FREE JUNIOR MEMBERSHIPS IN MANCHESTER

Manchester City Council has launched an ambitious new programme that puts physical activity at the heart of the city’s drive to reduce health inequalities – opening up more opportunities for residents to get active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy inclusive, community‑focused sport and movement, all while ensuring those facing the greatest barriers are supported through targeted interventions to help create a healthier, fairer, and more connected Manchester.

The programme includes the provision of a free junior membership for all Manchester residents at secondary school aged 11-16.

The new membership builds on the existing citywide Free Swim for 16 and Under offer and will be extended to include both free junior gym and free fitness classes.

This means that all Manchester resident secondary school children between the ages of 11 to 16 can now access a free funded membership at the following council operated leisure centres across the city.

We’re pleased to let you know that you can now attend any of your local leisure centres to set up your child’s free membership.

PARTICIPATING LEISURE CENTRES
  • Arcadia Leisure Centre
  • Abraham Moss Leisure Centre
  • Belle Vue Sports Village (no swim)
  • Broadway Baths
  • East Manchester Leisure Centre
  • Hough End Leisure Centre
  • Manchester Aquatics Centre
  • Moss Side Leisure Centre
  • North City Family & Fitness Centre
  • Whalley Range Sports Centre (no swim)
  • Wythenshawe Forum

Please see FAQs below on details of how to sign up for a free junior membership.

How do I sign up my child for a free Junior membership?

To qualify for the free membership, children (aged 11 to 16) must be current Manchester residents. We ask that you bring along proof of address in the form of either a Council Tax bill from Manchester City Council, or a Utility Bill dated within the last 3 months.

To set up your child’s free membership, as their parent or guardian, you’ll also need to attend your chosen centre with your child (if they’re between 11 and 15 years old) and bring the following information:

  • Your child’s name and date of birth
  • Their address
  • Details of any health conditions.

Please note: If your child is under the age of 16 you will be asked as their parent or guardian, to sign a health statement on their behalf.

What does the membership include?

As a junior member, your child will be able to enjoy access to any Better leisure centre in Manchester for the following activities:

  • Junior Gym sessions during dedicated times
  • Junior fitness classes (where applicable)
  • Adult and Child Gym sessions during dedicated times, if accompanied by an adult
  • Swimming sessions

Please note: before your child can use any gym facilities, they must have an induction. During the induction they are shown what equipment they are able to use and how to use it safely. Our centre team will be able to book an induction when you come along to set their membership up or this can be booked online later.

Full membership terms and conditions are available at the facility operator’s website: Better UK | Everyone Active | Broadway Baths

Who can take out the Membership?

Manchester school children aged between 11 and 16.

Which Manchester postcodes qualify for membership?
  • M1
  • M2
  • M3 (apart from Blackfriars, Salford)
  • M4
  • M8
  • M9
  • M11
  • M12
  • M13
  • M14
  • M15 (excl. areas in Old Trafford)
  • M16 (excl. areas in Old Trafford)
  • M18
  • M19
  • M20
  • M21
  • M22
  • M23
  • M40
  • M60
What is the length of the membership?

12 months

Which leisure centres will the membership be available in?
  • Arcadia Leisure Centre
  • Abraham Moss Leisure Centre
  • Belle Vue Sports Village (no swim available here)
  • East Manchester Leisure Centre
  • Hough End Leisure Centre
  • Manchester Aquatics Centre
  • Moss Side Leisure Centre
  • North City Family & Fitness Centre
  • Whalley Range Sports Centre (no swim available here)

All the leisure centres listed above are operated by GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited). Membership at any one of these facilities grants users the flexibility to access and utilize all the listed centres.

  • Broadway Baths
  • Wythenshawe Forum

If you choose to register for a junior membership at Broadway Baths or Wythenshawe Forum, please note that your access will be limited exclusively to the centre where you enrolled.

When can I enrol?  

From the 23rd May 2026.

What is the process for enrolling in this membership?

Registration must be completed in person at the centre. Participants under the age of 15 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when first registering. The parent or guardian must provide proof of address, such as a council tax bill or utility bill, for verification purposes.

What is included as part of the membership?

Designated junior gym session times, swimming and junior fitness classes (where applicable).  For detailed scheduling information relevant to this membership, please request full details during registration at the centre.

Do I need to have a gym induction?

Yes, an induction is required before using the gym. This can be booked in centre when signing up to the membership.  Junior gym rules will apply which will be made clear in the induction.

Are lockers available at the centres for storing belongings?

Lockers are provided at the centres. Some require a £1 coin or a locker token to operate, while others necessitate a padlock, which can be purchased at reception or brought from home. Please confirm the available option during registration.

Is drinking water available?

Water fountains are accessible at all centres, and individuals are advised to bring reusable water bottles.

What do I do if I am 16 but I want to be able to access the centre at any time?

If you wish to access the centre at any time and are 16, then you can join on a full adult membership which has a chargeable monthly or yearly fee and will not be free.