Club Awards
Club of the Year
Recognises an established LGBTQ+ club for an incredible year of hard work and brilliant support to its members.
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
For a club under three years old doing show-stopping things. Rapid growth, innovation, and building inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces from scratch.
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
Recognises clubs that have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into their day-to-day, resulting in a genuinely diverse, welcoming membership.
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
Recognising an outstanding collaboration between clubs, governing bodies, charities, venues, employers or community organisations that expanded opportunities for LGBTQ+ people in sport.
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
For an established team that has delivered an exceptional year results, spirit, dedication, and performances that make the whole community proud.
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
For a team that is brand new. Formed in the last year and are making waves. From their first training session to their first tournament, this award celebrates the teams that started from scratch and are rising fast.
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
Recognises a newcomer who has quickly become invaluable; demonstrating dedication, enthusiasm, and a positive impact on their club.
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
Honours an individual who has achieved remarkable sporting success, shown resilience, and inspired others through their dedication.
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
LGBTQ+ sport runs on volunteers. This celebrates an unsung hero who gives their time selflessly to keep their club going – no job title, no recognition, just pure dedication.
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 Shortlist
Game Changer of the Year
For an individual, club or team of people who have pushed the boundaries to prove that real, genuine change can be made through sport; championing LGBTQ+ rights through campaigning, policy engagement, or public visibility.
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
In memory of OFS co-founder Ivan Bussens, this recognises individuals who have shaped LGBTQ+ sport, created inclusive spaces, and left a lasting legacy.
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.
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