This programme details all of the regular specific disability and inclusive sport opportunities that exist across Leeds, delivered by both Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds department and all key partners. This covers children, young people and adults with any disability, and all ability levels.
Leeds City Council carer policy If you can't take part in an activity without assistance then any individual who is there to assist you will get free admission.
Active Leeds membership Active Leeds memberships offer customers access to a range of activities at all Leeds City Council leisure centres. If you are disabled and have a LeedsCard 60 Extra or a LeedsCard Extra you can receive the 12 month contract price on a flexible membership plan.
Session for wheelchair athletes who want to train and compete on the track.
• Suitable for both adults and children, age 8 years plus.
• £2 for juniors, £2.50 for seniors
• Run by Leeds City Athletics Club
Venue: John Charles Centre for Sport Thursday 19:00-20:00
• Term time only
• Wheelchair basketball club, open to anyone with or without experience
• Suitable for both adults & children
• Everyone welcome. Please contact the club before your first visit
• Cost: £15 subscription per year
• Run by Spider-Y, a registered charity
Venue: Morley Leisure Centre Tuesday 19:00-21:00
For further information please visit the Leeds Spiders Website
•Suitable for both adults and children
• The centre is fully accessible to all
• Eight rink indoor bowls hall
• Indoor shoes & woods can be hired
• Bowls wheelchairs available
Casual bookings - to play on an informal basis bookings can be made 7 days in advance or 9 days if you have a LeedsCard by ringing the centre or booking online
Bowls Leagues run Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am – 12pm, you have to be a member to join.
• Visually impaired bowling sessions at John Charles Centre for Sport.
• Every Tuesday 12noon until 2 pm
Contact John Palmer 01422 321771
Yorkshire’s only cricket club formed specifically for the visually impaired player, their mission is to remove barriers to sport and in particular cricket for those with a sight impairment making the game inclusive to all.
• For adults and juniors of all abilities
• ECB qualified coaches on hand
For more information please contact John Garbett: Mobile: 0797 236 0928 Email: garbett.j@sky.com
• Suitable for both adults and children over the age of 5.
• A variety of bikes are available: quads, trikes, hand cycles, mountain trikes, bucket seat duel cycles, tandems etc
• Most cycles have back supports and seat belts.
• A member of staff is available to help at all sessions & hoist is available
• You are welcome to book out a session at any other time for a minimum of 6 people.
Venue: John Charles Centre for Sport Monday , Wednesday, Friday 1pm to 2pm
For more information and to book on a session please contact the John Charles Centre for Sport: Tel: 0113 378 8000 Email: JCCS@leeds.gov.uk
Weekly sessions on a Thursday at Leeds Urban Bike Park where people can come and try all of the equipment including Mountain Trikes, Handcycles including the Bowhead RX, Wolturnus, Sport-on XCR and JeeTrike and wheelchair attachments such as Triride and Klaxon Klick.
Disability/accessible rambles held most Saturdays around the north of England in beautiful areas such as the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District and North York Moors National Parks.
Sessions are also held at Bodington Cycle Circuit in Leeds.
As well as organising rambles and hand cycling rides in the countryside, Experience Community also helps organisations engage with disabled people to let them know about available routes that they can do. In order to do this they make short films about access to tourism attractions, leisure facilities and of course, routes that can be done by disabled people.
Contact: Craig or Rik on 07852237123
Open Country is an award-winning charity that has nearly 30 years of experience in helping disabled people to access and enjoy the countryside.
The Wetherby tandem club enjoys rides of up to 20 miles in the gorgeous Yorkshire countryside every Monday during the summer months, from 6pm – 9pm, with a pub stop thrown in along the way.
They are always keen to meet ambulant disabled back riders (stokers) or non -disabled volunteer ‘pilots’. No tandem experience necessary.
Tel: 01423 507227
E-mail: info@opencountry.org.uk
Website: www.opencountry.org.uk
• Skateboard, Scooter and BMX sessions suitable for all ages and abilities
• All equipment provided
• Tuition available
Private one to one sessions available
Times suited to suit participants needs. Just call up to discuss options.
To book a session or for more info contact Tosh Wilson Tel 0113 2446015 www.ls-ten.org
LS-Ten, Kitson Road, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1NT
A community cycling club for adults with a physical disability, run by volunteer enthusiasts with experience in disability and cycle training.
Venue: Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, LS7 2QG Saturdays 11:00-13:00
Please contact Sarah before first attending, on; sarah.radcliffe@live.co.uk www.wheels4funleeds.wordpress.com
Northern Ballet offers a range of opportunities for young people and adults with disabilities to engage with dance:
In Motion – dance classes for self-propelling wheelchair users aged 8 to 19. Regular classes held during the Summer term each year. New adults classes to also begin in Summer 2017.
Ability – a dance course for adults with mild to moderate learning difficulties which runs on a weekly basis during term time.
