We were delighted to come home with a double award win at the prestigious UKactive Awards, including Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year for Xcite Linlithgow and the Organisational Innovation Award.
The UKactive Awards recognise excellence and innovation in the physical activity sector across the UK, highlighting organisations and individuals getting more people, more active, more often. Xcite, West Lothian Leisure, were the only Scottish Community Leisure Trust to win an award.
Xcite Linlithgow impressed judges with its exceptional community impact and innovation. With more than 500,000 annual visits and over 4,700 members, the centre has become a true community hub, offering everything from menopause support and strength programmes to Hyrox fitness events, family sessions, and a community café tackling isolation. Its outstanding customer satisfaction and a £14.4 million social value impact across the Trust in 2023/24 highlight its commitment and wellbeing and accessibility for all.
The Organisational Innovation Award recognised our trailblazing Fitness Factory and Family Fitness Factory programmes, initiatives that have reimagined how young people and families engage with fitness. Originally inspired by 10-year-old Xcite member Harris Wernham, Family Fitness Factory encourages children and adults to train side by side, fostering teamwork and positive habits for life. Since launch, over 500 families have taken part, following the success of the teen-focused Fitness Factory, which delivered a 52% rise in youth gym participation in 2023/24.
The UKactive award wins underline our wider vision of a West Lothian where everyone can live a healthier, happier, and longer life; a mission reflected across our venues, outreach programmes and partnerships with schools, community groups and health providers.
Ben Lamb, Xcite Chief Executive, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been recognised with two UKactive Awards. To win both the Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year for Xcite Linlithgow and the Organisational Innovation Award is an incredible achievement and testament to the passion, creativity and hard work of our entire team.
“These awards celebrate how we’ve continued to innovate and evolve. Working closely with West Lothian Council, we’ve found new ways to get more people, more active, more often, whether through our pioneering Family Fitness Factory, or the inclusive, community-driven approach that makes Xcite Linlithgow such a special place. Both awards reflect our values as a community-focused charity. We’re proud to lead with innovation, listen to our members, and keep people at the heart of everything we do.”
The UKactive Awards took place at the ICC in Birmingham on 31 October.
