The Active Club Award celebrates a club or group who go above and beyond to create a better environment for members, and increase accessibility and inclusion. The award recognises clubs that have broken the mould and done some differently to create new opportunities or get a more diverse group of people involved. Take a look at our 2026 Active Club Award Finalists below.

Finalists

Miles That Matter

Miles That Matter was established in March 2026 to provide an open, welcoming and accessible running club for people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Since launching, it has grown from a small group of friends into an inclusive community that supports participation, progress and personal achievement.

The club offers free weekly track sessions, community runs and supportive training formats that allow members to improve at their own pace. Beginners, experienced runners, families and people returning to exercise are encouraged to take part and feel valued. Members are supported to build confidence, improve fitness and work towards personal goals, including events such as the Lincoln and Grimsby 10Ks. Through local partnerships, including links with St Barnabas Hospice and businesses, Miles That Matter promotes healthier lifestyles and helps more people develop a lasting connection with physical activity.

Nettleham Cricket Club

Nettleham Cricket Club leads by example in Lincolnshire, continuing to grow year on year through the commitment of its members and its welcoming approach to new players. Over the last five years, the club has made significant progress in supporting women and girls to take part in cricket, creating clear pathways so younger girls feel confident, included and able to progress without being lost or intimidated in mixed cricket environments. What began as a small softball team, mainly made up of mums and women wanting to try the sport, has developed into established girls’ softball and hardball sides, a successful hardball Super 8s team that won its league last year, and a women’s XI that also won its league and gained promotion to the Premier League.

The club has supported players to take on leadership roles, captain teams and access coaching qualifications, while building a healthy, positive and inclusive culture. Its women and girls also support and inspire other teams across Lincolnshire, helping to promote welcoming and enjoyable cricket more widely.

Sleaford Snails Walking Football Club

Sleaford Snails is a friendly, inclusive club where everyone is welcome, whatever their age, ability or fitness level. Re-established after Covid, the non-profit club has grown from just seven members to more than 70 players taking part each week. With members ranging from their 20s to almost 80, the Snails welcome people from across Lincolnshire and never turn anyone away. Their players include people living with Parkinson’s, dementia, MS, cancer, arthritis and heart conditions, as well as those looking to build confidence, improve fitness or simply enjoy being active.

The Snails pride themselves on creating a supportive, relaxed environment where players encourage each other and enjoy plenty of banter. Sessions cost as little as £2.70, with kits provided free of charge and no dress code. The club is entirely self-supporting, with everyone pitching in, and donates at least 10% of its annual net income to local charities, including Parkinson’s support, Sleaford Laffletics and Sleaford Foodbank. Their welcoming approach has helped build a strong community that keeps people coming back week after week.

The winner for all award categories will be announced at our Award Ceremony on 12 November. View all our 2026 award finalists here.