For more information please contact the Learning team: Website: www.northernballet.com Tel: 0113 220 8000
Yorkshire Dance run various classes, workshops and groups for children, young people and adults with learning and physical disabilities, such as:
• Saturday Superstars – a range of fully inclusive classes for children aged 0 – 14 years old including Parents and Tots, Ballet, Creative Movement, Street Jazz and Street Styles.
• Adult opportunities focusing on honing creative movement and performance skills in various fully supported environments.
Tel: 0113 243 9867 Website: yorkshiredance.com
12 Active Leeds gyms plus fitness classes
Suitable for ages 12+ please see our junior fitness page for available times please see our junior activities page
Carers are given free access to the gym and a free induction
New gym users. If you have never attended an Active Leeds gym you will need to book an induction (this is an introduction to the gym finding out what you like and how to use the equipment). Please contact the centre you wish to attend to make the appointment. Safety is really important within the gym and if you are unable to get around safely on your own, the fitness instructor will suggest you bring someone with you to help, this person will not have to pay to come with you. Currently it is Leeds City Council policy not to offer one-to -one fitness training, however, if you are unsure of anything when you are at the gym please do not hesitate to ask for assistance. We deliver regular disability awareness and adapting activities training for all members of staff so that we can offer a better service to disabled users.
Ergometer bikes (hand-cycles) are available at Armley, Rothwell, Pudsey, Morley, Aireborough, John Smeaton, Scott Hall, Holt Park, John Charles centre for sport and Garforth gyms.
Adapted rowing seats are available at most Active Leeds gyms.
Dual assisted pulley machines which can provide a full body workout and are accessible to wheelchair users, and recumbent bikes are available at all gyms. Website: active.leeds.gov.uk/memberships
• Adults only, term time only
• Suitable for people with limited mobility or breathing difficulties
• Gentle or seated exercise aimed at improving your mobility, flexibility and strength
• Just turn up & pay at reception or book online you can book online as an Active Leeds member or as a play and pay customer.
Specific sessions are run throughout the week at leisure centres across the city.
Session times go to our bookings page
• Suitable for all ages 12+ (beginners must attend an 8 week course first)
• Wheelchair fencing available by arrangement
For further information contact club secretary Karen Garvie:
E-mail: info@leedsfencing.co.uk Tel: 0113 2742262
Venue: Armley Leisure Centre Mondays, 20:00-22:00 (beginners)
• A football club for children and young people who have Downs syndrome.
• Open to players aged 4 to 16
• Supported by The Leeds United Foundation
Venue: Football World, Pontefract Lane, Leeds, LS9 0RA Monthly sessions Sundays, 10am to 11am
• Powerchair Football is accessible to all power wheelchair users regardless of age and gender
• Sessions run every week at David Young Community Academy in Leeds
• For further info please contact: leedspowerchairfc@hotmail.com
• Website: www.leedspowerchairfc.co.uk
SNAPS Football sessions are run at:
Middleton Leisure Centre 10:00 - 11:00 every Sunday Term Time
• Danby Rovers is open to adults (16+) from the local community that may have a learning or physical disabilities.
• The aim is to focus on ability as opposed to disability and to encourage participation and socialisation through sport.
• Currently train three times a week and play friendly fixtures as well as playing in the Ability Counts league.
• £1.60 per session
• £30 membership for the season
• Website: www.danbyrovers.co.uk
Enfield Centre, Leeds City College, Roundhay Road, Leeds West LS7 3BG
Mondays 6.00 to 8.00pm Wednesdays 6.00 to 7.00pm Saturdays 10am to 12pm
The Football4Me programme provides young people and adults with disabilities an equal opportunity to play football, offering professional coaching to develop their skills and understanding of the game. As well as training there is also an opportunity to represent the Leeds United Foundation in matches, just like the pros.
The inclusive sessions are structured to suit the needs of those attending and allow participants to engage with footballing activities, focusing on developing both football skills and friendships.
For more information contact football4Me@leedsunited.com
The Training sessions are aimed at Framed users and Cerebral Palsy (CP) players.
The sessions cater for players aged 5-16.
The sessions will be lead in an safe enjoyable environment and develop their involvement in football. Please come along to meet new people and again new football skills.
For more information contact football4Me@leedsunited.com
• Open to new, development and experienced players with a visual impairment (sighted players also welcome).
• Sessions run on Sundays
• Aged 14+ For further information please contact Kathryn Fielding: Tel: 07795 263642 e-mail: Kathryn@achievepotentials.co.uk
The Edge University of Leeds, Willow Terrace Road, Willow Terrace Rd, Leeds LS2 9JT
• Gymnastics classes suitable for young people who have a disability
There are regular sessions that run at
John Smeaton Leisure Centre
Smeaton Approach
LS15 8TA
Call: 0113 265 66 62
Email: hello@leedsgymnastics.com
For children aged 5-10yrs who require additional support for taking part in gymnastics.
Where: Holt Park Active Mondays 3.45-5.15pm (term time only)
Incorporating activities on gymnastics equipment to improve:
• Motor skills
• Strength
• Balance
• Confidence
Led by an experienced and qualified gymnastics coach. Children must attend with a parent/ carer.
