The Council triumphed in the Local Authority of the Year category at the event, which was hosted by Team GB’s double world 110m hurdles champion Colin Jackson at the English Institute of Sport Sheffield on Thursday 19 February.

The Council was presented with the award by Colin in recognition of its outstanding commitment to its partnership with Everyone Active and by working together helps to transform and improve the health and wellbeing of our communities by inspiring residents to get active and stay active. The award reflected the Council’s continued support to grow Everyone Active’s Champions scheme and a commitment to helping the local community thrive. 

Everyone Active runs more than 230 leisure and cultural centres across the country, including Moorways Sports Village, in partnership with Derby City Council.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Public Safety and Leisure, said:

We are delighted that Derby City Council has been recognised as Local Authority of the Year at Everyone Active’s Champions Awards. This award reflects our strong partnership we have with Everyone Active and our shared commitment to supporting sport, improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for residents to thrive. We’re proud to see the positive impact these programmes are having across Derby’s communities.

The company’s Sporting Champions scheme is a sports talent development programme which supports 1,400 athletes. 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the initiative has helped more than 6,000 athletes to achieve their sporting potential by providing free access to Everyone Active’s leisure facilities nationwide.

Alongside Sporting Champions, Everyone Active runs two other Champions programmes – Community Champions and Colleague Champions. Applications for all three programmes for 2026-27 are now open and run until Friday 20 March.

The Community Champions scheme celebrates unsung heroes making a difference in Derby. 

Everyone Active wants to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives, with the aim of building stronger communities and recognising the dedication of those who go above and beyond.

People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects are urged to apply. It can be a charitable initiative or a project that is small or targeted.

Successful applicants will secure valuable use of facilities within their local leisure centres, to help them carry out these projects. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.

Meanwhile, the Colleague Champions scheme recognises and rewards colleagues who consistently go above and beyond in their roles.

To apply for Sporting Champions, Community Champions or Colleague Champions in 2026-27, visit the Everyone Active Champions website. Keep up with the latest Sporting Champions news by following @easportingchamps on Instagram.