Bedford Borough Council, Sports Development Unit

31/10/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open for Team of the Year! 🏆

Has your team achieved something special over the past year? Whether they've secured promotion, won trophies, broken new ground, or demonstrated exceptional dedication and teamwork, now is the time to celebrate their success by nominating them for Team of the Year at the Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards.

Kindly supported by the University of Bedfordshire, this award recognises teams that have excelled through outstanding performance, commitment, and development in their chosen sport. We're looking for teams that not only achieve success in competition but also demonstrate a strong commitment to growth, training, and creating opportunities for future success.

✅ Judging criteria:
• Team achievements during the year, including competition success, league performance, and awards
• Commitment to team development through links with schools, clubs, and community organisations
• Dedication to training and continuous improvement
• Future potential, including promotions, progression, and recognition from National Governing Bodies (NGBs)

🌟 Whether your team has enjoyed a breakthrough season, achieved remarkable success against the odds, or inspired others through their dedication and teamwork, we want to hear their story!

⏰ Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

With 14 award categories available, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the people and organisations making a difference through sport and physical activity across Bedford.

👉 Nominate today: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/sports-and-physical-activity/bedford-sports-and-physical-activity-awards

🏆🏅🎉⚽🏐🏑
of Bedfordshire

31/10/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open for Primary School of the Year and Secondary School of the Year! 🏆

Does your school inspire pupils to be active and create outstanding opportunities through PE and sport? These awards celebrate schools making a real impact on young people's health, wellbeing, and sporting development.

🌟 Primary School of the Year
Sponsored by Times Tables Rock Stars.

🌟 Secondary School of the Year
Sponsored by DJT Surfacing Ltd.

✅ Judges will look for:
• High-quality PE, sport, and extracurricular opportunities
• Increased participation in physical activity
• Strong sporting achievement and progression
• Staff development and innovation
• Links with local sports clubs and the wider community

⏰ Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

👉 Nominate today: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/sports-and-physical-activity/bedford-sports-and-physical-activity-awards

🏅 Help us celebrate the schools making a difference through sport and physical activity across Bedford.

Tables Rock Stars

30/10/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open for Club of the Year! 🏆

Is your sports club making a real difference in the community? Do you know a club that has achieved success on and off the field, supported its members to thrive, and continues to grow and innovate? Now is the time to put them forward for Club of the Year at the Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards.

Kindly sponsored by Be Active, this award recognises clubs that have excelled through sporting success, strong governance, inclusivity, and a commitment to developing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.

We're looking for clubs that are creating positive experiences, developing talent, attracting new members, and helping more people get active.

✅ Judging criteria:
• Achievements of teams and individuals, including competition success and awards
• Club accreditations, such as Clubmark or other National Governing Body accreditations
• A wide range of programmes and initiatives that promote inclusion across age, gender, disability, and diverse communities
• Commitment to continuous development, including recruiting and supporting members, coaches, and volunteers

🌟 Whether they are celebrating success on the pitch, expanding opportunities in the community, or creating an inclusive environment where everyone can get involved, we want to hear their story!

⏰ Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

With 14 award categories available, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the people and organisations making a difference through sport and physical activity across Bedford.

👉 Nominate today: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/sports-and-physical-activity/bedford-sports-and-physical-activity-awards

🏆🎉🏅

30/10/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open for Adult & Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year! 🏆

Do you know someone with a disability who has achieved something special through sport or physical activity this year? These awards celebrate individuals who have shown determination, commitment, and resilience while enjoying the benefits of being active.

🌟 Adult Disability Sports Personality of the Year (18+)
Sponsored by , part of .

🌟 Junior Disability Sports Personality of the Year (Under 18)
Sponsored by Gale Family Charity Trust.

✅ Judges will look for:
• Overcoming adversity to take part in sport or activity
• Dedication through training and participation
• Potential for future development
• Positive impact on health and wellbeing

⏰ Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

👉 Nominate today: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/sports-and-physical-activity/bedford-sports-and-physical-activity-awards

💙 These categories are specifically for individuals with a disability who participate in sport or physical activity. Other award categories remain open to all nominees. For example, a coach working with people with disabilities should be nominated in the relevant coaching category.

29/10/2026

🏆 Nominations are now open for Adult and Junior Personality of the Year! 🏆

Do you know an athlete who has gone above and beyond in the last year? The Bedford Sports and Physical Activity Awards are your chance to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and achievement in their chosen sport.

🌟 Adult Personality of the Year (18+)
Kindly sponsored by Jewson Partnership Solutions, this award celebrates outstanding athletes who have achieved success through talent, commitment, and perseverance. We're looking for individuals who inspire others, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact both on and off the field of play.
Nominees must be aged 18 or over on 17 November 2026.

