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Physical Activity

Have Your Say: Should Padel Come To Westminster?

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Have Your Say: Should Padel Come To Westminster?

We’re exploring the possibility of introducing Padel – the world’s fastest growing sport – as a new facility offer in Westminster, and we want to hear from you!

What is Padel?

Padel is a fun, social racquet sport often described as a mix of tennis and squash. Played mainly in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court, it’s easy to learn, suitable for all ages and abilities, and perfect for bringing people together.

Have Your Say – Your Feedback Shapes What’s Next

We want to know if Padel is something that Westminster residents and stakeholders would like to see offered locally. To help us understand this, we are carrying out a preliminary survey to gather views on the potential demand, who might use the facilities, and how it could fit within our wider sports and leisure provision. No decisions have been made at this stage. Any future development would depend on factors such as local appetite, available space, funding, and alignment with our broader priorities, including inclusion, health, and accessibility.

 If there’s strong interest, we’ll carry out more in-depth engagement to explore the possibilities and shape the next steps.

Have your say and help shape the future of sport in Westminster by completing our short survey by clicking on the button below.

We’re Listening – Tell Us!

A Street Transformed: Northumberland Place Play Street Launches

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A Street Transformed: Northumberland Place Play Street Launches

On Monday 4th August 2025, Northumberland Place (W2 5BS) was officially transformed into Westminster’s newest Play Street and what a great success it was!

Families and neighbours turned out to enjoy a car-free street buzzing with play, creativity, and community spirit. Highlights from the launch included:

  • Playful games and friendly competition
  • Scooting, cycling, and free play for all ages
  • Neighbours connecting and celebrating a shared community space
  • Special guests to help us celebrate including the Lord Mayor and Councillor Cara Sanquest 

Transforming streets, one at a time

Northumberland Place will regularly be closed to traffic during set times on evenings and weekends, creating a safer, community-driven space for families to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.

Next, the scheme will expand to Kilravock Street (W10) and Ashmore Road (W9) in Queens Park this September:

  • Kilravock Street: Friday 5 September, 4–6pm
  • Ashmore Road: Saturday 6 September, 1–4 pm

Each launch is another step towards turning busy streets into vibrant neighbourhood spaces where children can play safely and communities can come together.

A resident-led movement with real impact

Led by residents and supported by local volunteers, Play Streets are transforming urban streets into friendly, active place. This initiative coordinated by Westminster City Council, forms part of the wider Active Streets Programme and marks a fourfold increase in Play Streets since the first one was designated (Luton and  Fisherton Street) in 2019 

By reducing traffic, Play Streets aim to:

  • Create safer play areas
  • Encourage stronger community connections
  • Promote physical activity and children’s wellbeing
  • Support cleaner, greener neighbourhoods

The bigger picture

Northumberland Place is conveniently located near Shrewsbury Road’s permanent School Street, one of 13 such schemes across the borough. School Streets close roads during school drop-off and pick-up times, enabling safer, cleaner travel for families.

A huge thank you to everyone – families, neighbours, volunteers, and councillors, and of course the Lord Mayor who made the Northumberland Place launch such a joyful transformation of a street into a vibrant, shared community space.

Want to learn more or apply to host your own Play Street? Visit the Active Streets page to get all the details and application info

Bring Play to Your Street

Your Weekly Boost: Football For Mind, Body And Community

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Your Weekly Boost: Football for Mind, Body & Community

A new community-led initiative is bringing people together through the power of football to support mental health, tackle social isolation, and promote physical wellbeing.

The Football for Wellbeing Hub, run in partnership with West London NHS Trust, QPR in the Community Trust, Everyone Active’s Neighbourhood Sports Clubs programme, and Footy Addicts, offers free, safe, and inclusive football sessions for adults aged 18+ across West London.

Open to everyone — including community members, NHS service users, and West London NHS Trust staff — the hub provides therapeutic and social sessions designed to boost confidence, foster connections, and encourage healthy lifestyles. No prior football experience is needed.

Sessions are available in men-only, women-only, and mixed-gender formats at venues in Shepherd’s Bush, Paddington Recreation Ground, and Amberley Pitch in Westminster:

  • Men Only: Wednesdays, 3–4pm – PowerLeague, Shepherd’s Bush
  • Women Only: Saturdays, 11–12pm – Amberley Pitch, W9
  • Mixed Gender: Saturdays, 12–1pm – Amberley Pitch, W9
  • Mixed Gender: Fridays, 6–7pm – Paddington Recreation Ground, W9

The programme is delivered by the Lived Experience Hub, an outreach initiative that creates safe, supportive spaces for wellbeing in the local community.

Whether you want to meet new people, get active, or simply enjoy a kickabout in a welcoming environment, the Football for Wellbeing Hub is here to help you take that first step.

Sign Up and Play!

On The Ground – Sharing Your Stories: August’s NSC Spotlight

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On The Ground - Sharing Your Stories: August's NSC Spotlight

Feel Stronger and Fitter with Open Age’s Keep Fit Class!

