Facebook X-twitter Instagram

Fairer Communities

Join Friday Community Football Sessions At Paddington Rec With Rachel Yankey Foundation

by

  • News


She Shoots, She Scores! Girls’ Football With Rachel Yankey At Pad Rec Every Friday!

Girls aged 11–16, this one’s for you!  The Rachel Yankey Foundation (RY11) is bringing girls-only community football sessions to Paddington Recreation Ground, and all levels are welcome.

Learn, play, and be Inspired by one of football’s greatsl

This is your chance to train with Rachel Yankey OBE — a trailblazer of the women’s game and former star for Arsenal Ladies, Fulham Ladies, and England. Alongside her dedicated team of coaches at RY11, Rachel brings a wealth of experience, passion, and energy to every session.

More than just a footballing icon, Rachel is a pioneer who continues to inspire the next generation of young female players. Her journey from grassroots to the international stage shows what’s possible, and now she’s sharing that knowledge and drive with girls across Westminster and beyond.

RY11, is all about:

  • Inspiring and empowering girls through the power of football
  • Building skills and confidence
  • Creating opportunities to thrive both in football and beyond

Whether you’re stepping onto the pitch for the first time or already love the game, these sessions are all about fun, growth, and teamwork.

Got Questions? Contact: info@rachelyankeyfoundation.co.uk

Spread the word — let’s fill the pitch and shape the future of girls’ football together! 

Last Call For ActiveWestminster Awards 2025! Your Nomination Can Make All The Difference

by

Last Call For ActiveWestminster Awards 2025! Your Nomination Can Make All The Difference

The ActiveWestminster Awards 2025 are your chance to celebrate the people, clubs, spaces and projects that make sport, activity and wellbeing thrive in our community. These awards shine a light on those who go above and beyond to keep Westminster moving. This is your last chance to show your recognition as nominations close this Sunday 28th September.

Celebrating 16 Years of Impact

Now in their 16th year, the ActiveWestminster Awards have become a highlight of the community calendar—bringing people together to honour the passion, creativity and commitment that help create an active city for everyone.

Key Dates and Prizes

  • Nomination Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 28 September 2025
  • Awards Ceremony for Finalists will be held later in the year
  • Winners will take home prizes kindly donated by our sponsors
Nominate Now

Time left to nominate. 

Nominations close this Sunday 28th September.

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Nine Categories to Celebrate Every Contribution

With nine award categories, there’s a way to recognise every type of contribution, whether it’s from schools, community groups or individuals:

  • Active Inclusive Award
  • Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award
  • Change4Life Supporting Children and Young People Award
  • One You Westminster Supporting Adults Award
  • Active Place or Space Award
  • PE and School Sport Award
  • Club or Coach of the Year Award
  • Sports Personality of The Year (aged 12+)
  • The Lord Mayor of Westminster – Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Mariam Sabir

Celebrate Dedication, Passion and Impact

These awards aren’t just about trophies—they’re about recognising heroes among us. Whether it’s a volunteer who makes a quiet but lasting difference, a club that opens doors to new opportunities, or a space that welcomes everyone—your nomination helps ensure their efforts are recognised and their impact celebrated.

Who Can Nominate

Anyone can nominate! You don’t have to be a Westminster resident, but the more evidence you can provide against the criteria, the stronger your nomination will be. 

Celebrate a Hero – 2 Days Left!

Silver Sunday 2025: A Celebration for Westminster’s 50+ Community

by

  • News Post

Silver Sunday Week 2025: Move More, Live Well

As part of Silver Sunday (29 September 2025), join us for a special week of events celebrating and supporting Westminster’s local community members aged 50 and over. Brought to you by Age UK, ActiveWestminster, and Everyone Active, Silver Sunday Week is all about health, wellbeing, and fun for the 50+ community.

With over 50 activities across our leisure centres and community spaces, there’s plenty to choose from. From fitness classes, swimming, dance, and yoga to social events and wellbeing workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Scan the QR code above or check the Everyone Active app to discover activities, book and join the fun!

Move More, Live Well: The Benefits of Active Ageing

Staying active as we age isn’t just about keeping fit, it’s about living well. Regular activity helps maintain independence, boosts energy, supports mental health, and reduces the risk of long-term conditions. Just 30 minutes of movement a day can make a real difference to mobility, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

That’s why ActiveWestminster and everyone are dedicated to making it easier for residents over 50 to stay active. With inclusive programmes, community classes, and welcoming leisure centres, we’re here to help you keep moving, stay connected and live life to the fullest.

Your Week of Fun and Fitness

Take a look at the Everyone Active schedule and find an activity that’s right for you. All sessions are designed to be fun, accessible, and a great way to celebrate being active. Whether you want to improve fitness, try something new, or simply enjoy social connection, there’s something for everyone.

See the Schedule, Join the Fun!

Recycle Week 2025: Rescue, Recycle, Reward!

by

  • News Post

Recycle Week 2025: Rescue, Recycle, Reward!

It’s Recycle Week 2025 (22–28 Sept) and this year’s theme “Rescue Me! Recycle” is all about giving overlooked items, from yoghurt pots to aerosols, a second life.

