Belfast is buzzing with exciting news! Our vibrant city has officially been crowned the European City of Sport for 2026. This prestigious accolade, awarded by the ACES – Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation, follows a thorough review of Belfast's dedication to sport and physical activity.
A judging panel visited the city earlier this month, meeting with leaders from , leisure partners GLL, and various community sports organisations. They were incredibly impressed by Belfast's rich sporting heritage, the immense passion within our local clubs, and the innovative approaches taken to boost participation and improve health across all communities. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, highlighted how sport acts as a vital thread connecting everyone in the city, making this title a unique opportunity to showcase the incredible range of physical activity opportunities available.
This award is a testament to the significant investment made in sport and physical activity over the last decade. Since 2015, has invested £105 million into six state-of-the-art leisure centres, while eight other centres have transformed into vital community hubs. For our North Belfast residents, this includes forthcoming upgrades to beloved local spots like Waterworks, Alexandra Park, and Girdwood. The Forth Meadow Greenway, a world-class route encouraging more walking and cycling, is another example of how our infrastructure is improving to support healthier lifestyles. These investments, alongside initiatives like the free 12-week Healthwise scheme, have already seen a significant increase in sports participation across the city.
While activity levels are good, there’s still work to be done to address health inequalities and deprivation. The Council and GLL are committed to removing barriers to participation, ensuring everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can enjoy the benefits of sport. They highlighted their annual £320,000 investment into clubs city-wide – directly supporting many North Belfast clubs – and initiatives like the Belfast Sports Awards and GLL Sports Foundation, which recognise and fund grassroots and elite athletes. The aim for 2026 is to expand these efforts even further, creating even more ways for residents to get involved.
Get ready for an action-packed 2026! Residents will have countless opportunities to get involved, from "try-it" activities at leisure and community venues, to coach and volunteer development programmes, and a range of special events. Look out for major sporting events hosted right here in Belfast, including the Ulster Minor football championships, the Ulster Schools’ Cup, the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon, and athletics championships at the Mary Peters Track. Council-funded events will also include the Belfast Primary Schools’ Cross-Country Championships and GLL holiday schemes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Michelle Vorel-Adams, President of ACES UK and Ireland, praised Belfast's clear strategy and commitment to developing sport, calling it "an exceptional example of a city providing an array of high-quality sports facilities and services coupled with strong partnerships." Gareth Kirk, GLL's Senior Regional Director, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how the award celebrates Belfast’s energy and inclusivity, believing in the power of sport to change lives. Full programme details will be announced in January 2026, so keep an eye out for how you can join the celebrations and make the most of Belfast’s year as European City of Sport!