Charitable social enterprise GLL has announced 56 athletes from York will benefit from the 2026 intake of its GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) – the largest independent athlete award programme in the UK.
The GSF Awards help people overcome financial barriers by funding coaching, equipment, travel and competition fees, supporting and encouraging athletes to reach their sporting potential.
Athletes also receive free access to GLL’s network of sport and leisure centres, which operate under the Better brand.
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.
At the York GSF Awards 2026 launch event held at the York Stadium Leisure Complex on Tuesday 16 June, 85 guests gathered to hear how this year’s GSF athlete award fund of £37.8k will help support talented athletes on their sporting journey.
The guests, including athletes and their friends and family were joined by the City of York Civic Party; The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York Councillor Margaret Wells, the Lord Mayor’s Consort Mr Trevor Gant, the Sheriff of York Mr Geoff Cossins and the Sheriff’s Consort Mr Stuart Jarman.
Among local athletes benefitting is 18-year old Nathan Carrington from Strensall. Swimming since the age of five, Nathan’s career highlight so far is competing in the GB Deaflympics in Tokyo in November 2025, where he was crowned top 20 in the world.
He is also a lifeguard at Yearsley Swimming Pool and is a qualified level two swim teacher. Nathan, who is gearing up to compete at the European Deaf Swimming Championships in Freiburg, Germany in October, explained: “So far, my sporting journey has been self-funded so to receive this award is incredibly special.
“The support from the GLL Sport Foundation will help ease some of the financial pressures that come with competing at a high level and allow me to focus on my preparation for the European Deaf Swimming Championships and future international events. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”
With 86% of this year’s cohort receiving no other form of funding – up 3% from 2025 – it outlines 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.”
The GSF Annual Report will be released shortly. For more information visit the GLL Sport Foundation website here.
