Stockport facility UK Leisure Centre of the Year

Stockport’s Houldsworth Village, part of the Life Leisure Life sports and fitness facility based in reddish, has been coined the ‘Leisure Centre of the Year’ during the 2017 UK Active Flame Awards.

The nationally recognised awards, which cover the entire health and leisure industry, are a perceived as a great achievement within the UK fitness industry. The awards are shortlisted and decided based on independent member surveys, ‘mystery shopping’ to spot-check staff knowledge and performance, and a rigorous assessment by an independent panel of industry experts, ensuring they are a true reflection of member experiences.

Stockport’s Houldsworth Village is well known for its ‘Performance Zone’, a unique strength training facility and a centre of excellence for British Weight Lifting. The centre is also a training venue for many individuals affiliated to Arnies Inclusive Powerlifting and Weightlifting Club, and is privileged hosts major weight lifting competitions throughout the year including the Big Lift Series, the MWLS and Parabench Championships.

With staff and facilities that can support individuals at all levels – both able bodied and those with disabilities – from absolute beginners to Paralympians and national sports teams, Stockport’s Houldsworth Village has inspired so many women to take up weight lifting and strength training, that it was recently used as part of the national ‘This Girl Can’ campaign.

Stockport’s Houldsworth Village wins UKActive award

Praised by the expert industry panel for having “a truly dedicated team who consistently create a welcoming and energetic environment for both new and existing members”, Stockport’s Houldsworth Village also has a lot to offer those who aren’t interested in weight lifting.

Life Leisure’s Houldsworth Village facilities range from, two indoor 5-a-side pitches, badminton courts, large studio, dedicated spin studio and state-of-the-art fitness suite, the centre has an extensive fitness and activity programme designed to support a healthier, happier Stockport based community – from delivering specially designed children’s activities through to ‘Walking Football’ for older members. Staff are in house trained to provide tailored sessions for the specialist local GP referral scheme.

Commenting on the win, Life Leisure CEO Malcolm McPhail said:

“We are thrilled that Houldsworth Villagehas been recognised on the national stage – it is a truly unique centre with world class facilities. It is fitting that the team were so highly commended, as staff at the centre have really come together to create a very special environment where people feel confident, supported and inspired. This award is testament to all that hard work.”