GLL scores 8 finalists in ukactive Awards 2026
GLL operated leisure centres, programmes and campaigns are again among the most nominated names in the ukactive Awards, securing an impressive 8 nominations in 3 categories.
The ukactive Awards are the UK Leisure Industry’s most prestigious awards for excellence and best practice across the sector.
The shortlist includes leisure facilities run by the UK's largest leisure charitable social enterprise GLL under the 'Better' brand - that are playing an important role in tackling health inequalities in some of the UK’s most challenged communities.
Appearing among a roll-call of high street name fitness and leisure operators, sports bodies and charities, GLL’s multiple nominations reflect its important role at the heart of community health and wellbeing across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Shortlisted centres undergo a rigorous independent assessment of their facilities - including mystery shopping.
GLL's finalists are:
Regional Public Club/Centre of the Year
Northern Ireland
GLL – Andersonstown Leisure Centre
GLL – Olympia Leisure Centre & Spa
London
GLL – Charlton Lido & Lifestyle Club
GLL – Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre
South of England
GLL – Leatherhead Leisure Centre
GLL – Rivermead Leisure Centre
Marketing Campaign Award
GLL's Marketing programme is shortlisted for improving visibility for community fitness and wellbeing services in local search.
The campaign was successful in local engagement - increasing memberships by 16% and organic traffic by 42% - while supporting GLL’s wider mission to get more people, more active, more often.
Outstanding Leadership Team Award
GLL's National Aquatics Team's shortlisting recognises their impact and shared mission to ensure their communities can learn to swim and be water safe.
Through collaboration and innovation, the team continues to raise teaching and quality standards across the sector as the RLSS's first Official Water Safety Education Partner.
Previous years have seen GLL-operated centres and personnel win multiple awards – including the Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre (London Regional Club of the Year 2023), The Sands Centre (New Build or Design of the Year 2023), Rainbow Leisure Centre (South Regional Club of the Year 2022), Olympia Leisure Centre (Wales & Northern Ireland Club of the Year 2022), Britannia Leisure Centre (New Build or Design of the Year 2022), Lorraine Patrinos (Outstanding Individual Leadership 2024) and Danii Vipond Houghton (Physical Activity Hero 2024).
Simon Sen, GLL's Operations Director, said: “The ukactive Awards 2026 recognise those leisure organisations, programmes and individuals who are outstanding in improving health equality and wellbeing through physical activity.
“Demonstrably getting more people active in our clubs and centres up and down the country is a huge endorsement of the great health partnership work with our local authority clients across the UK.
“We are delighted that we have achieved eight finalists across three categories this year and could not be more proud of the impact GLL's programmes and people are having in strengthening the wider UK leisure sector.
“Congratulations to all those whose entries have gone through to the final.”
The winners will be announced during the ukactive Awards Ceremony on 8 October 2026 in Birmingham.