Charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-op GLL has announced 104 athletes from Cumbria, ranging in ages from nine to 66-years 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 operates and across 121 different sports.

At the Cumbria GSF Awards 2026 launch event held at Penrith Leisure Centre, more than 100 guests gathered to hear how this year’s GSF athlete award fund of £72,600.00 will help support talented athletes on their sporting journey. The guests, including athletes and their friends and family, were joined by Tim Bestford, GLL’s Head of Service for the North; Jeanie Pasley, Healthy City Team Manager at Cumberland Council; Kelly Alty, Senior Manager for Outdoor and Leisure at Active Cumbria; and Richard Johnston, Senior Manager from Active Cumbria.

Anna Nicholson, who is a 2025 GSF athlete from Carlisle and began her sporting journey at Penrith Leisure Centre and Sheep Mount Athletics Stadium, was a guest speaker. Anna, who has cerebral palsy, competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in 2023 in Paris, finishing 4th, and in 2024 was selected for her second Paralympic Games in Paris, taking home the bronze medal.

Anna explained: “It was a real honour to be invited back and to have the opportunity to share a little of my story with so many incredibly talented athletes who are beginning their own sporting journeys.

“I remember what it felt like to be starting out and the difference it made having people believe in me and encourage me to train hard and achieve my goals.

“If sharing my experiences can inspire even one of these athletes to overcome the challenges they face and keep pursuing their dreams, then I’m honoured to have been part of the event.”

Alison Westworth, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Carlisle, added: “We’re incredibly proud to support 104 talented athletes from across Cumbria through the GLL Sport Foundation this year. Behind every award is an athlete with ambition, dedication and a dream of reaching their full potential, and we know that the financial pressures involved in competing at this level can be a real barrier.

“Anna’s journey is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when talent, determination and the right support come together. We hope that the 2026 awards will give this year’s athletes the practical and financial support they need to continue training, competing and representing Cumbria on the regional, national and international stage.”