European City of Sport 2026

European City of Sport 2026

Belfast is European City of Sport for 2026. This accolade recognises the best cities, towns and regions in Europe which celebrate sport and encourage physical activity.

We submitted our bid with our leisure partners, GLL, to Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES).

Our bid reflects ACES’ manifesto pledges:

• enjoyment in exercise
• willingness to achieve
• sense of community
• learning to play, and
• improvement in health.

Our focus has five key themes:

• investment in Belfast over the last ten years
• support provided to elite athletes
• contribution of our leisure centre staff, local clubs, coaches and volunteers
• ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, and
• how sport is delivering better health outcomes for our residents.

Try-It grants

As European City of Sport 2026, we launched a Small Grants Programme. Constituted sports clubs and community organisations were eligible to apply for grants up to £1,000. 

Applications to the programme are closed. If you applied for a grant and have a query, email [email protected]. 

European City of Sport activities

During 2026, there will be various sports events taking place in Belfast, and more work to:

• promote use of our leisure centres
• showcase various sports in Belfast
• celebrate the contribution of sports clubs and athletes, and
• highlight how you can get involved.

Get involved

Everyone can be part of this special year.

• Take part in European City of Sport events.
• Join your local leisure centre and enjoy a huge range of activities, with membership options to suit everyone.
• Support your local sports club as a player, supporter or volunteer.
• Celebrate the people who make sport in our city happen by taking part in our Belfast Sports Awards.
• Look out for dedicated programmes and initiatives from us and our partners to help everyone get more active.

Sports clubs and governing bodies

If your club is funded through our Support for Sport scheme, our Sports Development team will contact you directly with information on making your events part of our European City of Sport programme.

We are also working with sports governing bodies to raise awareness of the year and use it as a tool to get more people playing different types of sport. Look out for our branding at events throughout the city during 2026.

Clubs can also sign up to help us with try-it events throughout the year and join our mailing list to keep updated on events, initiatives and funding opportunities.

Make sure to tag your sports events with #BelfastCityofSport too, if sharing content on your social media channels.