A community scheme offering unsung heroes support from local leisure facilities in Derby has announced its successful applicants.
Award-winning leisure operator Everyone Active, which runs Moorways Sports Village in partnership with Derby City Council, launched Community Champions last year to support projects which are tackling local issues and changing lives.
People involved in mentoring, promoting health and wellbeing, supporting inclusivity or leading environmental or cultural projects were encouraged once again to apply for 2026.
The award-winning operator has pledged more than £65,000 to support 67 local community projects, continuing its commitment to building stronger communities while recognising the dedication of local people who go above and beyond every day.
The successful applicant in Derby this year was DE23 Active, a coalition of community organisations led by Community Action Derby, with the mission of helping people in Normanton and Arboretum get active.
DE23 Active will secure valuable use of facilities within Moorways Sports Village, to help them carry out their work. Everyone Active will raise awareness of this work to strengthen connections, encourage civic engagement and foster a culture of giving back.
DE23 Active are also eligible to be shortlisted for the annual Everyone Active Champions Awards.
Simon Morgan, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said:
We are incredibly excited to support DE23 Active, which we hope will make a real difference in Derby.
We want to emphasise the work of everyday heroes who are changing people’s lives and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their communities.
DE23 Active is the perfect fit for us and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Community Champions fold.
Helen Britten, Programme Lead at Community Action Derby, said:
We're delighted that DE23 Active has been selected as an Everyone Active Community Champion. This support will help us continue providing opportunities that make it easier for people in Normanton and Arboretum to get active in ways that work for them.
Working closely with residents and our partner organisations, we've developed activities that respond to the needs of the community, including our popular women-only swimming sessions at Moorways Sports Village.
We're looking forward to building on that success and helping even more people enjoy the benefits of being active.
Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Parks and Leisure, said:
It’s fantastic to see DE23 Active selected as Derby’s Community Champion. The fantastic work they do across Normanton and Arboretum is vital in breaking down barriers to physical activity and improving local wellbeing.
The Council is proud to support an initiative that gives back to those making a genuine difference in our city.
Everyone Active also runs the Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and invaluable mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.
Since its inception in 2016, the scheme has elevated the sporting careers of more than 6,000 athletes by providing them with free access to Everyone Active's 250-plus leisure centres nationwide.