Free Junior Memberships
All Manchester residents aged 11-16 are eligible for a free junior membership for gym, swim and fitness classes.
Free Junior Memberships for 11-16s
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.
The programme includes the provision of a free junior membership for all Manchester residents at secondary school aged 11-16, going live from May half term.
The free junior membership will open 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.
Free swim, gym and fitness classes
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 from late May 2026, all Manchester resident secondary school children between the ages of 11 to 16 will be able to access a free funded membership at the following council operated leisure centres across the city. Parents / guardians of eligible children can complete the pre-registration form below and will be contacted directly with further details.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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