Belfast to apply to become 2026 European City of Sport

Councillors at the People and Communities Committee agreed to the application after council officers asked them to consider an opportunity for Belfast to submit a bid.

Overall cost of the process would be around £30,000, which includes bid and evaluation costs and branding rights. It is proposed that funding would be provided on a 50/50 basis shared between Belfast Council and GLL, the company that provides leisure services to the city.

The detailed bid would be presented for approval before the final bid is submitted to ACES Europe in the Autumn of 2025.

A council report states: “Being designated as European City of Sport would provide an opportunity to showcase the excellent sports and leisure facilities/services provided by Belfast City Council along with the rich sporting heritage of the city. A year-long programme of activities and branding opportunities would form the basis of the formal bid.”

It adds: “ACES is a non-profit association based in Brussels which assigns every year the recognitions of World Capital, European Capital, Region, City, Island, Community and Town of Sport.

“The bid process requires the provision of a letter of intent which confirms the council’s intention to submit a formal application. The letter of intent is submitted through the Office of the Lord Mayor and is normally lodged two years before the anticipated year of designation. In this case, a letter of intent would be required before the end of 2024.

“The formal bid would be prepared and submitted during 2025 in time for the awards to be confirmed in the Autumn of 2025. The designated European City of Sport year would run from January to December 2026.

“Overall cost of the process would be circa £30,000, which includes bid and evaluation costs and ‘in year’ designation/branding rights. Any ‘in year’ costs would only be incurred if the bid is successful. Approximately 50 percent of the total would be required for the bid and evaluation process.”

SDLP Councillor Paul Doherty said at the committee meeting: “I think it is a great opportunity for Belfast, where we have such a rich sporting history.

"We definitely punch above our weight when it comes to Olympians, footballers, GAA, boxers and so on. I can think of no better way of recognising that than securing the City of Sport for 2026.

“There is no arguing with the huge contribution we have made as a city. And I can certainly see the huge benefits it would bring to the city – it would give a much needed lift considering the disappointment of missing out on the Euros in 2028.”