Community Roundup - July 2026
Welcome to our July 2026 Community Update - a snapshot of the fantastic work happening across Better centres and out in the community. From inclusive programmes and partnerships to events, health initiatives and local impact, this month’s update highlights how our teams continue to support and connect people through sport, health and wellbeing.
Welwyn Hatfield Athletes Celebrated at GLL Sport Foundation Awards 2026
Athletes, families and local dignitaries came together at The View, Panshanger Golf Complex, on 7 July to celebrate the 2026 GLL Sport Foundation athletes in Welwyn Hatfield. Hosted by Community Sports Manager Caroline Shillabeer, the event highlighted the impact of the UK's largest independent athlete support scheme, with opening remarks from Cllr Max Holloway praising the strong partnership between the council and GLL.
Speakers from GLL and Switch the Play Foundation outlined the national reach of the programme and the resources available to help athletes progress. Olympic weightlifter Gilda Trapani shared her experiences as a long-time GSF athlete, describing the support as vital throughout her sporting journey.
This year, 21 local athletes will benefit from £16,840 of investment - a 24 percent increase on 2025 - with support spanning nine sports.
Athletes received certificates from the Mayor, Cllr Michal Siewniak, as guests heard about their recent achievements and future ambitions. Families praised the programme's impact, calling access to top-class facilities invaluable. The event closed with reflections on the dedication of local athletes and the importance of continued partnership working to nurture sporting talent across the borough.
Photo 1 Back row L-R: Colin Coughtrey, Will Farndale, Cllr Max Holloway, Welwyn Hatfield Mayor Cllr Michal Siewniak, Kacei Griffiths, Daniel Skilbeck, Scott Gunning & Jeremy Lake. Front row L-R: Christina Durbin, Gilda Trapani, Elijah Storti, Caroline Shillabeer & Louise Grenfell
Age Well Event Brings Community Together at Hatfield Leisure Centre
More than 300 local residents attended the Age Well Event at Hatfield Leisure Centre on 10 July, bringing together older adults, health professionals, community groups and local organisations for a day focused on healthy ageing and wellbeing. With 35 health and wellbeing providers in attendance, visitors were able to access information, advice and support from a wide range of local services.
The event, delivered in partnership with Gemma Day, Anna Skiba and the Hatfield PCN team, featured activities including chair yoga, dance fitness, mindfulness, falls prevention through judo, healthy eating sessions and free NHS health checks. Over 80 body composition and blood pressure checks were completed throughout the day.
The event also welcomed local dignitaries, including Andrew Lewin MP, and provided an opportunity for community organisations and healthcare providers to strengthen partnerships and raise awareness of the support available to older residents across Hatfield. Positive feedback from attendees and partners highlighted the value of working together to promote health, wellbeing and community connection.
Photo 2 L-R: Hatfield Town Mayor Nike Fakoya, Gemma Day, Anna Skiba, Sarah Ellingworth, Tracie Caswell
Hundreds Engage in National Sports Open Weekend
Residents from across Welwyn Hatfield enjoyed a wide range of free activities during Better and Team England National Sports Weekend at Hatfield Leisure Centre, Hatfield Swim Centre, Gosling Sports Park and Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre.
From pickleball and yoga to gymnastics, sailing and paddle sports, the weekend gave local people the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities for free. At Hatfield Leisure Centre and Hatfield Swim Centre alone, 56 attendances were recorded across the organised sessions.
A highlight of the weekend was the fully booked paddle sport and sailing sessions at Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre, while Gosling Sports Park received positive feedback for its fitness classes and gymnastics taster sessions.
Participants praised the welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities, with many trying a new sport for the first time and expressing interest in returning for regular sessions.
Hatfield Community Fair Generates Strong Interest in Summer Activities
Centre teams helped bring sport and activity to the heart of the community at the recent Hatfield Community Fair, activating the town centre's community table tennis tables and engaging residents throughout the day. Staff promoted the Summer Programme while wearing Small Wins, Big Summer campaign t-shirts, with swimming teachers speaking to families about the opportunities available.
The event also proved a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of Healthwise membership, generating nearly 30 enquiries from attendees.
Photo 3 L-R: Centre staff Bobby, Mae & Elise with Welwyn Hatfield Mayor Michal Siewniak
Commonwealth Games Mascot Relay
The Commonwealth Games mascot, Finnie, recently completed an exciting leg of a nationwide relay created by GLL Society to engage staff across the country in a fun and memorable way.
During Finnie’s time in Welwyn Hatfield, the mascot enjoyed a swimming lesson, sped across Stanborough Lake by powerboat and posed for photos with teams along the route.
Finnie's journey continued by train and bicycle from Welwyn Hatfield to Cambridge. The successful handover to the Cambridge team marked the end of an unforgettable local adventure that brought colleagues together- near and far!
Photo 4: Finnie the Commonwealth Games 2026 mascot & Jessie Faulkner, Water Sport Manager
If you've seen something that interests you and you'd like some more information- please email WelwynHatfield.Community@GLL.org