Looking for a fun, friendly and effective way to keep active? Open Age’s Keep Fit: Exercise to Music session is perfect for older adults looking to boost strength, mobility and confidence in a supportive environment.

Session Details:

  • Location: St Margaret’s Activity Centre, 1 Carey Place, SW1V 2RT
  • Time: Wednesdays between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m (**This session is not running during the summer period and will be back in action as of September**)

The class is part of Open Age’s popular activity programme in South Westminster and is designed to support physical and mental wellbeing through accessible, low-impact exercise.

Whether you’re recovering from injury, building back strength, or just looking to stay active and social, this session is a great way to move more and feel good. The class is inclusive and professionally led, with exercises tailored to individual needs.

Participant Case Study: LC Keep Feet, St Margrats

Interested in other physical activity sessions?

Then discover everything else the NSC programme has to offer — just hit the button below!

NSC Programme

Want to share your experience?

Your stories inspire us — and others! If you’ve taken part in an NSC session and want to share your experience, we’d love to hear from you. Click the button below to reach out.

Share your story

Reminder: Book Your Kids Spots At Edutain Camps This Summer!

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Reminder: Make Sure Your Kids Are Booked In For The Edutain Summer Camps!

Don’t miss out on a fun-filled summer! Edutain Camps are back across Westminster, offering exciting activities and learning opportunities for children and young people throughout the holidays.

If you haven’t booked yet, there’s still time to get involved — but spaces are filling up fast!

Edutain Camps Details

Edutain+ Camps Details

2025 Summer edutain web feature

Just A Reminder Of What’s On Offer:

Edutain brings together sports, creative play, and learning in a safe, welcoming environment led by experienced coaches and play workers.

  • Running in two locations throughout the summer holidays
  • For children and young people aged 8–13 for Edutain and 8-16 for Edutain+
  • FREE spaces available for those eligible for free school meals

Whether it’s football, arts and crafts, team games, or just making new friends — there’s something for everyone.

Edutain camp dates:

Camps are open to children aged 8-13 and run from 10:00am to 3:00pm on the dates listed below – no need to commit to all five weeks! Simply sign up for the days or weeks that work best for you.
  • Week 1: Mon 28 July – Fri 1 Aug
  • Week 2: Mon 4 Aug – Fri 8 Aug
  • Week 3: Mon 11 Aug – Fri 15 Aug
  • Week 4: Mon 18 Aug – Fri 22 Aug
  • Week 5: Tue 26 Aug – Fri 29 Aug

Two Locations:

  • Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW
  • Community Centre (Under Morgan House), Lillington Gardens, SW1V 2LF

For more information, call 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

Book Edutain @ Academy Sport
Book Edutain @ Lillington Gardens

For more information, call 07956 956167 or email ryan.denys@sportwestminster.org

All inclusive, supportive space with Edutain+ Camps

Keep your child moving, making and motivated this summer — the inclusive way!
With Edutain+, children and young people with disabilities can enjoy a wide range of fun, accessible and fully supported holiday activities in a welcoming environment.

Edutain+ camp details:

This half term, Edutain+ offers children with disabilities aged 8–16 to enjoy exciting, accessible activities that spark imagination and build confidence.Camps run from 10:00 am to 3:00pm, and families have the flexibility to choose the weeks that suit them best.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

  • Week 1: Mon 28 July – Fri 1 Aug
  • Week 2: Mon 4 Aug – Fri 8 Aug
  • Week 3: Mon 11 Aug – Fri 15 Aug
  • Week 4: Mon 18 Aug – Fri 22 Aug                                       

Location: Academy Sport, Torquay Street W2 5EW

*BOOKING IS REQUIRED

Book Edutain+

For more information, call 07891 386 688 or email leonard.lionel@sportwestminster.org

Brought to you by our trusted delivery partners SportWest – www.sportwest.org.uk

We Are Now Officially ActiveWestminster!

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We Are Now Officially ActiveWestminster!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news! Our team has a new name: ActiveWestminster!

This change marks an important step forward, bringing our name in line with the work we do every day to support inclusive participation, wellbeing, and community activity across Westminster.

Why the name change?

We’ve moved away from our former name, Sport, Leisure and Active Communities, because ActiveWestminster is already a recognised, trusted brand across the borough.

It’s simpler, more memorable, and better reflects how residents, partners, and stakeholders know and connect with us. We’re proud to align even more closely with the ActiveWestminster Strategy and the council-wide Fairer Westminster Strategy as we continue working for a healthier, more active borough.

This update will help us:

  • Strengthen our identity
  • Streamline communications
  • Improve visibility and recognitio
ActiveWestminster and City of Westminster logos

About the ActiveWestminster Partnership

The ActiveWestminster Partnership is a borough-wide network of organisations, schools, sports clubs, charities, voluntary sector, health services and local people, all working together to make Westminster more active and inclusive.

Facilitated by Westminster City Council, the partnership focuses on:

  • Reducing health inequalities
  • Embedding physical activity in everyday life
  • Creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for all

Stay connected

Want to stay up to date and connected?

Thank you for being part of this exciting new chapter and for supporting everything we do as the ActiveWestminster Team.