Active Blackpool Community Awards at Active Blackpool
Each year at Active Blackpool, we come together to celebrate the incredible impact sport and physical activity has across our community—from grassroots participation right through to elite performance.
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our local stars, giving them the opportunity to share their inspiring stories and achievements.
2026 Active Blackpool Community Awards
The 2026 Active Blackpool Community Awards will take place on Friday 18th September at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens, a truly special setting to come together and celebrate the incredible people and organisations who make a difference across our town.
From dedicated volunteers and inspiring coaches to community groups and local champions, this event shines a spotlight on those who go above and beyond to keep Blackpool active, connected and thriving.
We’re delighted to reveal this year’s fantastic shortlisted nominees below. Congratulations to everyone who has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to sport, physical activity and wellbeing across Blackpool.
We’ll see you all at the awards!
2026 Award Categories
Coach of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding coach who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and success in guiding athletes or teams.
The recipient has made a significant impact on their sport through innovative coaching techniques, fostering a positive environment, and achieving remarkable results.
2026 Shortlist – Izabelle Edge, Jane Whittle, Molly Simpson, Thomas Alan Evans
Club of the Year
This award celebrates a sports club that has shown excellence in management, community engagement, and performance.
The club has provided exceptional opportunities for members, promoted inclusivity, and contributed significantly to the development of the sport.
2026 Shortlist – Blackpool Aquatics Amateur Swimming Club, Blackpool BMX Club, Blackpool Scorpions ARLFC, Brian Rose Boxing Academy, Keidokwai Judo Club, Together We Can Do
Adult Volunteer of the Year
This award honours an adult volunteer who has shown extraordinary commitment and passion in supporting sports and physical activities.
The recipient has dedicated their time and effort to enhance the experience for participants, demonstrating leadership and making a positive impact on the community.
2026 Shortlist – Jade Bostock, Joanne Quinnell, Pedal Power, Vicky Dobson
Young Volunteer of the Year
This award recognizes a young individual under 16 who has volunteered their time and energy to support sports and physical activities.
The recipient has shown remarkable dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership, contributing significantly to the success and enjoyment of participants.
2026 Shortlist – Bethany Dobson, Grace Mackenzie, Isabel Speakman, Jessica Ormerod, Neveah Fenton
Primary School of the Year
This award celebrates a primary school that has excelled in promoting health, wellbeing, and physical activities among its students.
The school has implemented innovative programs, encouraged participation, and fostered a positive culture around Physical activity.
2026 Shortlist – St. Johns, Stanley Primary, Westcliff Primary School
Secondary School of the Year
This award honours a secondary school that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to sport and physical activity.
The school has provided opportunities for students to be active and promoted a balanced approach to education and physical well-being.
2026 Shortlist – Highfurlong, Park Community Academy
Young Achiever of the Year (Quayle Trophy)
This award recognizes a young individual who has achieved remarkable success in sports or physical activities.
The recipient has demonstrated exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship, inspiring others and setting a high standard of excellence.
2026 Shortlist – Bethany Dobson, Billy Kershaw, Darcy Bennett, Esme Rutter, Theo Minns
Elite Performer of the Year (Wilkinson Sword)
This award celebrates an athlete who has achieved outstanding performance at the highest level of their sport.
The recipient has demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and success, representing their sport with distinction and inspiring others.
2026 Shortlist – Amelia Cowburn, Emilie Bennett, Jake Pasquill, Richard Gleeson
Activating Communities Award
This award honours a group or organization that has made significant efforts to activate and engage communities through sports and physical activities.
The recipient has implemented programs that promote inclusivity, health, and well-being, making a positive impact on the community.
2026 Shortlist – Blackpool Recovery Hub, Burlesque Chair Dance, Community Fitness Games, Forget Me Not – Dementia Cafe, The Run Club Collective, Together We Can Do
Bob Hudson Award for Outstanding Contribution
This award celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to increasing participation in physical activity, reflecting the passion and dedication of Bob Hudson.
It recognises someone who inspires others, promotes inclusion, and create lasting positive impact within their community, helping more people lead active, healthier lives.
2026 Shortlist – David Ratcliffe, Helen Whittle, Howard Robinson, Luke Helmn
Active Workplace of the Year
This award recognizes a workplace that has excelled in promoting physical activity and health among its employees.
The organization has implemented innovative programs, encouraged participation, and fostered a culture of wellness.
2026 Shortlist – Blackpool Council Employee Wellbeing Team, Adelaide Street Family Practice
Health Care Champion
This award celebrates a health care professional who has shown exceptional commitment to promoting physical activity and health.
The recipient has implemented programs or initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles and improve the well-being of their patients or community.
2026 Shortlist – Beth Purvor
Health and Wellbeing Team of the Year
This award recognizes a team that has shown exceptional dedication to promoting health and well-being through sports and physical activities.
The team has implemented successful programs, demonstrated leadership, and made a significant impact on the community.
2026 Shortlist – Blackpool Central West PCN Wellbeing Team, Blackpool Council Employee Wellbeing Team, Jobs Friend Houses – Abstinent Supported Housing Community
Active Practice of the Year – New Award
This award honours a medical practice that has demonstrated outstanding efforts in promoting physical activity and health among its patients.
The practice has implemented innovative programs, encouraged participation, and fostered a culture of wellness and fitness.
2026 Shortlist – Adelaide Street Family Practice
Our Sponsors
We couldn’t run the Active Blackpool Community Awards without the support of our fantastic sponsors, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the 2025 awards.
If your organisation would like to be part of the 2026 awards and help us celebrate the incredible achievements across our community, we’d love to hear from you. Simply fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and a member of the team will be in touch.
Partner with us and be part of something special. Champion local success, inspire communities, and help us celebrate the people making a real difference across Blackpool.