Westminster Sports

Unity in the Community: One Pitch, One Community, Unlimited Vibes This August

Unity in the Community: One Pitch, One Community, Unlimited Vibes This August!

After a brilliant tournament in April, Unity in the Community is back this August! Delivered by Everyone Active in partnership with ActiveWestminster, this youth football event brings young talent together through the power of sport.

Whether you’re returning for more good vibes, missed out last time or new to the pitch, everyone is welcome to join this FREE, exciting community event on Sunday 31 August 2025, 11am–4pm at Paddington Recreation Ground (W9 1PD).

Registration deadline: Sunday 24 August 2025

Drills, Thrills & Team Spirit

Open to young residents of Westminster aged 10–16, the day is all about giving local players a chance to make new friends, show of their fancy footwork and feel part of something bigger. Expect:

  • Fast, friendly and competitive matches
  • A buzzing, inclusive festival atmosphere
  • Confidence-boosting teamwork and connection
  • Separate spaces for mixed teams and girls
  • A safe, supportive vibe for everyone
Mixed-gender Football Cup: Boys and girls in age groups U10, U12, U14 and U16, can sign up. They will get to experience competitive spirit, positive energy, learn new skills and teamwork and have opportunities to bond on and off the pitch in a safe and inclusive environment. 

Girls football festival: Backed by United Dragons FC, this celebration of girls football is open to players of all skills levels. Think fun-filled action, and empowering energy and support from inspiring female coaches and role models.

Get all the info on our Unity In The Community event page. Feel free to contact Ryan Denys for all questions at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

For full details, visit our dedicated Unity In The Community webpage. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ryan Denys at ryandenys@everyoneactive.com.

Your Voice Matters: Have Your Say on Barnsdale Road’s Play Street Plans

Your Voice Matters: Have Your Say on Barnsdale Road’s Play Street Plans

Westminster City Council is inviting residents and local communities to share their thoughts on a proposal to introduce a seasonal Play Street on Barnsdale Road. This would give children more space to play safely and offer a more sociable, people-friendly environment during the warmer months.

What is being proposed

If approved, the Play Street would run every year from 1 April to 30 September, with pedestrian priority and reduced vehicle access at set times:

  • Monday to Friday: 3:00 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 – 7:30 pm

The aim is to create a safer, more active street that encourages outdoor play, reduces through-traffic during key hours, and brings the local community together

Have your say

The Public Consultation  is now open until 11:59 p.m. on 7th September 2025. We will also be running two drop in events where you will have the opportunity to meet members of of the team, ask questions and share your thoughts in person.

  • Barnsdale Road Play Street session on Tuesday 22nd July 2025, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. 
  • Community event at WECH Community Centre (W9 3AZ) on Friday 22nd August 2025, 10:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m

Children and young people are also welcome to come to these events – their views matter to us as well, so please do bring them along.

If you would like hard copies of the consultation support materials or questionnaire, or require any reasonable adjustments to participate please contact: Westminsterplaystreets@wsp.com

Visit our dedicated page, to learn more about our Active Streets Programme.

Fast-Paced, High Energy, And Full Of Opportunity: Futsal Hits Westminster

Fast-Paced, High Energy, and Full of Opportunity: Futsal Hits Westminster

On Friday 14 June, Westminster played host to it’s first-ever girls’ school Futsal Tournament – a fast-paced and exciting event organised by Futsallers, F33 LeagueEveryone Active and ActiveWestminster. Local players showcased incredible speed, skill and teamwork in a dynamic indoor competition that celebrated both sport and opportunity.

What is Futsal?

Futsal is a high-intensity, 5-a-side version of football played indoors on a hard court with a smaller, low-bounce ball. It’s fast, technical, and exciting, perfect for developing sharp footwork, quick thinking and creative play. Global icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo credit futsal for shaping their skills. Read more about Futsal.

Inspiring the next generation

With stars like England Lionesses Kate McGreavy and Rosanna Frith-Salem making waves in the futsal scene, more girls than ever are stepping onto the court. Their success is helping to inspire a new generation of young players, especially girls, to get involved, try something new, and aim high.

A path to the Youth Olympics

Futsal is growing and so are the opportunities. Plans are underway to form a youth futsal team for the 2026 Youth Olympics, meaning young players who get involved now could be in with a shot at representing Team GB on the international stage.

Ready to play?

Futsal is fast, fun, and full of potential, and it’s never been easier to get started.

Westminster is proud to be the first London borough to pilot Futsal in schools, making it more accessible than ever for young people to get involved.

