{"id":28816,"date":"2026-10-08T23:20:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-08T22:20:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukactive.com\/?p=28816"},"modified":"2026-10-09T15:08:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T14:08:11","slug":"stars-of-physical-activity-sector-crowned-at-record-breaking-ukactive-awards-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukactive.com\/cy\/news\/stars-of-physical-activity-sector-crowned-at-record-breaking-ukactive-awards-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Stars of physical activity sector crowned at record-breaking ukactive Awards 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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 \u2013 more than ever before. The full list of winners is available below.<\/p>\n

The industry\u2019s most prestigious awards were sponsored by the Swimming Teachers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

The ukactive Awards celebrate organisations of all shapes and sizes, including facility operators, suppliers, and representatives from the private, public and independent sectors.<\/p>\n

Technogym sponsored several categories, which were fiercely competitive: the National Private Club\/Centre of the Year Award was won by Snap Fitness Pontyclun<\/strong>; the National Independent Club\/Centre of the Year Award was taken home by Clwb Golff a Gwlad Branston<\/strong>; and the Outstanding Public Club\/Centre of the Year Award went to Everyone Active’s Moulton Leisure Centre<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa, Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre <\/strong>ac Rivermead Leisure Centre<\/strong>, as well as West Lothian Leisure’s Xcite Linlithgow, Parkwood Leisure\u2019s Crosby Leisure Centre <\/strong>ac Everyone Active\u2019s Moulton Leisure Centre.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another major focus for the sector\u2019s 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cyngor Sir Durham<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

The inaugural Workplace Culture & Initiative Award, which was introduced this year, went to CitySport \u2013 City St George\u2019s, University of London<\/strong> for putting people, wellbeing and activity at the heart of its workplace culture.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Physical Activity Hero was Adam Roberts<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/strong> was chosen for his exceptional leadership, while Founder and Former Chief Executive of the Charitable Trust Stephen Hulme<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Following a record-breaking 190 entries, the marking process was facilitated by the ukactive Awards\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

Dywedodd David Stalker, Cadeirydd ukactive:<\/strong> \u201cHuge congratulations to the winners of the ukactive Awards 2026.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments, to raising standards and constantly innovating, our winners\u2019 stories typify the value of physical activity in society today.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you to everyone who joined us in Birmingham and to all the entrants, finalists, winners and sponsors for helping us celebrate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meddai Dave Candler, Prif Swyddog Gweithredol STA:<\/strong> \u201cWhat 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations to all this year\u2019s winners and finalists. The standard was exceptionally high, and everyone recognised should be enormously proud of the impact they are making.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sponsors of this year’s ukactive Awards were:<\/p>\n