Excellence Celebrated as Sector Leaders Named at ukactive Awards 2025

Let’s tell it straight. The ukactive Awards rolled into Birmingham’s ICC and, for a few roaring hours, the UK’s physical activity sector looked itself in the mirror and liked what it saw. The ukactive Awards aren’t a pat on the back; they’re a yardstick—old-fashioned merit judged on outcomes, not hashtags.

Hosted by former Olympian and sport scientist Professor Greg Whyte OBE alongside fitness author and advocate Laura Hoggins, the night rattled through 22 categories with the efficiency of a well-run spin class. Headline backing came from the Swimming Teachers Association (STA), underscoring a theme that ran through the room: foundations first—swim, save lives, build communities.

Big titles, bigger standards

A post-review refresh meant the coveted Club/Centre of the Year split three ways to reflect operator types—sensible housekeeping that rewards like-for-like:

• National Private Club/Centre of the Year: Salisbury Health & Fitness Club (Legacy Leisure Limited)
• National Independent Club of the Year: The Thames Club
• Outstanding Public Club/Centre of the Year: Freedom Leisure’s Chirk Leisure & Activity Centre

Everyone Active didn’t just show up; they left with a hat-trick of Regional Club/Centre of the Year gongs (East Anglia & Midlands, London, South of England). That’s not a hot streak; that’s a system working.

Individuals who move the needle

Sarah Watts, Founder & CEO of Alliance Leisure, received the Jan Spaticchia Special Recognition Award—a nod to years of unglamorous graft turning community facilities into real engines of access and health.

The Outstanding Individual Leadership Award went to Jo Talbot of the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), cited for world-class expertise in pool safety and research that doesn’t just inform policy—it prevents tragedies.

On the ground, Arlene McMinn of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council took Physical Activity Hero, recognised for inclusive programmes that build confidence, connection and, crucially, belonging.

Organisations setting the pace

Brio Leisure walked away with two: Outstanding Organisation of the Year—thanks to across-the-board high scoring—and Education Programme of the Year for opening doors to young people and upskilling with purpose.

Sandwell Leisure Trust earned the Digital Transformation Award and, by industry vote, Outstanding Leadership Team. Clear vision, tough terrain, community first—box, box, box ticked.

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd landed Marketing Campaign Award for an Olympics push that actually got non-gym-goers through the door—proof that good creative is measured in bodies moving, not impressions.

Suppliers matter too. Endurance Zone took Supplier of the Year, applauded for building tools that align with ukactive’s mission and keep people active for the long haul.

Around the room heard

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “Huge congratulations to the winners of the ukactive Awards 2025.

“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.

“Thank you to all of the entrants, winners and our sponsors for celebrating the very best of the sector.”

Ali Beckman, President of the STA, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s ukactive Award winners – and to every 2025 finalist who reached the final stage. The passion, creativity and leadership shown across all categories continue to drive the physical activity sector forward, setting new standards of excellence
and inspiring positive change throughout the industry.

“As headline sponsors for the third consecutive year, STA is immensely proud to play a part in honouring these remarkable achievements. As a national charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming, lifesaving and promoting physical activity for all, we share ukactive’s commitment to championing excellence and celebrating those making a real difference in communities across the UK.

“The ukactive Awards are a true celebration of innovation, collaboration and commitment
– and we’re honoured to stand alongside so many organisations who are helping to shape a healthier, more active nation. Congratulations once again to all the deserving winners.”

How winners were picked

Entries ran the length and breadth of the sector and underwent independent assessment by Proinsight, with an added layer of external judging this year. In English: hundreds applied, the best rose, and everyone—win or lose—received feedback to get better. That’s the old-school way to improve standards, and it still works.