Fife Sports and Leisure Trust had an impressive year, with nearly 2.4 million visits and a significant rise in new memberships
Fife: The Fife Sports and Leisure Trust (FSLT) had a fantastic year, with nearly 2.4 million visits to its venues. That’s a whopping 24% increase in new members!
They not only hit their attendance goals but also exceeded financial targets. CEO Emma Walker shared this exciting news with the local council recently.
She mentioned that they’re almost back to pre-pandemic attendance levels, which is a huge win. The Trust generated around £9 million in income, thanks to their focus on quality services.
FSLT has been working hard on its ‘Back to 100’ campaign, aiming to bounce back from the disruptions caused by COVID-19. And it looks like they’re on the right track!
With almost 2.4 million visits last year, they achieved 95% of their target, which Walker called a “fantastic result” given the challenges they faced.
They also launched a new membership scheme at the start of 2024, making it easier and cheaper for people to access more venues. This move has paid off, with membership numbers soaring beyond what they were before the pandemic.
Walker noted that simplifying their membership options was a bold step, but it’s clearly working. They now offer over 250 fitness classes each week and have expanded their health programs significantly.
Their Learn to Swim program has also grown, with over 8,000 participants, earning them the title of ‘Swimming Provider of the Year’ from Scottish Water.
While the attendance and membership numbers are impressive, there are still challenges ahead. Walker pointed out that budget issues remain a concern, especially with rising costs.
Despite a small deficit last year, FSLT is aiming for a balanced budget this year. They’re committed to working with Fife Council and other partners to keep growing and helping residents enjoy physical activities.