🌟 Junior Personality of the Year (Under 18)
Kindly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bedford Park, this award recognises talented young athletes who have excelled in their sport through exceptional skill, determination, and dedication. We want to hear about young people who have achieved success, shown great potential, and inspired others through their sporting journey.
Nominees must be under 18 on 17 November 2026.

✅ Judging criteria for both categories: • Achievement during the year (competitions, performance level, awards)
• Commitment and dedication to their sport (training, perseverance, work ethic)
• Potential and progression (development squads, NGB recognition)
• Contribution beyond performance (coaching, volunteering, role model, club ambassador)

⏰ Nominations close at 5pm on Tuesday 17 November 2026.

With 14 award categories available, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the individuals making a difference through sport and physical activity across Bedford.

👉 Nominate today: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-sport/sports-and-physical-activity/bedford-sports-and-physical-activity-awards

16/10/2026

ABILITY Blues is an inclusive multisport programme delivered by Blues Foundation, offering an opportunity for all to experience the benefits of being physically active.

Session are Tuesday and Saturday and based at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness and £3 per session.

The programme has been designed for those with learning disabilities or mild physical disabilities, using a variety of sports and activities to develop fundamental movements such as agility, balance and co-ordination, as well as giving participants a safe, fun environment to get healthy.

As well as fundamental skills, ABILITY Blues provides an environment to develop social skills with peers, as well as supporting and promoting teamwork, discipline and resilience.

The programme is delivered by highly motivated and skilled coaches to provide the best opportunity for each participant to learn and develop.

For more information please visit:
https://www.bluesfoundation.org.uk/ability-blues

Bedford Borough Council @bedfo@bedfordborough_familyhubs
@bedfordboroughcouncil Blues Foundation

13/10/2026

The BBPCF Annual Survey 2026 is now OPEN!
If you're a parent carer of a child or young person aged 0–25 with SEND, we want to hear from you.
This is your opportunity to tell us about your family's experiences over the past year.
What's working well?
Where are you still facing barriers?
What's improved?
And what still needs to change?
We want to hear the good as well as the difficult. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of what life is really like for SEND families across Bedford Borough and strengthens the evidence we can take into our work with local services and partners.

The BBPCF Annual Survey 2026 is now OPEN!

If you're a parent carer of a child or young person aged 0–25 with SEND, we want to hear from you.
This is your opportunity to tell us about your family's experiences over the past year.

What's working well?
Where are you still facing barriers?
What's improved?
And what still needs to change?

We want to hear the good as well as the difficult. Every response helps us build a clearer picture of what life is really like for SEND families across Bedford Borough and strengthens the evidence we can take into our work with local services and partners.

Last year, 613 parent carers had their say and shared 1,396 comments.

This year, we want to hear from even more of you.

Complete the Annual Survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QZYP99F

Please share this post with other Bedford Borough parent carers – the more families we hear from, the stronger the picture we can build.

http://www.bbpcf.co.uk

11/10/2026

A fantastic day of swimming, running and achievement took place today at Robinson Pool and Bedford Park, as 187 young participants took on and completed the Bedford Junior Aquathlon!

Every participant should be incredibly proud of themselves. From overcoming fears and pushing beyond their comfort zones to surprising themselves with what they could achieve, the day was full of determination, courage and smiles.

While the sporting achievements were brilliant, the most important thing was simply turning up, giving it a go and taking part. Every single participant showed that having the courage to try is an achievement in itself.

A huge thank you goes to all the staff, volunteers and sponsors whose time, enthusiasm and support helped make the event run so smoothly. Their contribution made it possible for so many young people to challenge themselves, have fun and create lasting memories.

Congratulations to all 187 participants – you were all amazing!

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for the next Bedford Junior Aquathlon in March 2027!

Bedford Borough Council
Robinson Pools & Fitness family charity trust

09/10/2026

Join us as a Sports Development Officer and play a key role in delivering innovative health and wellbeing programmes that inspire people to be more active, improve their wellbeing, and strengthen communities across Bedford Borough.

Could you help make a real difference?

If you are passionate about physical activity and want to support people with long-term health conditions, mental health challenges, or other barriers to participation, we would love to hear from you.

Closing Date: 13th October 2026
Interview Date(s): 27th & 28th October 2026

https://bedfordboroughcouncil-career.talent-soft.com/job/job-sports-development-officer_2624.aspx

Good luck!

06/10/2026

We’re all set for 187 participants taking part in the Bedford Junior Aquathlon this Sunday!

All the event information has been emailed out, the medals are shined, trophied counted and certificates signed, and even the weather is looking good.

We can’t wait to see everyone on the start line. Good luck to all our young athletes!

Bedford Borough Council Robinson Pools & Fitness @
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