Welcoming our
local sports stars

The FANS (Free Access for National Sportspeople) scheme provides elite sportspeople with free access to sports facilities in Wigan Borough.

What do I get as a member of FANS?

With a FANS membership, nationally-ranked athletes can enjoy complimentary use of our Be Well leisure facilities, the Pelican Centre in Tyldesley, and the running track at Robin Park Arena (Wigan Warriors) for a period of 12 months. This includes free access to our gyms, swimming pools and other facilities during peak periods.

The facilities used must be related to your training programme and cannot be used simply for recreational purposes. Exercise classes are NOT included as part of FANS.

For bookable and timetabled facilities please contact your chosen leisure centre to check space and availability. Please note: gym access for under 16s is limited to our junior access times (Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm).

Our leisure centres

To be eligible you must:

be a current member of a national team/squad OR listed in the top 10 of your national age group ranking at the end of the previous competition season

be aged 14 or above (with the exception of gymnasts)

be a resident of Wigan Borough or a member of a club based in Wigan Borough

What we expect from you…

In return for membership of the FANS scheme, you will be expected to make every effort to attend promotional events and volunteer opportunities within the borough, as requested by any of the participating partners and facilities.

FANS athletes are expected to complete a minimum of 6 hours volunteering over the 12-month period.

Athletes must keep Be Well up-to-date with their progress, performance results and volunteering to help us promote local talent and review memberships.

How to apply

To apply for the FANS scheme, please complete our online application form.

As part of your application you will need to provide supporting documentation to show proof of national ranking in your chosen sport (if you are unsure about what is required please contact your sport’s NGB) or provide a link (URL) to a web page featuring your national ranking or performance level in that sport – see list of all eligible sports.

Apply for the FANS scheme

What happens next?

We will inform you of a decision within 10 working days of receiving your application and, if applicable, provide you with information about your next steps.

If your application is successful, you will receive a letter confirming your FANS membership, which you can present at your preferred leisure centre for proof of eligibility. You can then start enjoying our fantastic facilities!

For further details or assistance with your application, please get in touch.

Call us now – 01942 828535

Email us

FANS terms and conditions

FANS members must contact their chosen leisure centre if they wish to use any bookable facilities relating to sport and training (e.g. tennis and badminton courts).
Membership of the scheme is valid for 12 months, pending continued sports performance at national or international level.
Use of facilities is conditional on there being no disruption to other users, and no additional costs.
We reserve the right to withdraw membership if we deem that the scheme is being abused in any way.
We reserve the right to change the terms and conditions of the scheme, as well as withdrawing the membership of any athlete deemed to no longer fit the criteria of the scheme or who is no longer operating within the ‘spirit’ of the scheme.

More for you…

Believe Talent Fund

Believe Sports Awards

Indoor court hire

3G Pitch Hire

Outdoor Tennis

What we’re all about…

We’re passionate about helping people reach their potential, achieve their ambitions and live their best lives; whether it’s supporting and celebrating our local athletes, empowering residents to be more active, or providing specialist advice and guidance for your health and wellbeing.

More about Be Well

Welcoming ourlocal sports stars