Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham has expressed his delight that Belfast has been named a European City of Sport for 2026 following a two-day visit to the city in November by the Worldwide Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation (ACES) judging panel.
The decision by ACES to recognise Belfast alongside 20 other cities was reached after panel members met with the bid leaders, Belfast City Council, its leisure partners GLL and community sports organisations to look at how investment into sport and physical activity over the last decade is transforming health and wellbeing outcomes for residents.
Each year, ACES recognises capitals, cities, towns and regions worldwide celebrating sport through infrastructure, events and support for clubs and the awarding of the prestigious accolade to Belfast is the second time Northern Ireland has been awarded the European City of Sport title after Lisburn in 2013.
Graham said: “Squash Ireland was delighted to support Belfast City Council’s bid to become a European City of Sport 2026. The award provides an opportunity to raise the profile of squash and allows Squash Ireland and Squash Ulster to deepen our partnership with Belfast City Council.
“Thanks to the work of our club and community development officers, Niall Jackman and Will Nicholson, the commitment of the Squash Ulster committee and the enthusiasm of coaches and volunteers across Northern Ireland, the sport has seen a resurgence in recent years.
“To continue the positive momentum, we are already working on several exciting initiatives aimed at increasing the awareness and visibility of squash and, importantly, encouraging people of all ages and from all backgrounds to pick up a racket and enjoy the sport.”
Councillor Tracy Kelly, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, added: “This is a great achievement for Belfast and an endorsement of all the work that goes into supporting sport here – from the players, volunteers and coaches to the event organisers, fans and funders.
“Sport is a thread that runs through all communities and becoming a European City of Sport provides a unique opportunity to showcase the breadth of physical activity opportunities we have.”
During their visit to Belfast, the ACES panel heard how the council has invested £105million into six state-of-the-art leisure centres since 2015, while eight other centres have become community hubs, providing vital services to help communities stay fit and active.
Belfast’s bid outlined how new programmes, upgraded facilities, collaborations with sport governing bodies and the free 12-week Healthwise scheme for those recovering from ill health have all contributed to a significant increase in sports participation in the city – in the 2023/24 Continuous Household Survey, 50 per cent of adults reported taking part in sport in the last week, up from 43 per cent in 2022/23.
Michelle Vorel-Adams, the ACES UK and Ireland president, said: “We are delighted to be awarding the City of Belfast to become European City of Sport 2026. There is a clear strategy and commitment to investing and developing sport in the community for the next few years.
“It is an exceptional example of a city providing an array of high-quality sports facilities and services coupled with strong partnerships. A perfect combination to be an ACES award winner. We wish Belfast good luck for 2026 and look forward to visiting the city again.”
Residents will be able to get involved in Belfast’s European City of Sport 2026 celebrations through try-it activities in leisure and community venues, coach and volunteer development opportunities and a range of special events, with full programme details to be announced in January 2026.
