Local athletes celebrated at Richmond’s first GLL Sport Foundation Awards Evening

Talented athletes from across Richmond upon Thames were celebrated at the borough’s first GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) Awards Evening, held at the iconic Twickenham Stoop on Monday.

The event brought together more than 70 guests, including 26 supported athletes along with their families, coaches, club representatives and local partners, in an evening recognising the achievements and aspirations of Richmond’s sporting community.

This year, 49 athletes from Richmond are receiving £36,290 in financial and training support through the GSF, highlighting the strength and diversity of sport across the borough.

The awards programme supports athletes across a wide range of disciplines, including athletics, swimming, hockey, rowing and triathlon, with recipients ranging from emerging young talent to international competitors.

A highlight of the event was a live athlete Q&A session with Team GB Hockey Olympic bronze medallists Fiona Crackles and Sarah Robertson, who shared insights into their journeys and future ambitions.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee helped present the awards alongside GLL representatives.

“It was a great privilege to celebrate so many talented athletes from across Richmond upon Thames and to hear more about the dedication, ambition, and resilience behind their sporting journeys," Councillor Neden-Watts said.

“The GLL Sport Foundation plays a crucial role in helping our athletes access the support they need to train, compete, and continue progressing. It can make a meaningful difference at a crucial stage in their development.

“Richmond has a proud and thriving sporting community, and it is inspiring to see athletes of all ages and disciplines representing the borough with such determination.

“I look forward to following their progress and achievements.”

Many of this year’s athletes receive no other funding, underlining the vital role the GSF programme plays in helping individuals meet the growing costs of training, equipment and competition.

Now in its 18th year, the GSF is the UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, having contributed nearly £20 million and supported almost 35,000 athletes nationwide.

Richmond’s Partnership Manager, Oliver Stacey said: “GLL is a successful worker-owned cooperative and charitable social enterprise that has brought growing impact to public services and local communities over 33 years of successful operation.

Our GLL Sport Foundation remains central to our remit to widen and deepen opportunities available to talented young athletes and build a legacy through sport. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and our own purposed business model we are delighted to announce a record 3,234 athletes will benefit from the programme this year.

"I want to wish them every success and we look forward to seeing them in competition here and abroad in years to come.”