GLASGOW has pledged all 96,700 city children will have the right to play.

Glasgow Life has launched its new play strategy for the city - and this time it is written in a child-friendly format.

The document, Play for Real 2, states that Glasgow will be "a playful city that supports all children's right to play."

Providing opportunities for children aged birth to 15 to play will, say organisers, help boost education, health and communities.

And all organisations signed up to the play strategy will be expected to provide evidence of the different their work is making to children and young people.

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Chairman of Glasgow Life Archie Graham said: “In Glasgow, we wanted to let the youngest Glaswegians – those who will directly benefit from having the ability to play - have a say on how play affects their lives.

“It’s so important that children have the chance to learn through play and this child-friendly play strategy will not only support and encourage children to explore the world through play, it will also empower communities to come together, creating more sociable neighbourhoods city-wide.

“All of which helps to make Glasgow one of the best places for young people to grow up.”

The Evening Times told in 2011 of the launch of the first play strategy, Play for Real, and how it was hoped to lead to healthy and happy children - and make sure Glasgow is a fun place to live and work.

Play, especially outdoors, has been shown to be fundamental to children's learning, growth and development.

Launched on the annual National Playday, more than 100 families gathered at Dalmarnock Primary School in the east end for a Road to Rio Olympics themed fun-day.

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Developed by Glasgow Life and Glasgow’s Child and Family Care Group in collaboration with more than 40 of the city’s children, the child-friendly play strategy outlines the importance of play for Glasgow’s youngest citizens.

In 2011 Glasgow became the first city in Scotland to launch a city-wide play strategy, ahead of the 2013 Scottish Government publication: Play Strategy for Scotland.

Now in 2016 Glasgow’s Child and Family Care Group, have refreshed this strategy creating a child-friendly version.

It was developed in consultation with St Mirin Out of School Club, Stepping Stones for Families, Possilpark Out of School Club and PEEK.

Melodie Crumlin, Chief Executive of PEEK, said: “The launch of the Glasgow Play Strategy is very exciting and we are delighted to have been involved in developing this alongside Glasgow Life and other third sector partners and more importantly local children.

“Play is critically important to all children in their overall development. PEEK provides many opportunities to support and creates an environment that fosters great play.

"We listen to children and young people; respecting their views, providing them with a range of play environments and opportunities and are committed to developing high quality play provision that is appropriate, local, stimulating and challenging for all.”

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The strategy aims to provide a safe, fun way for children and their families to interact through play.

Created by Glasgow’s Child and Family Care Group, the strategy aims to enable and empower children to grow and develop through play.

Chaired by Glasgow City Council Education Services the Child and Family Care Group comprises of Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council Leisure and Environmental Services, out of school care organisations and the NHS.