And this is just the beginning. There are more competitions on the way, with both boys’ and girls’ matches and tournaments planned. We want everyone to have the chance to play, grow, and shine on the court.

In the meantime, get practising and stay tuned for more ways to play and compete in Westminster.

Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

Yoga for One Earth, One Health: International Yoga Day in Action

Join ActiveWestminster in celebrating International Yoga Day 2025—an annual global event promoting balance, wellbeing, and connection between mind, body, and environment. First declared by the UN in 2014 and celebrated every 21 June, this day is all about slowing down, breathing deeply, and moving with intention.

Yoga for People and Planet

This year’s global theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” highlights how personal wellness and environmental health go hand in hand. Across Westminster, our community yoga activities are helping residents embrace physical movement while nurturing mental wellbeing and community connection.

Yoga Activities in Westminster

Yoga supports mental clarity, flexibility, strength, and stress relief which all vital for city life. It’s also a tool for community connection and inclusive wellness, key goals of the ActiveWestminster strategy. Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your practice, yoga offers a space to slow down, recharge and reconnect.

Take a Breath with the World

As people across the globe unroll their mats this International Yoga Day, let’s pause together here in Westminster—stretching into summer, connecting with our breath, and grounding ourselves in community and care.

Namaste.

Check our ActiveWestminster Mark Accredited partners where you can find yoga and a wide range of other physical activity and sport sessions.

Westminster Schools Take The Court At London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

Westminster Schools Take the Court at London’s First-Ever Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament

Earlier this month, Westminster students took centre court at one of London’s most exciting youth basketball events — the inaugural Jr. NBA 3v3 Tournament, held at Trafalgar Square and organised by London Marathon Events in collaboration with the NBA and Basketball England.

Local Talent, Global Stage

This landmark event brought together young players from across the capital to showcase their skills in a high-energy, fast-paced basketball format. And Westminster was proudly represented across both coaching clinics and tournament play.

Westminster Highlights

  • 5 June – Black Prince Trust: NBA Coaching Clinics: Students from Gateway Academy got a taste of elite coaching in a dedicated NBA clinic session, developing key skills and confidence on the court.
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Girls Runner-Up Team: A massive congratulations to Westminster Academy’s girls’ team, who put on a brilliant performance, playing at 13:45 and 14:15 and finishing as tournament runners-up!
  • 6 June – Trafalgar Square: Primary School Coaching Clinics: Young ballers from All Souls CE Primary School and St Mary Angels joined a special morning clinic (9:40–12:15), learning basketball fundamentals and experiencing the thrill of playing in one of London’s most iconic public spaces.

A Slam Dunk for Youth Sport

This event was more than just a tournament, it was a celebration of youth sport, community, and opportunity. ActiveWestminster is proud to have supported Westminster schools in participating, ensuring local pupils could benefit from this unique experience.

A huge thank you to all the players, teachers, coaches, and organisers who made this moment possible. We’re already looking forward to what’s next!

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

Celebrate World Environment Day By Recycling For A Cause At Paddington Recreation Ground!

 

This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution by taking action right here in Westminster.

Our Reverse Vending Machine in the Pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground is ready for your single-use plastic bottles and aluminium cans. And every item you deposit it helps both the planet and our local community.

Installed following a recommendation from Westminster’s Climate Assembly and brought to life through the Westminster Innovations Challenge, this machine is a smart solution to reduce waste and do some good

Why it Matters

Recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy needed to make new cans. Recycling just one plastic bottle can power a light bulb for up to 6 hours. It also keeps harmful waste out of our streets, rivers, and green spaces.

Support North Paddington Youth Club

  • Deposit your cans and bottles into the machine at Paddington Rec.
  • 10p per item goes directly to North Paddington Youth Club.
  • Reach 2,500 items and Everyone Active will donate an extra £500! So far this year we have had 496. 

Why Some Items May be Rejected

To make sure your recycling counts, it’s important to follow a few simple rules. The most common reason for rejected items is missing barcodes—often because they’re part of a multipack where the barcode is only on the outer wrapping.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the top rejection reasons:

  • No barcode 
  • Double bottle inserted 
  • Shape error
  • Unrecognised barcode 
  • Bottle pulled out before scanning
  • Material error
  • Bin full – please notify staff if this happens

** Top tip: Make sure each item has a clear barcode and is inserted one at a time to ensure it’s accepted! **

Find the Reverse Vending Machine in the pavilion at Paddington Recreation Ground today – and be part of of a local effort to protect the planet and support local youth. 

Let’s recycle smart, support our community and #BeatPlasticPollution together.