A social enterprise group is savouring a decade serving Dumfries and Galloway.
The Let’s Get Sporty organisation has helped hundreds of people find work and launch successful careers.
The project was launched by Dumfries men David Bradbury and Kevin Somerville to provide sports coaching, but branched out to provide employability training for young people.
They helped coach a wide range of people in schools, nurseries, care homes and community centres but also provided a jobs boost to hundreds. They now employ 18 people with more than 30 trainees delivering coaching, sport and physical activity across the region for 1,500 kids.
Throughout the 10 years Let’s Get Sporty has been based at Lochvale House, formerly Georgetown Community Centre, which they lease from Dumfries and Galloway Council.
They now have ambitious plans to develop the site to expand their community programmes even further as well as building a new employability facility to support the region’s local economy to grow and create more opportunities for young people to learn and develop.
Director David Bradbury said of the 10 year landmark: “When we started out we never dreamed we would get to 10 years.
“We can’t thank our customers, staff and the local community enough for their support
“We have exciting plans for the future and are looking forward to the next 10 years.
“I would like to thank every past and present trainee plus staff who have made this happen. Without their help and hard work we would not be where we are.
Fellow founder member and director, Kevin Somerville, added: “It is testament to our fantastic team that we have got to this landmark.
“We have employed a lot of young people over the years and have had hundreds of young people join us as trainees.
“Our story shows that by believing in and trusting young people your business can be a success.”
The organisation has played a part in many success stories with more than 500 young people moving onto further and higher education or employment after being involved in the Let’s Get Employed programme, designed to help people progress with their career.
