Applications Open for GLL Sport Foundation Awards in Cornwall

Talented athletes across Cornwall are being invited to apply for support from the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, with applications now open for the GLL Sport Foundation Awards 2026.

Celebrating its 18th year, the GLL Sport Foundation, known as GSF, is offering a record-breaking £2m in financial bursaries and in-kind support for the year ahead. The awards are designed to help athletes continue their sporting journeys, offering support that goes beyond funding alone.

What the GSF Awards Offer

Successful applicants can receive financial bursaries alongside free access to gyms, swimming pools and other sports facilities. The support package also includes physiotherapy, lifestyle mentoring and mental health wellbeing support.

The scheme operates under the Better brand, run by GLL, the charitable social enterprise and co-operative that manages nine sport and leisure facilities in Cornwall on behalf of the council. Award recipients receive free access to these sites as well as hundreds of Better leisure facilities across the UK.

Strong Support for Cornwall Athletes

In 2025, a total of 144 Cornwall-based athletes across 23 sports received GSF support worth £92,150. Of those supported, 72% received no other central funding. More than half were under the age of 21, 27% were under 16 and 8% were living with disabilities.

Cornwall athletes supported last year included Naomi Hawkins, Pegleg Bennett, Andrew Byatt, Samantha Day, Alis-Me Edwards, Theresa Frost and Emilia Hogget-Crisp.

Backed by Sporting Success

GSF recipients past and present have included Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds, Anthony Joshua and Kimberley Woods. Athletes supported by the programme won a combined 77 medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The foundation is supported by partners including the Mary Peters Trust, SportsAid, SportsAid Wales, Switch The Play Foundation and sponsors from GLL’s supply chain. GSF patron Sally Gunnell highlighted the importance of the programme, saying:

“Young athletes in the UK have never needed support as much as they do today.

“The GSF programme grows each year – with many recipients becoming household names. I’m looking forward to meeting the sports stars of tomorrow who are starting or continuing their sporting journeys with GSF in 2026.”

Encouraging Cornwall’s Next Generation

Commenting on the launch of the 2026 awards, Cornwall’s Head of Service James Curry said:

“Our GSF Awards provide a lifeline to individual athletes as well as inspiring other young people in our Cornwall community.

“We encourage as many talented athletes as possible to look into the scheme and find out how they may benefit from our support.”

Applications for the GSF Awards 2026 close on 20th February 2026. More information and application details can be found on the GLL Sport Foundation website.