More than £50 000 has been awarded to communities across Glasgow to boost opportunities for people to take part in sport and get active.

The move is part of the first phase of a European Capital of Sport (ECOS) 2023 fund that comes after Glasgow becomes the first city to hold the title twice.

The city first won the accolade 20 years ago in 2003.

Glasgow Life, the charity responsible for sport and culture in Glasgow, is giving funding to 70 sporting organisations throughout the city that applied for £750 grants to inspire people of all backgrounds and abilities to get active.

The ECOS fund prioritises projects that support underrepresented groups, like people with disabilities, low-income families, ethnic minorities, and women and girls.

The first round of grants is aimed at activities that take place from January to June 2023, ranging from grassroots sporting events and open days to new club sessions and community-based programs.

Applications for the second phase of ECOS funding will open from April 1 until May 8 for projects happening between July and December.

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Becoming the first city to be named European Capital of Sport for a second time is a historic achievement for Glasgow.

"The ECOS status reaffirms Glasgow’s credentials as a world-class sporting city, and presents a great opportunity to change more lives for the better through sport – at a grassroots level in our communities and schools, and professionally through our elite level clubs and top-class facilities.

“Earning the title of European Capital of Sport for the second time in two decades demonstrates the part sport has played – and will continue to play – in the city’s progress, which has seen Glasgow become a world leader when it comes to harnessing the power of sport and physical activity to improve lives.”