Council Leisure team scoops top UK award - and is up for even more

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Leisure team has been named Best Services Team of the Year in the Sports, Leisure & Cultural Service category at the APSE Awards ceremony held last week in Glasgow.

The council was also a named finalist in two other categories at the awards, which see over 300 entries from across the UK.

The Waste Operations Street Cleansing team was shortlisted for the Street Cleansing & Street Scene Service gong and the Living Over the Shops Programme for the Best Building and Housing Initiative accolade.

Antrim and Newtownabbey was also nominated for Overall Council of the Year, one of seven finalists from across the UK.

This follows their landmark achievement in 2024, when Antrim and Newtownabbey became the first council in Northern Ireland to receive the top honour.

Speaking at the awards ceremony Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all Council officers whose continued dedication and determination underpin the Council’s success in delivering high-quality front-line services.

“Their outstanding efforts have been recognised at these Awards, reflecting the professionalism and commitment that define us as Best in Class and a trusted organisation.”

The APSE Service awards celebrate excellence in public service delivery across the UK.

Meanwhile, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council leisure facilities and dedicated staff have been named finalists in three prestigious at this year’s ukActive Awards, one of the UK’s top honours in the leisure industry.

This marks the fourth consecutive year the Council has secured finalist status, with competition coming from organisations in both the public and private sectors across the UK.

The Council’s 2025 shortlisted entries include Antrim Forum and Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre in Regional Centre of the Year and the overall council for the Healthy Communities Award.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, welcomed the news, “We’re delighted to be shortlisted across three categories in the ukactive Awards. This recognition highlights the vital role our leisure centres and staff play in supporting healthier, more active lifestyles and improving the overall wellbeing of our community. Best of luck in the Awards.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey has built a strong reputation at the ukActive Awards in recent years, with the Valley and Ballyearl picking up awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Council staff member Arlene McMinn has been shortlisted in the Physical Activity Hero category in recognition of her outstanding delivery of the ‘Steady and Strong’ and ‘MORE: Movement for the Mind’ programmes.

These initiatives have had a transformative impact on the lives of older adults and those recovering from cancer and other serious health conditions.

The winners will be announced at the ukactive Awards ceremony on 30 October 2025 in Birmingham.