Active West Berkshire

Summer highlights and what's ahead

We've had a busy summer working with our leisure partner, Everyone Active, to deliver a wide range of health and wellbeing activities across West Berkshire. Here's a look at what's been happening, and what's coming up this autumn and winter.

Northcroft Family Fun Day welcomes Team GB star

Over 2,000 people joined the celebrations at Northcroft Leisure Centre on 5 July, marking the centre's refurbishment with a free Family Fun Day.

Special guest Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Team GB sprinter and TV personality, made an appearance, while visitors enjoyed lido swims, group cycling, studio tours, pickleball, badminton, soft play, fencing demos and table tennis.

New SEND Soft Play Sessions

Everyone Active now offers dedicated soft play sessions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing a quieter, safer and more inclusive environment. Sessions run at Northcroft Leisure Centre on Mondays at 5-6.30pm, Wednesdays at 1.30-3pm and Saturdays at 3-4.30pm.

New 3G pitch for Cotswold

July also marked an exciting moment for local sport as the brand-new 3G pitch at Cotswold Sports Centre in Tilehurst officially opened - and what a way to kick things off! Tilehurst Panthers Girls FC had the honour of being the first team to take to the turf, setting the tone for a future full of energy, teamwork and community spirit.

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project is already proving to be a game-changer for local sports teams, clubs, schools and community groups. With its high-quality surface and all-weather 
accessibility, the pitch is set to support grassroots sport and active lifestyles for years to come.

Pickleball takes off in Newbury

Northcroft hosted its first pickleball tournament, with 22 players across 11 teams. Since launching sessions in July 2024, over 1,500 people have taken part, and the centre now runs six sessions per week. 

More than 75 regular players of all ages are now enjoying this fast-growing sport.

New 'Escape Pain' exercise course 

Residents living with chronic joint pain and osteoarthritis can now receive support through a new 'Escape Pain' programme focused on safe and effective exercise. Northcroft Leisure Centre has launched the six-week education and exercise programme for those over the age of 45 who have been living with persistent knee, hip or back pain for more than three months.

The course supplements a part of the centre's exercise referral scheme and aims to support people with mobility issues to move more and learn how to manage symptoms through lifestyle changes.

Email stephirfan@everyoneactive.com or call 01635 31199 to find out more.

Kennet Courts get a winning makeover 

A major revamp of the sports courts at Kennet Leisure Centre in Thatcham is well underway. Thanks to joint funding from Kennet School, Everyone Active and West Berkshire Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, six courts are getting a much-needed facelift that will benefit both tennis and netball players.

Find your local leisure centre

We manage seven leisure centres across the district with Everyone Active.

Find your nearest centre and kickstart your membership today: www.everyoneactive.com/centre