Barnet Athletes Receive GSF Support
Over 50 young sportspeople in the borough are set to benefit from financial and facility access.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 21 July 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
The GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) is providing significant backing to over 50 promising young athletes across Barnet. This support includes financial bursaries, access to a network of sporting facilities, and crucial wellbeing services designed to aid their development. The programme aims to assist athletes in pursuing their sporting ambitions.
Record Applications and Diverse Support
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This year's GSF awards saw a record number of applications from aspiring athletes across the UK. Among the recipients from Barnet is twelve-year-old footballer Dylan Hall, who plays for Stevenage FC's youth team. The GSF will provide a total of £37,950 in support to local athletes, with 86% of recipients reportedly receiving no other financial assistance. The foundation's programme supports athletes ranging from ten to 36 years old.
The GSF, described as the UK's largest independent athlete awards programme, offers access to over 250 GLL-operated 'Better' leisure facilities nationwide. This includes five venues within the Barnet borough. The foundation has been operating for 18 years and has distributed nearly 35,000 awards, contributing close to £20 million in funding and support.
Established Athletes Benefit Too
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The GSF's impact extends to established athletes as well. Local sprinter Desiree Henry, a Team GB Olympic medallist, has been a recipient of a GSF award for 15 consecutive years. She highlighted how the funding enables her to have her coach and physiotherapist present at competitions, ensuring she has world-class preparation and feels physically confident.
Sally Gunnell OBE, a patron of the GSF, expressed her enthusiasm for the programme's expansion. She stated that the support provided by the GSF is vital for young athletes at critical stages of their careers, helping them maintain focus and continue their training towards success. The GSF's largest ever award cohort was announced for 2026.
The GSF's initiative aims to nurture talent and provide a safety net for athletes who may not have other avenues of financial backing, ensuring they can continue to train and compete at various levels.
Questions this report answers
+How much financial support are the Barnet athletes receiving?
The athletes are receiving a total of £37,950 in financial support from the GLL Sport Foundation. This funding is part of a broader package that also includes access to facilities and wellbeing services, helping them pursue their sporting ambitions without financial strain.
+What kind of support does the GSF provide beyond money?
The GSF offers access to over 250 GLL-operated 'Better' leisure facilities nationwide, including five in Barnet, as well as wellbeing services. This means athletes can train at high-quality venues and receive additional support to aid their development and maintain peak performance.
+Who else benefits from the GSF awards besides young athletes?
Established athletes, such as Olympic medallist Desiree Henry, also benefit from GSF awards. The foundation has supported her for 15 consecutive years, providing resources like coaches and physiotherapists to ensure world-class preparation for competitions.
Barnet Press News Desk
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