The latest Moving Communities report reveals a significant increase in leisure centre participation in the UK. Here are the key findings:
Leisure centre participation has risen by 7% compared to the previous year. This growth is particularly notable given the challenges faced by the sector in recent years.
Demographic trends
- Women’s participation: There has been a 9% increase in visits by women to leisure centres
- Age groups: The largest increase in participation was observed among those aged 16-24, with a 12% rise
Facility usage
Swimming remains the most popular activity, accounting for 35% of all visits to leisure centres. This underscores the importance of swimming pools in community leisure facilities.
Economic factors
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the report indicates that leisure centres are maintaining their appeal. The data suggests that these facilities continue to provide value for money to users across various demographics.
Implications
The findings highlight the resilience of the leisure sector and its ability to attract participants even in challenging economic times. The growth in participation among younger age groups and women is particularly encouraging for the future of public health and community engagement.
To find out more, see here.
