Athletes, families, partners and local dignitaries came together at The View, Panshanger Golf Complex, on 7th July to celebrate the launch of the 2026 GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) programme in Welwyn Hatfield.
Hosted by Community Sports Manager Caroline Shillabeer, the event highlighted the significant local impact of the UK's largest independent athlete support programme. The evening was opened by Cllr Max Holloway, Executive Member for Community at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, who spoke about the strength of the partnership between WHBC and GLL. He praised the high-quality Better leisure facilities across the borough, the positive impact of community sport initiatives, and the importance of the GLL Sport Foundation in supporting local sporting talent.
Guests also heard from GLL's National Community Engagement Manager Colin Coughtrey, who outlined the national reach of the Foundation and its role in helping talented athletes achieve their potential.
Neil Clark from Switch the Play Foundation delivered an engaging presentation on the resources available to athletes, including a fireside chat with five-time GSF athlete and Olympic weightlifter Gilda Trapani. Sharing her experiences as an elite athlete, Gilda spoke about the positive impact of Switch the Play's support throughout her sporting journey.
This year, 21 athletes will receive support through the Foundation in Welwyn Hatfield - a 24% increase from 2025 - with £16,840 invested locally. The programme supports athletes across nine sports, with 62% receiving no other central funding and 43% aged under 21.
A highlight of the evening was the announcement that Welwyn Hatfield GSF Ambassadors Louise Fiddes and Grace Harvey will represent Team England in para swimming at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games. Guests were invited to leave messages of support and encouragement for both athletes.
The Mayor of Welwyn Hatfield, Cllr Michal Siewniak, joined Colin Coughtrey in presenting certificates and goody bags to athletes, recognising their achievements and ambitions for the year ahead. As each athlete was celebrated, guests heard about their recent successes and future goals.
The impact of the GLL Sport Foundation was reflected in feedback from athlete families. Scott Storti, whose son Elijah receives support through the programme, said:
"We can't thank you enough for the support you give our son, Elijah. We estimate that we spend more than £10,000 each year on travel, accommodation and equipment to enable him to compete in cycling, so having access to top-class training facilities at no cost is invaluable and makes a real difference to his ability to take part in the sport."
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with Gilda Trapani describing the evening as "so inspiring" and Neil Clark commenting: "Thank you for the opportunity to speak to your athletes and their families. It was a great event, and very well organised."
The evening concluded with closing remarks from the Mayor, who reflected on the dedication shown by local athletes and their families and highlighted the value of continued partnership working between Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and GLL in supporting sporting talent across the borough.
