Eighteen young people identified as being at risk of long term unemployment will today take the first steps into a career within sport and leisure, with the launch a sports leadership programme delivered by Edinburgh Leisure and funded by the City of Edinburgh Council.

The 'Positive Destinations' programme is the first of a raft of new City Council funded, Edinburgh Leisure managed initiatives aimed at increasing activity for a range of target groups such as older adults, young adults not in employment, education or training (NEETs), young people in care and young people with disabilities.

The programme will see a group of S4 school pupils, indentified through the well-established local authority run 'JET' programme as being at risk of becoming NEET. Today's launch signifies the first tranche of young adults involved this programme which aims to support 375 participants overall.

After completing a six week sport coaching course at Edinburgh Leisure, the participants will be given a work placement at one of Edinburgh Leisure's venues where they will be immersed in all aspects of the Sport and Leisure management environment. Their progress will be closely monitored throughout all stages of the course and they will be given ongoing guidance whether they chose to remain in school or to pursue a career in sport and leisure following their Standard Grade exams.

Edinburgh Leisure Positive Destinations Project Co-ordinator Jack Martin said: "This programme will give eighteen young people an invaluable insight into the sport and leisure industry as well as providing them with work based skills and values which will prove vital when seeking future employment. Hopefully this will have a considerable impact on their future careers and - maybe one day – lead to full time employment within Edinburgh Leisure. "

Councillor Gordon Munro, vice-convener of the Economic Development committee, said: "This is great news for these young people who are taking part, providing them with experience of working life that will prepare them for life after school. We're very grateful to Edinburgh Leisure for their support and wish their 18 new students all the best as they begin their placements."