Ms Sturgeon said:

"After seven years of government under Mr McConnell's leadership we have record levels of child obesity, the majority of school children do not get the minimum requirement of two hours of PE per school week and sporting facilities throughout Scotland are in desperate need of investment.

"Over the next few months we will unveil comprehensive plans to nurture our sporting talent and improve the nation's health with a range of initiatives in our schools and communities.

"But today we are looking at how to invest in and support the sporting stars of the future. With the London Olympics and Glasgow's Commonwealth games bid putting sporting excellence higher up the agenda than it has been for a long time in Scotland, now is a great time to look ahead to what we need to do as a country to nurture and support the next generation of winners.

"Bellahouston Sports Academy gives gifted young athletes the chance to nurture their talent in an environment that is designed to get the best from them. We are keen to learn from and extend its success. An SNP government would look to expand the Bellahouston model with more centres of sporting excellence across Scotland."

Mr Maxwell added:

"To secure our future as a sporting nation, short-term solutions will not work which is why we are keen to see the Bellahouston model as part of a long-term strategy of building from the grassroots up our next generation of elite athletes.

"It's time for an SNP government that will show commitment to sport and take the steps needed to ensure our sporting stars of the future have the opportunities they need to succeed."