IT only launched last year but the Coach Core programme at Glasgow Sport is already on to a winning streak.

Employing 20 people across the city, aged between 16 and 23, the aim is to equip them with skills, increase employment and boost opportunities in their areas.

The trainees, on year-long contracts, now deliver 1500 hours of sport in their communities.

It helped 21-year-old Lauren Weir, from Knightswood, focus on the job she really wants to do. After spells in a sports shop and as a HR assistant, she has set her sights on becoming a head coach. She has been training in Tae Kwon Do for the past 16 years and is keen to pass on all she knows to younger participants.

It was on a six-week project at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill, Glasgow, with fellow trainee Andrew Jerrett, that she got a chance to test her skills.

The multi-sport pilot programme for children under 12 with severe psychiatric conditions was the first to introduce sport to patients.

"They were all at different levels of ability, so Andrew and I went in for an hour each week to take them outside and play games and sports," she said.

"We taught them a bit about the Commonwealth Games but really it was just to keep them active for that hour. One week we focused on football, another on basketball, then gymnastics.

"We got a good response from the staff, they said they noticed a big difference in the children's behaviour even outwith that hour."

Andrew, 17, from Bishopbriggs, said the first week they started with fun games, then followed the children on what games and sports they wanted to try.

"They were shy at first but after a while they started telling us about their day. They really enjoyed it."

Medical staff and the deputy head teacher for the on-site school all reported a noticeable improvement in the mental health and wellbeing of the young patients, and are keen to continue the project.

Deputy head teacher Gail Lemay said: "It has been a great success for us, enjoyed by the pupils and we've had lots of positive comments from the medical staff."

The team of young trainees on the Coach Core programme have shown great commitment to developing sport in their communities and helping individuals reach their goals, according to Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life.

"They have been applying themselves extremely well to their training and mentoring sessions.

"The Coach Core programme not only provides young people with valuable skills and work experience, but benefits children, schools and various areas across Glasgow.

"We are honoured that the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry chose Glasgow as one of three cities to deliver their Coach Core programme. It has proven to be a great move for all involved and I'm confident the project has a bright future in the city."

Evening Times Active 2014 aims to improve the health of Scots in the year of the Commonwealth Games and build a lasting legacy of physical wellbeing.

Working with partners Glasgow Life, SportScotland and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde we'll be creating exciting opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses to get active as we bid to improve the health of as many people as possible in the community.

The campaign message is that even the smallest of changes in activity and lifestyle can make a huge improvement in health.

angela.mcmanus@ eveningtimes.co.uk