The funding from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund, administered by CVS Falkirk and the Scottish Government, will be spent on LinkLiving’s Sporting Chance programme, which will be run in partnership with Falkirk FC’s Falkirk Foundation.

Participating young people aged 16 to 25 living in Falkirk will learn tools and techniques to manage their mental health and wellbeing through sport and physical activity.

LinkLiving’s chief executive officer, Sarah Smith, said: “LinkLiving’s Sporting Chance could not be coming at a better time. Coming out of the pandemic, there is a significant amount of data outlining young people are struggling with their mental health. There is also evidence highlighting the lack of resources available.

“This programme aims to make a real difference by providing opportunities for young people living in Falkirk to receive the support they need to improve their confidence and self-esteem so they can overcome the daily challenges they face, as well as assisting them to secure a place at a college, university or embarking on a career.”

It is hoped up to 40 young people will benefit from the project by attending three courses for 10 to 14 participants.

LinkLiving’s Sporting Chance is expected to start in June 2023 and conclude in March 2024.