Two leisure centres in County Antrim have been named finalists in the 2026 ukactive Awards. Crumlin Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre are both shortlisted in the Regional Public Centre of the Year category.

Deaglan O'Hagan, head of the leisure service at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, has also been shortlisted for the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award. This marks the fifth consecutive year the council has reached the finalist stage of the awards.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said the recognition reflects the dedication of staff and their commitment to supporting healthier communities. He also congratulated Mr O'Hagan on his personal shortlisting.

The ukactive Awards are considered a top accolade in the UK physical activity and leisure sector. This year's programme attracted 190 entries across 14 categories from organisations in the public, private and independent sectors.

The council has a strong recent record at the awards. Valley Leisure Centre won Regional Centre of the Year in 2022. Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre secured both the Regional and National Centre of the Year titles in 2023, and retained the regional title in 2024. In 2025, Arlene McMinn was the national winner of the Physical Activity Hero Award.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday 8 October.