Applications for 2025 are now closed. We have received an unprecedented number of applications and we'd like to thank everyone that applied. We look forward to supporting our sportspeople in helping them achieve their goals and aspirations over the coming 12 months.
What can you expect from the programme?
- On completion of a successful application – A free 12 month membership at your local leisure centre
- Access to facilities (gym, swim and group exercise classes) to support your training programme
- Access to additional facilities (courts, track, ice) can be added if relevant to your application and available for use at off peak times within public sessions and not exclusively
- Access to member benefits via the Freedom Leisure app (where applicable)
- 3 guest day passes for friends and family
Eligibility Criteria
- Ranked within the top 20 nationally (all ages) for their sport / discipline
- Compete in a sport that is recognised by Sport England and Sport Wales
- Live in a Borough or District that Freedom Leisure operates facilities
- Aged 11+
Frequently Asked Questions
We will assign you to a centre local to you. We will endeavour to make sure that the facilities match your needs but this cannot always be guaranteed.
You will be able to use the gym, our fitness class programme and the swimming pool. The facilities will vary depending on where you live and the centre local to you. We will endeavour to place you in a centre with the right facilities but this cannot be guaranteed.
As long as the sports is recognised by Sport England or Sport Wales we will consider an application. The list includes sports from badminton to bowls, tennis to tenpin bowling.
Unfortunately not. Individual applications only will be accepted.
Permission will be granted locally to allow coaches / trainers to enter the facilities to aid training depending on your access needs and the sport you participate in. However, consideration of other customers is paramount, especially at peak times.
- Membership will be valid for 12 months, you will need to reapply after 12 months to be assessed as eligible for a further membership. Applications are open once a year from April.
- Should friends and family wish to train with you, they will need their own memberships after you have used your 3 guest day passes
- Under 16’s will need parental consent to take part in the programme
- Athletes are expected to respect and train next to existing members and do not get priority access to facilities or use of equipment
- Permission to be granted locally to allow coaches / trainer to enter the facilities to aid training. Consideration of other members is paramount, especially at peak times
- Applicants are expected to live near a Freedom Leisure facility, a postcode on application will be required.
- Athletes to have completed a full application form to be considered for the scheme
- Use facilities only to compliment your specified training programme, to enhance your progress in your sport
- One personal case study per 12 months, to demonstrate impact and progress made whilst accessing the facilities – This must include one picture within the facility and one competing in your sport
- Permission to use the case study content to promote the scheme and shout about your sporting successes on our social media, website and in press releases.
- Agreement that Freedom Leisure will be recognised positively for our support on social media, local press/media
- Athletes will be expected to attend one Freedom Leisure community event during the 12 months. Information on this will be given in advance.