More than 170,000 opportunities to get active delivered across Liverpool 

Liverpool has successfully created over 170,000 chances for its residents to engage in physical activities as part of ongoing efforts to make being active more accessible and convenient. The Liverpool Active City Network is offering a wide range of opportunities, including walking groups, football, cycling, tennis, cricket, inclusive sports, and free activities designed for children and families.

The city’s comprehensive 10-year plan is designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to incorporate more movement into their daily lives. It also addresses various obstacles that often prevent individuals from being active, such as concerns about safety, limited access to high-quality local spaces, and time constraints. Over the past year alone, the program has delivered more than 170,000 opportunities for participation, supported over 550 leaders in skill development, improved more than 10 community facilities, and secured an additional £217,000 in funding from Sport England.

Community-driven initiatives have played an essential role in this success. Projects within neighborhoods like Everton West and Princes Park have included guided walking sessions, free equipment lending, chair-based exercises, and enhancements to local amenities. To further expand these efforts, the Council’s Physical Activity and Sport Development Team has obtained an extra £50,000 to bring similar activities to two additional neighborhoods. Additionally, Liverpool’s Health and Wellbeing Service has engaged over 150 residents following referrals from 48 GP practices across the city.

The council is also fostering youth participation through its Lifestyles Youth Offer, which provides a free “Kids Go Free” junior membership to eligible young people aged 8 to 17. More than 12,000 children and teenagers have benefitted so far, gaining access to leisure facilities and establishing healthy habits early. Beyond this, numerous local opportunities exist for residents to stay active close to home, including parkrun events, Map a Mile routes, community cycling sessions, and activities hosted by various sport and community organizations. Looking ahead, the next phase aims to grow neighborhood-level activities, enhance walking, running, and wheeling options, increase access to leisure and wellbeing services, and empower residents to take an active role in shaping programs within their communities.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Culture, expressed the city’s ambition by saying: “We want being active to be something that is part of everyday life for people across Liverpool, not something that feels out of reach. From walking and cycling to football, swimming and community activities, there are thousands of opportunities for residents to get moving, meet people and improve their wellbeing. The next step is making sure we continue to listen to residents and focus support where people face the greatest barriers to being active.” Similarly, Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, emphasized the need to address challenges that keep people from being active: “Being physically active can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing, but we know that not everyone has the same opportunities to be active. That is why Liverpool Active City is focused not just on providing activities, but on understanding and addressing the things that make it harder for people to move more, such as feeling safe, and access to quality local places and spaces, and lack of time.”

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