To arrange a visit please call 0113 378 1301
For further information about RDAs based in Leeds, please visit the website: www.rda.org.uk
Middleton Park RDA
Otley and District RDA
Leeds RDA
People in Action are a charity based in Leeds supporting learning disabled and autistic people.
They offer a variety of services including Health and Wellbeing and Social Groups
For more information visit their website
• For disabled and non-disabled young people and adults
• Meet on Friday evenings from 7pm to 9pm
• Venue: Prince Philip Centre, Scott Hall Avenue, Leeds, LS7 2HJ
• PHAB volunteers collect members in PHAB’s specially adapted minibuses for the Friday evening club, trips out and residentials.
For further information visit: PHAB-Leeds.org.uk Or contact Ann Hart: Tel: 01937 573722
• Suitable for adults & children, individuals or groups
• Individual or multi activity sessions available
• Bookings can be hourly, half or full day, courses or one-off sessions
• Sailing
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Off road biking
• Mountain trikes (mountain bike wheelchairs)
• Orienteering (level route)
• Traversing wall (low level)
• Unique indoor cave (with accessible flat lower level)
All Leeds sailing and activity centre instructors have National Governing Body awards plus experience working with disabled people and adapting activities to suit individual needs.
There are a wide range of specialised equipment for disability use including kayaks with contoured seats and back supports, sailing boats specifically adapted for disability use and a jetty hoist.
For further information please contact the Sailing and Activity centre: Tel: 0113 378 1271 E-mail: sailingcentre@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre, Cemetery Road, Yeadon RYA Sailability centre
Leeds Rhinos have a variety of inclusive teams available.
Take a look at their website for more information.
• RYA Sailability centre
• “Access Dinghies” available to use
• Individual membership available
• Sessions also available for disabled groups and schools
For further information visit their website
Otley Sailing Club, Bridge End Quarry, Otley, LS21 2SU
SNAPS provides opportunities for children and adults with special needs as well as information, advice & resources for parents & carers.
Activities include:
• Hydrotherapy sessions
• Swimming lessons
• Dance classes
• Summer scheme programmes
For more information visit their website.
In all our pools we run a learn to swim programme. We try wherever possible to integrate children into mainstream swimming lessons, which could mean adaptions to the lesson to include the parent or carer in the water to give assistance and support.
Where adaptions to a swimming lesson haven’t worked then we offer disability hub swimming lessons. Here children work in small groups with children of a similar ability. For those children who require assistance and support in the water this is provided by the parent or carer. Depending on ability the children work towards three Swim England award schemes, Duckling Awards, Alpha Steps Awards and Stage Awards in the Learn to Swim Framework. Lessons run for 50 weeks per year with a break at Christmas, they are 30 minutes in duration and payment is via a monthly direct debit. All sessions are taught by Swim England Level 2 swimming teachers / STA Award or STA Certificate qualified swimming teachers.
Disability Hub Swimming Lessons
Please see our disability junior swimming lesson page here, for further information on Active Leeds offering or email DisabilityHubs@leeds.gov.uk
Public Swimming
Aireborough, Armley, Holt Park, John Charles, John Smeaton, Morley, Rothwell and Scott Hall leisure centres are all ideal for general public swimming, due to good access, for example ramps, handrails, lifts, hoists and changing facilities.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is available to book at Armley and Holt Park, new customers will be required to fill out a health screening form.
There are a number of sessions available throughout Leeds for children and adults to learn to swim/ improve their swimming or simply swim for fitness or for social reasons. Leeds City Council runs some of these sessions and private clubs hiring the facilities runs others. Sessions are suitable for both adults and juniors unless stated. All centres have pool hoists if required.
Carers for disabled people attending sessions can do so free of charge.
The following centres have programmed disability swims, please visit our centre pages for timetables.
Aireborough Armley Fearnville Holt Park Aquatics Centre, John Charles Centre for Sport, John Smeaton, Kirkstall and Morley
• Weekly tennis coaching sessions
• For age 8+ and any ability level
• Suitable for anyone with a physical disability
• Sports wheelchairs available to use or use your own
• £4.00 per session
Mondays 7.00pm to 8.30pm (term time only)
• For ages 8+ and any ability level
• Suitable for anyone with a learning disability
• £3.00 per session
All of the tennis sessions take place at the indoor tennis centre at the John Charles Centre for Sport and are delivered by LTA qualified, Leeds City Council tennis coaches.
For further information on the sessions contact the tennis centre on: Tel: 0113 378 8233 E-mail: tennis@leeds.gov.uk
Sundays 1.00pm to 2.00pm (term time only)
The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre provides impartial and independent advice for disabled children and adults of all ages. Assessments, carried out by qualified Occupational Therapists, in a wide variety of areas, are free of charge.
They have displays of equipment for daily living and provide training courses and exhibitions.
The team of Occupational Therapists and a Physiotherapist are there to help you retain or increase your independence.
For more information please visit the website at www.wmdlc.org or call 0113 350 8989.
Leeds City Council Leisure Centre Facilities
For information on the accessibility at each of our centres please visit our centre pages