2026 winners and finalists
The 2026 winners were chosen by a judging panel of previous award winners and journalist Jon Holmes of Sports Media LGBT+, from 31 finalists and 51 nominations. Congratulations to every winner and finalist.
Club Awards
Club of the Year
Winner: ACE Players Tennis Croydon
The UK’s longest-running LGBTQ+ tennis group took the top club award in its 50th year. Five decades on, it’s still welcoming new players onto court every week.
Finalists: Brazukas Universe, Kings Cross Steelers RFC
Emerging Club of the Year
Winner: Gayzelles Sporting Club
Gayzelles has grown from four runners into a seven-sport club across Woolwich and Abbey Wood. This summer it marched at Pride in London for the first time.
Finalist: All-Out Padel
Inclusive Club of the Year
Winner: London Otters Rowing Club
The Otters launched a new hardship fund and a reasonable adjustments policy for disabled rowers, so cost and access are less of a barrier to getting on the water.
Finalists: London Leftfooters FC, The London Stags RFC
Club Partnership of the Year
Winner: Camden Shorinji Kempo
When Imperial Shorinji Kempo lost its lead instructor, Camden opened its doors and welcomed the club’s members into its own training.
Finalists: London Otters Rowing Club, North London Lob-sters Tennis
Team Awards
Team of the Year
Winner: Kings Cross Steelers RFC: Men’s 1st XV
The Steelers’ 1st XV became world champions, winning the Bingham Cup in Brisbane.
Finalists: Ishigaki Ju Jitsu: Gay Games competitors, London Otters Rowing Club: Senior Squad
Rising Team of the Year
Winner: London Otters Rowing Club: Novice Squad
The squad fielded the club’s first-ever all-novice Women’s Eight. For most of the crew, it was their very first race.
Finalists: Camden Shorinji Kempo: Embu team, North London Lob-sters Tennis: Pride in Tennis Cup team
Individual Awards
Newcomer of the Year
Winner: Emma Keen (Out to Swim)
In her first year, Emma stepped up as Chair of Out to Swim London and broke an IGLA record in the 800m freestyle.
Finalists: Maria Trindade (North London Lob-sters Tennis), Ben Yolland (The London Stags RFC)
Sporting Achievement of the Year
Winner: Sam Woodcock (Ishigaki Ju-jitsu)
Sam earned his black belt, carrying on through his grading despite dislocated toes.
Finalists: Jono Elvin (Kings Cross Steelers RFC), Kieran Slator (London Royals Hockey Club)
Volunteer of the Year
Winner: Simon Shipman (North London Lob-sters Tennis)
Simon organised the club’s first-ever competition team, then went along as captain rather than taking a playing place himself.
Finalists: Jordan Chan (Invicta Icons Cricket), Richard Walton (Out to Swim)
Community Awards
Game Changer of the Year
Winner: London Royals Hockey Club
The Royals have championed the message that hockey is for everyone, opening the sport up to people who never thought it was for them.
Finalist: Tim Regan (UK Equality Dance Council)
Ivan Bussens Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Leigh Armstrong (ACE Players Tennis Croydon)
Leigh has given 43 years to ACE Players as a volunteer and joint coordinator, and has been at the heart of the club for most of its history.
Finalists: Richard Freeman (Kings Cross Steelers RFC), Ben Gifford (Out to Swim)
Support the Awards
The Awards are only possible thanks to our partners and supporters. Thank you to AFL London, whose fundraising helped make the 2026 Awards happen, and to Ballie Ballerson for hosting us. If your organisation would like to support the next Out For Sport Awards and celebrate grassroots LGBTQ+ sport with us, we’d love to hear from you.
There was a lot of love in the room and it has truly made my year! We are very grateful for the awards and we thought the whole evening was exceptional.
