Enfield’s sporting community came together in record numbers to celebrate the achievements of local athletes at the 2026 GLL Sport Foundation Awards Evening, held in partnership with the borough’s London Youth Games finalists.
Hosted at the beautiful Forty Hall Banqueting Suite, the event welcomed an impressive 184 guests, making it one of the largest and most successful celebrations of sport and physical activity ever delivered through the programmes in Enfield. The audience included GLL Sport Foundation athletes, London Youth Games medallists and coaches, local dignitaries, partners, colleagues, friends and family members, all gathered to recognise the dedication, commitment and achievements of local sporting talent.
This year, the GLL Sport Foundation is supporting 55 athletes from across Enfield, representing 15 different sports. The programme continues to provide vital assistance to talented local athletes, many of whom would otherwise struggle to access the support needed to compete and progress in their chosen disciplines. Of those receiving support, 86 per cent receive no other central funding, while 78 per cent are under the age of 21 and more than a third are aged under 16. The total value of awards provided to Enfield athletes this year is £37,950.
The evening began with an energetic dance performance by students from Winchmore School, who welcomed guests with a compilation showcase in the courtyard. The event was then formally opened by Sabrina Forde, Community Sports Manager, and Grace Alleyne, Youth Sport Manager for Enfield Council, who welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of continued investment in grassroots sport and athlete development.
Opening remarks were delivered by Councillor Maria Alexandriou, Cabinet Member for Environment, who spoke about the positive impact that sport has on local communities and the opportunities created through partnerships across the borough.
A key feature of the evening was the celebration of the long-standing relationship between the GLL Sport Foundation and the London Youth Games. Dominic Hall, Community Sports Officer, introduced a collaborative video showcasing the achievements of both programmes and the role they play in supporting young athletes on their sporting journeys.
Guests also heard about the wider impact of the GLL Sport Foundation through a presentation delivered by Colin Coughtrey, National Community Engagement Manager. This was followed by a closer look at Enfield’s own achievements, with Sabrina Forde and Dominic Hall sharing local athlete data and examples of sporting success from across the borough.
Celebrations continued with a dedicated London Youth Games awards segment, introduced by Geoff Thompson MBE, Chair of London Youth Games. Seven Enfield teams were recognised for achieving gold and silver medal success during this year’s London Youth Games competition, reflecting another strong season for young athletes representing the borough.
A particularly memorable moment came during a live question-and-answer session featuring former Tottenham Hotspur captain, former England international and current Tottenham Hotspur Community Ambassador, Ledley King. Hosted by Dominic Hall and Enfield’s LYG33 Youth Ambassador Ben Davies, aged 14, the discussion provided athletes with an opportunity to hear first-hand about the experiences, challenges and achievements of one of football’s most respected figures. King spoke about leadership, resilience and the importance of remaining focused on long-term goals, offering valuable inspiration to the young athletes in attendance.
The event welcomed a wide range of distinguished guests from Enfield Council, London Youth Games, GLL and partner organisations. Among those attending were Madam Mayor of Enfield Emma Supple, Councillor Maria Alexandriou, Councillor Edward Smith, Matthew Watts, Head of Leisure at Enfield Council, representatives from Active Enfield, Geoff Thompson MBE and Sharon Eyers from London Youth Games, Emma Rigby from Love Your Doorstep, Neil Clarke from the Switch the Play Foundation, Matt Perren, Head of Service for London North and Central, Justin Jardine and Colin Coughtrey.
With record attendance, inspiring stories and well deserved recognition for local athletes, the 2026 GLL Sport Foundation Awards Evening highlighted the positive impact of sport across the borough and reinforced Enfield’s reputation as a place where sporting talent can thrive.
