Club Award Winners
Club of the Year
This award recognises an established LGBTQ+ club for an incredible year of hard work and brilliant support to its members.
Winner: Ishigaki Jujitsu
With 130 members and a record 24 new joiner days in 2024, Ishigaki Jujitsu has shown strong visibility at Pride events and achieved over 100 successful belt graduations. Their 30th anniversary celebration in 2024, bringing together members and community leaders, highlighted their thriving legacy and leadership in inclusive martial arts.
Award Shortlist: Goslings London Badminton Club, Kings Cross Steelers RFC, Ishigaki Jujitsu, London Knights Basketball Club
Emerging Club of the Year
This award is for the club that is under three years old and doing show-stopping things.
Winner: North London Lob-sters
Since being established in 2022, North London Lob-sters have grown to 400 members and expanded to four sessions a week. Their focus on beginner and intermediate coaching, use of tech to remove barriers, and value for money, alongside popular social events, have set them apart.
Award Shortlist: East End Electric, North London Lob-sters, Unicorns LGBTQIA+ Netball Club
Most Inclusive Club
This award recognises clubs that have embraced and embedded the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion within their day-to-day club business, resulting in a diverse membership base.
Winner: South London Smashers
By offering affordable training and socials, South London Smashers ensure cost is never a barrier. They create a supportive environment for neurodivergent members and focus on listening, learning, and adapting to make everyone feel valued and included.
Award Shortlist: Out To Swim Angels, Pride in Strength, South London Smashers, UK Equality Dance Council
Tournament / Competition of the Year
This award celebrates clubs that organise and execute incredible tournaments and competitions and leave a lasting impression on the community and their members.
Winner: Unicorns Pride Tournament 2024
The Unicorns Pride Tournament 2024 is the largest social netball event in the South East, raising over £2,000 for charity. It brought together 26 clubs and 250 people from around the world, featuring teams from multiple countries and top international players. The event also secured elite umpires and six sponsors.
Award Shortlist: South London Smashers and North London Lob-sters Tournament, Unicorns Pride Tournament 2024
Most Charitable Club
This award recognises a club’s exceptional dedication to charity, community service and using sports for positive change.
Winner: LDN RIDERS
By cycling 360 kilometres from London to Manchester, LDN RIDERS raised funds for the Orchid Cancer Charity while standing in solidarity with a rider diagnosed with cancer. They not only raised significant money but also raised awareness and provided emotional support, showing the strength of community both on and off the bike.
Award Shortlist: LDN RIDERS, Unicorns LGBTQIA+ Netball Club
Team Award Winners
Team of the Year
This award celebrates a sports team that exemplifies their club’s spirit through exceptional success, teamwork, and dedication.
Winner: Camden Shorinji Kempo
Camden Shorinji Kempo entered their first international tournament at the British Shorinji Kempo Federation’s (BSKF) 50th Anniversary celebration, and earned a bronze medal in the Dante Embu group demonstration. Despite having the fewest high-ranking members, they competed against seasoned teams with more experience, marking their first-ever medal and proving their place on the international stage.
Awards Shortlist: Camden Shorinji Kempo, Ishigaki Jujitsu Eurobudo team, London Royals Hockey Club Men’s 1s
Individual Award Winners
Outstanding Sporting Achievement for an Individual
This award honours an individual who has achieved remarkable sporting success, shown resilience, and inspired others through dedication.
Winner: Penny Johnson (UK Equality Dance Council)
As a prominent figure in the same-sex dance community, Penny has made significant strides in mainstream competitions, often as the only female student leader in the student/teacher categories. Penny’s passion for breaking down barriers and challenging outdated norms is opening doors for more women to take the lead in dance. Her inspiring journey continues to motivate and empower others to follow in her footsteps.
Awards Shortlist: Ian Hogg (OutPlay Squash), Luis Lopez (South London Smashers), Penny Johnson (UK Equality Dance Council)
Newcomer of the Year
This award recognises a newcomer who has quickly become invaluable, demonstrating dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive impact on their club.
Winner: Lucy Bassett-Butt (Camden Shorinji Kempo)
Since joining the club, Lucy’s positivity and support for fellow members have made her a beloved presence in the club. Lucy recently completed her first grading with flying colours, showcasing her hard work and commitment. Beyond her own training, she actively supports the wider sport federation and represents Camden at trans and LGBTQ+ events, advocating for inclusivity and equality while sharing her passion for martial arts with the broader community.
Awards Shortlist: Allie Loweth (London Otters Rowing Club), James Barron (North London Lob-sters), Lucy Bassett-Butt (Camden Shorinji Kempo)
Club Spirit
This award honours an unsung hero who embodies their club’s values, making a significant impact through leadership, support, and dedication.
Winner: Jamie Johnstone (London Otters Rowing Club)
Joining the club in 2021 with no prior rowing experience, Jamie has quickly risen to become Club Captain, overseeing training, coaching, racing, and logistics. His efforts have been instrumental in growing the club to over 250 members while fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere. Whether managing regattas or handling last-minute challenges, Jamie approaches everything with calm, kindness, and a great sense of humour. He’s a role model, a unifier, and truly the heartbeat of the Otters.
Awards Shortlist: Dave Crewe (OutPlay Squash), Ania Magdziarz (London Cruisers Basketball Club), Jamie Johnstone (London Otters Rowing Club)
Ivan Bussens Lifetime Achievement
In memory of Ivan Bussens (Out for Sport co-founder), this award recognises individuals who have shaped LGBTQ+ sport, creating inclusive spaces and leaving a lasting impact.
Winner: Ryan Watson (South London Smashers)
Ryan Watson has been the driving force behind South London Smashers, transforming it into one of the largest LGBTQ+ tennis communities in the country with over 500 members. His efforts extend beyond club management, organising social sessions, tournaments, and international coaching trips. Ryan has also played a key role in establishing North London Lob-Sters and Pride in Tennis, advocating for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sport. His dedication is further shown through his fundraising, including running three marathons for Stonewall. Ryan is a true leader and advocate, shaping the future of LGBTQ+ tennis in the UK.