A NEW initiative which is helping veterans get into sport has been launched across the Forth Valley including two locations in the Wee County.

‘Tee times for troops’ is a new initiative from Active Stirling offering veterans of the Armed Forces the opportunity to play golf for free in the Forth Valley area.

The initiative is currently being rolled out across six local golf clubs in Stirling and two in Clackmannanshire – Alloa Golf Club and Alva Golf Club.

Veterans can contact participating clubs to find out what ‘Tee times for troops’ are available and book a time suitable to them, completely free of charge to play the course.

The initiative is not a free membership for veterans, however, it is the opportunity for our ex forces men and women to enjoy golf and the social and physical benefits it brings.

A spokesman for Alloa Golf Club said it is hoping they can attract new members while giving something back through the initiative.

He said: “It is really about getting people active and into sport. We are hoping that some of the people who take part will go on to become members or even just regular players of the sport.”

Speaking of the veterans, he added: “They have given so much for their country and the community, so it is time the community gave them something back, which is what we’re doing.”

The initiative will also operate through targeted referral programmes. Active Stirling is working closely with many charities and partners to highlight individuals who may find golf a therapeutic way to be more socially active.

The initiative will look to assist veterans who suffer with such conditions as PTSD, anxiety or who currently live in isolation and use the sport to ease these individuals back into a more physically active lifestyle.

Furthermore, consultation will be created to see what other sports veterans may want to try and from this we hope to offer a wider range of sports and forms of physical activity to those in most need.

Allen Gibson of Active Stirling said “I am excited to introduce the initiative which has gained a lot of traction in a short period of time.

“The idea has gathered praise from many partners and I am looking forward to where the initiative can hopefully grow and become a stepping stone for veterans to get back to more active lifestyles”.

If you would like more information on ‘Tee times for troops’ please contact Allen Gibson at Active Stirling on gibsona@activestirling.org.uk or call on 01786 273555