Here in Westminster, you can take part in a fun and impactful way: by using the Reverse Vending Machine at Paddington Recreation Ground. Simply drop in your empty plastic bottles or aluminium cans and not only are they recycled properly, but 10p per item is donated to North Paddington Youth Club.

Every container counts toward protecting the planet, reducing waste, and giving back to the community. Join us this Recycle Week and turn your empties into positive action.

Recycle your bottles and cans — and turn everyday empties into community impact!

Drop. Donate. Do Good.

Every bottle or can diverted from general waste helps in:

  • Reducing energy and emissions, because recycling requires less raw material and less processing
  • Preventing pollution and landfill pressure, especially in dense urban areas
  • Supporting local causes, in Westminster, the Reverse Vending Machine dona­tes 10p per container to North Paddington Youth Club. 

That’s community impact made from individual actions.

Your Recycling in Action

Here’s a little reminder of what you need to do to turn your recycling into rewards:
  • Drop in empty plastic bottles or aluminium drink cans
  • The machine captures them cleanly
  • For every item deposited, 10p is donated to North Paddington Youth Club
  • To date, over 188 items (159 bottles, 29 cans) have been deposited – a great start to raising funds and awareness.
Turn Trash to Treasure

New Play Streets Bring Families Together on Car Free Day

by

  • News


New Play Streets Bring Families Together on Car Free Day

 

Car Free Day, celebrated globally on 22 September, is all about reimagining our streets without cars and encouraging people to walk, cycle, scoot and play in safer, healthier environments. It’s a chance to experience the benefits of cleaner air, reduced traffic, and more active neighbourhoods, while highlighting the importance of sustainable transport.

Here in Westminster, Car Free Day is a key moment in the year to showcase programmes like Play Streets, Street Play, and School Streets, which all form part of the council’s Active Streets Programme. By turning roads into spaces for people, the day helps residents see how streets can be used differently, supporting Westminster’s ambition for greener, safer, and more connected communities.

The first of this year’s new locations opened in Northumberland Place on 4 August, quickly becoming a hub of laughter, cycling, and outdoor fun. Building on this success, Kilravock Street and Ashmore Road officially joined the programme in September. To mark Car Free Day, the council also hosted Street Play sessions in Church Street and Capland Street, where young people enjoyed activities with Everyone Active coaches and Cycle Confident helped build cycling skills.

Cllr Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We’re pleased to be able to launch this Play Streets scheme, which facilitates play, physical activity, leisure and sport opportunities outside for children, young people and families, literally on the doorstep of people’s homes.

There are lots of children and families who live along the same street who don’t get the chance to interact together, and these sessions allow them to do so safely and play on a traffic-free road.

This new scheme highlights the power of communities coming together to create cleaner, safer, healthier, and more active neighbourhoods across the city.”

Residents have already been quick to share their appreciation, with one parent from Northumberland Place saying:

“It has been such a good way to get the kids out of the house and active. It has also been instrumental in making friends with neighbours and building a real community spirit.”

See how Westminster’s streets came alive on Car Free Day with new Play Streets, bringing families, neighbours and communities together in safe, traffic-free spaces.

The impact of Active Streets

The Active Streets initiative is about more than play, it’s about healthier streets, cleaner air, and stronger communities. By reducing traffic and reclaiming space for people, the programme helps deliver Westminster’s ActiveWestminster Strategy, supporting the council’s vision for an Active City where infrastructure, neighbourhoods, and local communities make it easier for everyone to be active every day.

With four Play Street locations now open (Northumberland Place, Kilravock Street, Ashmore Road, and Luton & Fisherton Street), the scheme continues to grow, giving families more opportunities to enjoy safe, welcoming spaces for activity and connection.

You can play a part too. Street Makers are local residents who lead on bringing Street Play sessions first and can then apply for a more permanent setting with a Play Street. The programme aims to help neighbours come together and create spaces where children and families can enjoy safe, traffic-free play.

To learn more about the Active Streets Programme, use the link below.

Get to Know Active Streets

Make Fitness a Lifestyle This National Fitness Day in Westminster

by

Make Fitness A Lifestyle This National Fitness Day With ActiveWestminster

National Fitness Day is here, and ActiveWestminster is inviting everyone to celebrate by making fitness a part of everyday life. This day isn’t just about a single workout, it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritises health, well-being, and community.

In line with the ActiveWestminster Strategy 2024–2028, which aims to make physical activity more accessible for everyone, we offer a range of free activities across the city. From outdoor fitness classes and family-friendly Play Streets to guided walks and wellness sessions, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Powered by ActiveWestminster: Helping you move, play, and stay active every day.

National Fitness Day is a reminder that fitness isn’t just for one day, it’s a lifestyle choice, and we’re committed to helping residents integrate movement into their daily routines, fostering a healthier and happier Westminster.

These activities align with the goals of our strategy to:

  • Help more people be active every day
  • Make it easier to get involved in sports and activities
  • Ensure all communities can access safe, welcoming places to be active
  • Work with partners to support healthy, active lifestyles across Westminster 

 

Whether you’re looking to try something new, reconnect with your community, or simply enjoy some fresh air, ActiveWestminster has an activity for you.