GLL Sport Foundation Supports 40 Talented Athletes Across Cambridgeshire in 2026
Charitable Social Enterprise and worker‑owned co‑op GLL has announced that 40 athletes from across Cambridgeshire will benefit from the 2026 intake of the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), the largest independent athlete award programme in the UK. This year’s successful applicants span Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire and South Cambridgeshire, reflecting the growing reach of the scheme across the county.
Now in its 18th year, the GLL Sport Foundation has contributed nearly £20m worth of athlete funding and support, distributing almost 35,000 awards to young and talented athletes across 69 areas of the UK and 121 different sports.
Among the Cambridgeshire athletes benefiting this year are 15‑year‑old Caleb Bailey, a national‑level canoe slalom athlete, and 15‑year‑old Hattie McNeill, who competes in wildwater racing at world level. Both featured in a special Q&A session, sharing what first inspired them to take up their sports and discussing the similarities and differences between their disciplines.
At the Cambridgeshire GSF Awards 2026 celebration evening, held at Wilberforce Road Sports Ground on 11 July, athletes, family members and partners came together to celebrate sporting success across the partnership. The event was attended by The Mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Maria Cleminson, who joined GSF Chair and GLL CEO Peter Bundey in presenting awards to this year’s recipients, highlighting the strong support for local sporting talent.
With 86% of this year’s national cohort receiving no other form of funding, up 3% from 2025, the GSF continues to play a vital role in helping athletes stay in training during the ongoing cost‑of‑living crisis. Over its 18‑year history, 63% of supported athletes have been under the age of 21, demonstrating the programme’s commitment to developing young talent.
GLL’s research shows that many athletes struggle to reach their potential due to rising costs of equipment, coaching, physiotherapy, travel and nutrition. For many, a GSF Award is the crucial support that keeps them progressing.
Across Cambridgeshire, the total value of awards this year exceeds £26,000, providing a significant boost to athletes at key stages of their sporting journeys.
The GSF supports athletes through financial bursaries, access to physical rehabilitation and mental wellbeing services, and free access to over 250 GLL operated sport and leisure facilities across the UK under the “Better” brand.
Nationally, 37% of the 2026 cohort are new applicants, highlighting the continued growth of the programme across communities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
GSF Patron Sally Gunnell OBE said:
“It's fantastic to see the GLL Sport Foundation announcing its largest ever award cohort in 2026. The support continues to make a difference to young athletes at precisely the point in their careers when they most need it, keeping them training and focused on success. I wish them the very best of luck in their sporting careers.”
GSF Chair and GLL CEO Peter Bundey added:
“GLL is a successful worker‑owned cooperative and charitable social enterprise that has brought growing impact to public services and local communities over 33 years of successful operation. Our GLL Sport Foundation remains central to our remit to widen and deepen opportunities available to talented young athletes and build a legacy through sport. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our own purposed business model, we are delighted to announce a record 3,234 athletes will benefit from the programme this year. We look forward to seeing them in competition here and abroad in years to come.”
The GSF Annual Report will be released shortly.
For more information, visit www.gllsportfoundation.org
The GLL Sport Foundation’s Patron is Sally Gunnell OBE, and partners include SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, the Mary Peters Trust, sponsors from GLL’s supply chain, and local authority partners.