GLL Sport Foundation Awards Set to Celebrate 2026’s Funded Athletes

Now in its 18th year, the GLL Sport Foundation has so far contributed nearly £20m worth of athlete funding and support and distributed nearly 35,000 awards to young and talented athletes in 69 areas of the UK where GLL operate and across 121 different sports.

Among the 78 local athletes benefitting are Joy Eze (Athletics), Teigan King (Boxing) and James Jobber (Cycling). Over £50,000 worth of support was given to athletes across Newcastle and Gateshead, with 62% aged 21 and younger.

81% of this year's cohort received no other form of funding outlining the significant contribution the athlete programme makes against the challenge of the ongoing cost of living crisis. 

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."

To celebrate the athletes’ achievements this year the Gateshead and Newcastle GLL Sports Foundation Awards will be held on Thursday 24th September at Gateshead International Stadium.

2027’s GLL Sports Foundation Application process will open on 20th December. For more information please visit https://www.gllsportfoundation.org/