Enfield Council and charitable social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), the Council's leisure operator, hosted the largest ever GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) and London Youth Games Awards Ceremony at Forty Hall Banqueting Suite.
The event celebrated the achievements of local athletes who have received a GSF award and those who won medals representing Team Enfield at this year's London Youth Games.
During the celebration, held on 14 July, GLL announced that 55 athletes from Enfield will receive GSF awards in 2026, the highest number ever supported through the programme in the borough.
The GLL Sport Foundation is the UK's largest independent athlete support programme.
It provides financial bursaries, access to physical rehabilitation and mental wellbeing services, and membership to more than 250 GLL-operated Better sport and leisure facilities nationwide.
This year, local athletes will receive £37,950 in support through the programme.
Vishal Karia, GLL Partnership Manager, said: "This year, GSF will be providing £37,950 of support to local athletes, 86 per cent of whom receive no other financial backing. We have increased the number of supported athletes to 55 from 39 last year, ranging in age from 10 to 36."
Now in its 18th year, the GLL Sport Foundation has provided almost £20 million in support and awarded nearly 35,000 grants to athletes across 69 areas of the UK, spanning 121 sports.
Five athletes receiving GSF awards this year also represented Team Enfield at the London Youth Games and won medals, highlighting the pathway available to young athletes as they progress through competitive sport.
Team Enfield finished 11th out of London's 33 boroughs, competing in 19 sports and winning 28 medals. Standout performances came in U13 football, inclusive basketball, trampolining, indoor rowing, swimming and table tennis.
Participation in the Games also increased significantly, with more than 100 additional young people competing across 28 teams. Team Enfield also returned to Indoor Rowing and Indoor Cricket competitions after several years' absence.
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Maria Alexandrou, said: "It was a privilege to celebrate the achievements of Enfield's talented athletes at this year's GSF and London Youth Games Awards Ceremony.
“Whether receiving a GLL Sport Foundation award or winning medals at the London Youth Games, these young people have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience and ambition.
"Their success is a source of great pride for Enfield and reflects the important role sport plays in bringing communities together, supporting healthy lifestyles and creating opportunities for young people to fulfil their potential.
"I congratulate all of this year's recipients and look forward to seeing their continued success in the years ahead."
Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Council Assets and Culture, Cllr Edward Smith, said: “Young athletes in Enfield continue to shine. It amazes me every single time to see their dedication, resilience and record-breaking success.
"As a Council, we want to continue supporting them so they can grow, compete and thrive.”
The celebration was attended by the Mayor of Enfield, Cllr Emma Supple, Cllr Maria Alexandrou, Cabinet Member for Environment, and Cllr Edward Smith, Cabinet Member for Council Assets and Culture.
Picture credit: Sport England.