British Triathlon and Active Bradford launch three-year partnership

British Triathlon and Active Bradford have launched a new three-year partnership aimed at inspiring children, families, and communities across Bradford to get active through swimming, cycling, and running.

The partnership, supported by British Triathlon’s commercial partner Netcompany, will focus on developing Swim Bike Run Neighbourhoods in Keighley and Holmewood, with wider opportunities for activity across the district. The project is part of Triathlon England’s national BIG Active Strategy, which targets 12 priority areas across England to reduce inactivity and tackle inequalities in access to physical activity.

The launch event will take place at Green Lane Primary School in Manningham on Tuesday 23 September, where families can enjoy a celebration of the upcoming investment in Bradford. From 3 to 5pm, children and their families are invited to try free activities including:

• Mini triathlon games using British Triathlon’s Active Skills for Life resources
• Water safety games and information
• Cycle coaching, including adapted bikes for accessibility
• A range of family-friendly activities delivered by the JU:MP team and Bradford Council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme

Local partners will also be at the event to share health and wellbeing services available to families across the district.

At the heart of the project is a new Swim Bike Run Connector role, funded for an initial three years, to build relationships within communities, understand their interests and barriers, and co-design activities that are accessible, inclusive, and sustainable. This community-led approach aims to create opportunities not only for participation, but also for skills development and long-term engagement.

The initiative is backed by Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy, which is committed to creating a more active nation by addressing deep-rooted inequalities and encouraging long-term participation in sport and physical activity.

Ruth Daniels, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said:

“Bradford is a priority area for us and we’re delighted to be working with Active Bradford and our partner Netcompany to bring Swim Bike Run to more families and communities. By working together we can break down barriers and inspire people of all ages to embrace active and healthy lifestyles.”

Charles Dacres, Active Bradford Co-Chair, said: 

"We're delighted to welcome British Triathlon into our city and to be partnering with them on this exciting collaboration. It's a fantastic opportunity for Bradford, and by focussing on community-led activity with local families, we can ensure that Swim Bike Run neighbourhoods are inclusive, sustainable, and truly shaped around the needs of our communities."

Richard Davies, Country Managing Partner, Netcompany

“As a local employer, Netcompany is proud to support British Triathlon and Active Bradford in helping bring communities in Yorkshire together through the power of sport. Our focus is firmly on delivering the digital solutions behind the scenes, but it’s the real-world impact that matters most – children, parents, and local communities experiencing the positive difference of inclusive sport.”

The Swim Bike Run Neighbourhoods project marks a landmark partnership between British Triathlon, Active Bradford, and Netcompany. By co-designing opportunities with communities, the initiative aims to ensure physical activity becomes a positive, lasting part of everyday life for families across Bradford.