A Barrhead woman has shared how a sports initiative changed her life.

Kira Henry, 21, said the Active Schools programme, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, helped her come out of her shell.

The initiative, launched in 2004, has supported thousands of young people across East Renfrewshire in keeping active and healthy during their school years.

The East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's Active Schools team is part of a national network working with sportscotland to provide quality sporting opportunities for children and young people.

Kira, who is now working towards a career as a PE teacher, has been involved in the Young Ambassadors programme, Young People’s Sport Panel and was named amongst Scotland's most inspirational young women in 2021.

(Image: Supplied)

She said: "The first time I was involved with Active Schools was a football game, when I was in primary four.

"It was my first time playing competitively - a proper game against another school.

"I never looked back from that. I was a really quiet kid.

"I wouldn't have chosen the career I'm going to do without it as I wouldn't have had the confidence.

"Sport brought me out of my shell."

She now shares her story to help raise awareness of the role of sport in supporting care-experienced young people.

The Active Schools team has a wide variety of sporting events and tournaments lined up to mark the milestone in style throughout the year, from cross-country championships, football festivals and various sports tournaments, to the annual secondary school games and East Renfrewshire Dance Championships for primary and secondary schools.

Councillor Andrew Anderson, convener for education, equalities, culture and leisure, said: "The Active Schools programme has become an integral part of providing our children and young people with the opportunity to get involved in a wide-range of sport and physical activity."

Anthony McReavy, chief executive of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure, said: "We're very proud to mark the 20th anniversary of our Active Schools team in East Renfrewshire.

"Active Schools also develops pathways between schools and leading sports clubs in the local community and supports hundreds of sports volunteers to develop new skills, lead activity sessions and support school career pathways and progression."