Two Stockport sports centres and fitness facilities managed by Stockport not for profit company Life Leisure are finalists in The National Fitness Awards.
Stockport Sports Village has made it into the final seven for the Local Authority/Leisure Trust category, while Houldsworth Village has been shortlisted for Regional Gym of the Year (North) 2017.
It is the second time this year that Houldsworth Village has been recognised at a national level for its exceptional work in the community and fantastic fitness environment, having won Leisure Centre of the Year 2017 at the UK Active Flame Awards.
The National Fitness Awards, which are free to enter, are the pinnacle of recognition for the UK fitness industry. Entrants go through a rigorous entry assessment by an independent panel of industry experts, who then visit each shortlisted facility to interview staff, assess the facility and compile a comprehensive report before a final round of judging.
Malcolm McPhail, CEO at Life Leisure said:
“The National Fitness Awards are what every sports and leisure facility wants to win. To have reached the final in two categories is a real testament to the work our staff have put into making Houldsworth Village and SSV into centres for excellence for tackling community health through professional expertise that ensure the facilities are inclusive, welcoming and friendly.”
Life Leisure established Houldsworth Village in 2010, converting a disused warehouse for a disadvantaged community that did not have any comprehensive fitness provision, and turning it into an award-winning facility.
The centre has a strong partnership with British Weight Lifting (BWL) and is a Regional Centre of Excellence for the sport. One of three national BWL centres and home to weight-lifting club Spartans, Houlldsworth is now a blueprint for other training facilities around the country. Many Paralympians and regional level lifters use the facility as a base.
Life Leisure Stockport Sports Village (SSV) opened in 2012 with the vision to create the biggest and best fitness and football facility in the North West. The 23-acre site in another disadvantaged part of Stockport was developed from an old football ground to provide sport and fitness for all.
SSV is home to Stockport Town FC and the new PB Football Academy. It is also used by the elite professional running team, New Balance Manchester, as a training facility and was the first home of KETTFusion, now an international fitness brand. SSV has just hosted Stockport’s first obstacle course race (OCR) and now has the first OCR training facility in the area.
From specially created children’s activities to ‘walking football’ for older people, Houldsworth Village and SSV have extensive fitness and activity programmes designed to support healthier, happier communities. Staff at both centres are also trained to provide tailored sessions for the specialist local GP referral scheme.
The National Fitness Awards will take place on Friday 1 December at The Athena in Leicester.