More than £450,000 is to be invested in college and university sports clubs to promote fitness and reduce the chances of students dropping out of courses.

The government funding for Scottish Student Sport (SSS) is aimed at getting students more involved with their college or university.

There are more than 600 student sports clubs in Scotland who can apply for support from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) £465,000 pot.

Education minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Sport and physical activity has a hugely positive impact on a person’s health and well-being and, as a Government, we are committed to helping people establish lifelong habits of sports participation and fitness.

“SSS research also shows that being involved in college or university sport can increase student engagement and support retention rates.

“That is why I‘m pleased to be able to announce this investment of nearly half a million pounds going directly to student sport.

“It is important that we are able to maximize the facilities on offer to both college and university students and I welcome the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Student Sport’s commitment to ensuring that students in both colleges and universities will be able to access the best facilities available to them in Scotland.”

Stew Fowlie, chief operating officer at SSS, said: “We are delighted to receive such strong support from SFC – helping us to build a world class system for physical activity and sport – much to the benefit of Scotland’s students.

“Alongside our significant support from sportscotland, this investment will allow us to make our ambitious plan for the future of student sport a vibrant reality.”

SFC chief executive John Kemp said: “We have been involved with Scottish Student Sport since it was set up seven years ago.

“It’s an energetic and forward-looking organisation and is making a real difference. I look forward to seeing the impact of the ambitious plans we all have for student sport over the next four years.”