Houldsworth Village in Stockport has been name Leisure Centre of the Year at the 2017 UKActive Flame Awards.
The national awards, which cover the entire health and leisure industry, are the pinnacle of recognition for the UK fitness industry.
They are 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.
Life Leisure CEO Malcolm McPhail said: “We are thrilled that Houldsworth Village has 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.”
Houldsworth Village – run by Life Leisure – is well known for its ‘Performance Zone’, a unique strength training facility and a centre of excellence (for training and coaching) for British Weight Lifting.
The centre is also a training venue for many individuals affiliated to Arnies Inclusive Powerlifting and Weightlifting Club, and hosts major weight liftingcompetitions throughout the year including the Big Lift Series, the MWLS and Parabench Championships.
Supporting individuals at all levels – both able bodied and those with disabilities – from absolute beginners to Paralympians and national sports teams, 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.
The centre has also been integral to tackling community inactivity and has played a key role in Life Leisure’s delivery of Sport England’s Sportivate and campaigns such as I Wish I’d Tried – initiatives to engage more people in sport, both young and old.
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’, Houldsworth Village also has a lot to offer those who aren’t interested in weight lifting.
It has two indoor five-a-side pitches, badminton facilities, 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 community – from delivering specially created children’s activities through to ‘Walking Football’ for older members.
Staff are also trained to provide tailored sessions for the specialist local GP referral scheme.
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