8 October, 2026
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Following a record-breaking year for entries, the winners of the ukactive Awards 2026 have been revealed at a night of celebrations in Birmingham showcasing the outstanding achievements of the sector.
The winners were announced during an awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, which was attended by over 850 leaders from across the sector – more than ever before. The full list of winners is available below.
The industry’s most prestigious awards were sponsored by the Swimming Teachers’ Association (STA) for the fourth consecutive year, and hosted by fitness coach, author and presenter Laura Hoggins alongside former professional rugby player and fitness entrepreneur Ben Gotting.
The ukactive Awards celebrate organisations of all shapes and sizes, including facility operators, suppliers, and representatives from the private, public and independent sectors.
Technogym sponsored several categories, which were fiercely competitive: the National Private Club/Centre of the Year Award was won by Snap Fitness Pontyclun; the National Independent Club/Centre of the Year Award was taken home by Branston Golf & Country Club; and the Outstanding Public Club/Centre of the Year Award went to Everyone Active’s Moulton Leisure Centre.
There was also recognition for the impact of the sector at a local level throughout the UK, with the Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year Awards (sponsored by Technogym) presented to three GLL-operated sites – Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre and Rivermead Leisure Centre, as well as West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite Linlithgow, Parkwood Leisure’s Crosby Leisure Centre and Everyone Active’s Moulton Leisure Centre.
Another major focus for the sector’s awards was suppliers, with a huge range of technical expertise represented on the night. This year, the hotly contested Supplier of the Year award went to Keepme Antares.
Durham County Council was a big winner on the night, taking home four awards in total, including the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award (sponsored by Life Fitness/Hammer Strength), the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award, the Transformational Innovation Award (sponsored by BRP Systems), and the Marketing Campaign Award. The council was praised for embedding innovation and inclusion within its culture, demonstrating the role leisure centres play in supporting people of all ages to live healthier, happier and better-connected lives.
The inaugural Workplace Culture & Initiative Award, which was introduced this year, went to CitySport – City St George’s, University of London for putting people, wellbeing and activity at the heart of its workplace culture.
As well as recognising outstanding organisations and initiatives, the awards also spotlight individual star performers raising standards and driving positive change within the industry. This year’s Physical Activity Hero was Adam Roberts, Healthy Communities Manager at 1Life Management Solutions Limited, who was praised for his dedication to creating opportunities for people who might otherwise face barriers to being active.
The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award was jointly presented to two trailblazers from Everyone Active in recognition of their lasting contributions to the sector. Former Managing Director David Bibby was chosen for his exceptional leadership, while Founder and Former Chief Executive of the Charitable Trust Stephen Hulme was recognised for dedicating his career to championing the power of physical activity to transform lives. The Award was dedicated to Stephen, who sadly passed away this year.
Following a record-breaking 190 entries, the marking process was facilitated by the ukactive Awards’ independent judging partner, Proinsight. The process involved experts from both within and outside the sector, ensuring entries were assessed fairly and impartially across a range of informed perspectives.
David Stalker, Chair of ukactive, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners of the ukactive Awards 2026.
“The record number of entries we saw this year shows the incredible depth of talent within our sector and the amazing role our sector is playing in every corner of the UK.
“From breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments, to raising standards and constantly innovating, our winners’ stories typify the value of physical activity in society today.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us in Birmingham and to all the entrants, finalists, winners and sponsors for helping us celebrate.”
Dave Candler, CEO of STA, said: “What a fantastic evening and a brilliant celebration of everything that is great about our sector. With a record number of entries, sponsors and guests this year, there was a real sense of energy in the room, and it was inspiring to hear the stories and achievements of so many outstanding people and organisations.
“As headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, STA was incredibly proud to once again be part of the ukactive Awards and to help celebrate the people who work tirelessly every day to create healthier, happier and more active communities.
“Congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists. The standard was exceptionally high, and everyone recognised should be enormously proud of the impact they are making.”
The sponsors of this year’s ukactive Awards were:
Full list of ukactive Awards 2026 winners:
National Private Club/Centre of the Year – Sponsored by Technogym:
Snap Fitness Pontyclun
National Independent Club/Centre of the Year – Sponsored by Technogym:
Branston Golf & Country Club
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, Northern Ireland & Wales – Sponsored by Technogym:
GLL – Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, Scotland – Sponsored by Technogym:
West Lothian Leisure – Xcite Linlithgow
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, North of England – Sponsored by Technogym:
Parkwood Leisure – Crosby Leisure Centre
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, Midlands & East Anglia – Sponsored by Technogym:
Everyone Active – Moulton Leisure Centre
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, London – Sponsored by Technogym:
GLL – Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year, South of England – Sponsored by Technogym:
GLL – Rivermead Leisure Centre
Supplier of the Year:
Keepme Antares
Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year:
Tees Active
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award:
Durham County Council
Healthy Communities Award – Sponsored by MyFitnessPal:
Everyone Active – Dacorum Community Programme
Transformational Innovation Award – Sponsored by BRP Systems:
Durham County Council
Marketing Campaign Award:
Durham County Council
Workplace Culture & Initiative Award:
CitySport – City St George’s, University of London
Education Programme of the Year – Sponsored by NCFE/Active IQ:
Achieve More Training
Physical Activity Hero Award:
Adam Roberts – Healthy Communities Manager at 1Life Management Solutions Limited
Outstanding Individual Leadership Award:
Oliver Deen – Operations Director, Jubilee Hall Trust
Outstanding Leadership Team Award – Sponsored by Red Bull:
My Healthy Way Leadership Team (Parkwood Leisure)
Outstanding Public Club/Centre of the Year – Sponsored by Technogym:
Everyone Active – Moulton Leisure Centre
Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award – Sponsored by Life Fitness/Hammer Strength:
Durham County Council
The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award:
Stephen Hulme, Founder and Former Chief Executive of the Charitable Trust, Everyone Active
David Bibby, former Managing Director of Everyone Active
Find out more about the ukactive Awards here.
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