Liverpool City Council leader Liam Robinson has said more than 12,000 young people have signed up for the city's free gym and swimming scheme, highlighting what Labour says is a major expansion of access to leisure facilities for children and teenagers.
The scheme, launched in July, gives eligible Liverpool residents aged 8 to 17 free access to gym and swimming sessions at participating council-run Lifestyles centres. Children under eight already swim free.
Robinson said:
"Over 12,000 young people in our city have signed up for Labour's free gym and swim passes."
He added that the scheme meant "thousands more young people staying active, building confidence and enjoying our excellent community leisure facilities."
Free access during term time and holidays
The Kids Go Free membership is available throughout the year, including school holidays.
It provides free gym access at participating Lifestyles centres during designated hours, as well as free admission to public swimming sessions. Young people using the gym must complete an induction, while normal supervision rules continue to apply for younger children using swimming facilities.
The council says the scheme is intended to remove financial barriers to exercise and make it easier for young people to stay active regardless of family income.
Part of Liverpool Labour's youth offer
Liverpool Labour has promoted the initiative as one of its commitments to young people, alongside wider investment in public health, neighbourhoods and youth opportunities.
The party says all eligible under-18s in the city should have access to free gym and swimming opportunities through council leisure centres.
When the scheme launched, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said removing the cost of gym and swimming access would help support healthier futures while giving families more affordable opportunities.
Scheme appears to have attracted strong early take-up
The council's original announcement did not set a public participation target, so Robinson's figure of more than 12,000 registrations provides an early indication of the scheme's take-up since its launch on 6 July.
The published council material confirms the eligibility and scope of the scheme, although I have not found a separate official council release independently publishing the 12,000 figure; that number comes from Robinson's latest statement.
Robinson highlights direct benefit for families
The initiative also has a cost-of-living dimension. Standard junior pay-as-you-go prices at Liverpool's Lifestyles centres include charges for both gym and swimming sessions, meaning regular use could otherwise add up for families.
For Robinson, the early take-up is evidence that removing fees can bring significantly more young people into council leisure facilities - supporting physical health, wellbeing and access to community spaces across Liverpool.
