Everyone Active, Sarah Watts and Sandwell Leisure Trust were among those to be honoured at the UK Active Awards 2025 on 31 October.

The Swimming Teachers Association (STA) was the headline sponsor of the event which took place at the ICC in Birmingham last night. The evening was hosted by former Olympian and sport scientist, Professor Greg Whyte OBE, and award-winning fitness author, presenter, PT and advocate for women in fitness, Laura Hoggins.

Everyone Active scooped three Regional Club/Centre of the Year Awards, while Brio Leisure and Sandwell Leisure Trust won two awards each. Brio Leisure took the Outstanding Organisation of the Year Award and Education Programme of the Year Award for its commitment to creating opportunities for young people.

Sandwell Leisure Trust was recognised for its clear vision for transformation and impact, picking up the Digital Transformation Award. Its senior leadership team were also the proud winners of the industry vote for the Outstanding Leadership Team Award, which recognised their ability to overcome significant barriers while always putting community at the heart of what they do.

Sandwell Leisure Trust’s CEO, Mark Braithwaite, said: “We were thrilled to have been nominated for three awards and to be awarded two on the night was phenomenal. The team have all made massive contributions and deserve the recognition for both awards. We have also been really well supported by Sandwell Council and the partnership is a great example of how a leisure operator and their local authority can drive real change when aligned.”

Freedom Leisure was delighted to be have its Chirk Leisure Centre crowned as Leisure Centre of the Year. Freedom Leisure CEO, Ivan Horsfall Turner, says: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised at the UK Active Awards 2025. This award reflects the commitment, passion and teamwork of everyone at Chirk Leisure Centre and across Freedom Leisure. Together, we strive to improve lives through accessible, inclusive and inspiring leisure opportunities.”

Jo Talbot, commercial director, RLSS UK, was awarded the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award: “I still can’t quite believe that I’ve received this award," she said. "It’s a true honour and belongs just as much to the incredible team at RLSS UK as it does to me. Together we are committed to supporting operators in ensuring the safety of swimming pools and other water venues, and ultimately saving people’s lives.”

Founder and CEO of Alliance Leisure, Sarah Watts, was this year’s winner of the highly respected Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award in celebration of the pioneering role she has played in transforming community health facilities that support the overall growth and improvement of the sector.

Health intervention officer at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Arlene McMinn, took home the Physical Activity Hero Award, in recognition of her inclusive health programmes which help build confidence, connection and community.

Outgoing CEO of UK Active, Huw Edwards, said: “These awards shine a light on the tireless work that takes place in our organisations and facilities across the UK to help people and communities access the benefits of physical activity. Every story from our Awards highlights the positive change that our sector brings to the health and happiness of our nation.”

Ali Beckman, president of the STA, said: “The passion, creativity and leadership shown across all categories continues to drive the physical activity sector forward, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring positive change throughout the industry.

This year each entrant underwent an independent assessment by Proinsight, which this year included an additional layer of external judging. The process was designed to select the best in each category across hundreds of entrants, with the judges, and the judging process, providing feedback to all applications to help with future improvements.

Full list of UK Active Awards 2025 winners

National Private Club / Centre of the YearSalisbury Health & Fitness Club – Legacy Leisure Limited

National Independent Club / Centre of the Year

The Thames Club

Regional Public Club / Centre of the Year Wales & Northern Ireland

Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre – Freedom Leisure

Scotland Xcite Linlithgow – West Lothian Leisure

North of England

GLL – York Leisure Centre

East Anglia & Midlands Everyone Active - Meadowside Leisure Centre

London

Everyone Active – Flitwick Leisure Centre

South of England Everyone Active - Winchester Sport & Leisure Park

Supplier of the Year

Endurance Zone

Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year Roberts Limbrick & Alliance Leisure – Warsop Health Hub

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Lex Leisure CIC

Healthy Communities Award Pendle Leisure Trust

Organisation Innovation Award

West Lothian Leisure

Marketing Campaign Award Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, The Olympics Campaign

Digital Transformation Award

Sandwell Leisure Trust

Education Programme of the Year Brio Leisure

Physical Activity Hero Award

Arlene McMinn, Health Intervention Officer – Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Outstanding Individual Leadership Award Jo Talbot, Commercial Director - Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS)

Outstanding Leadership Award

Sandwell Leisure Trust Leadership Team

The Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition AwardSarah Watts, CEO – Alliance Leisure

Outstanding Public Club / Centre of the Year

Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre – Freedom Leisure

Outstanding Organisation of the Year Brio Leisure