In a powerful show of support for emerging athletic talent, charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-operative GLL has announced that 29 athletes from Cambridgeshire will benefit from the 2025 intake of its GLL Sport Foundation (GSF). The announcement was made at a celebratory awards event held on 10 September at The Pavilion, Wilberforce Road Sports Ground in Cambridge, where athletes, partners, and local dignitaries gathered to mark the occasion.
Now in its 17th year, the GLL Sport Foundation stands as the UK’s largest independent athlete award programme. Operating under the Better brand, GLL has contributed over £17 million in funding and support since the programme’s inception, distributing more than 30,000 awards across 70 regions and 117 different sports. The 2025 athlete award fund totals £20,100, which will be used to help young athletes overcome the financial barriers that often hinder their progress in competitive sport.
The Foundation offers more than just financial bursaries. Athletes also gain access to physical rehabilitation services, mental wellbeing support, and complimentary use of over 250 sport and leisure facilities operated by GLL. In Cambridgeshire, these include Abbey Leisure Complex, The Hive Leisure Centre in Ely, Parkside Pools and Gym, and the Cambridge Ice Arena.
Among the local recipients are four promising ice skaters: Helen Akpunar (16), Caterina Morena Nus (11), Isla Bhatt (11), and Kristi Hull (13). Helen Akpunar, who has been skating since the age of five and competing since she was eleven, shared her excitement about the year ahead. “I love my sport, and it plays a huge part in who I am as a person,” she said. “As a competitive figure skater and ice dancer, my biggest goal for the year ahead is to qualify for the British Championships in Figure Skating. Thanks to this GSF Award I’ll be able to pursue my dreams and I’m really excited about the year ahead.”
GLL’s recent research highlights the growing financial pressures faced by young athletes, including the rising costs of equipment, training, physiotherapy, travel, and nutrition. For many, a GSF Award is not just helpful—it’s essential to staying in training and reaching their full potential.
The event was attended by several notable guests, including GLL CEO and GSF Chair Peter Bundey, Councillor Mark Aston, Ward Councillor for Cherry Hinton and long-time supporter of the Foundation, and Professor Bill Harris, a key figure in the development of the Cambridge Ice Arena.
