball sessions, I’ve improved my organisation, planning and communication skills. I’ve learned how to encourage the girls, as well as reassure and support them.”
Speaking about the importance of school sport, Isla added, “It’s not just about physical health… the sessions give young people the chance to make new friends, learn skills and develop. All of that has a positive impact on wellbeing.”
Through the work of Active Schools Coordinators like Gemma, the programme continues to provide a varied number of training, learning and physical activity opportunities for participants, coaches, young leaders, and teachers.
Gemma reflects, “I think the role of an Active Schools Coordinator is important for giving young people as many opportunities to try as many different sports as possible and finding something that interests them. It’s important that we show them that you don't need to be the best, the strongest or fastest… it’s about finding something that you enjoy and want to continue doing!”
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