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This award recognises anyone involved with sport or physical activity in Lincolnshire who has made a significant impact on people from under-represented groups, reducing inequalities & increasing diversity within physical activity. This may be either through a specific dedicated project, or an approach to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in their wider work, or anything that may fall in between.

Our Finalists

Boston Tennis Club

Boston Tennis Club is passionate about making tennis inclusive for all ages and abilities. Over the past year, the club has expanded their programme to welcome more members of the community with disabilities and additional needs. Highlights include hosting a Disability Tennis Festival, where over 60 children from local SEN schools enjoyed free tennis taster sessions, and growing weekly visually impaired tennis sessions. This year, the club proudly held its first Visually Impaired Tennis Club Championships – a milestone event celebrating ability, competition, and community.

The club also runs monthly deaf tennis sessions led by qualified coaches, ensuring activities are tailored to individual needs, as well as coach-led sessions for over 50 SEN schoolchildren, including free weekly indoor coaching for 28 children. New mental health and wellbeing sessions provide gentle exercise and social connection, while visits to elderly care homes bring fun, inclusive tennis to residents. By breaking down barriers to participation and reaching underserved groups, they aim to transform tennis into a welcoming sport for everyone.

Joe Ashton

Joe, a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with NHS Lincolnshire Talking Therapies, has made a remarkable difference supporting under-served groups in coastal communities. Many residents face trauma, depression, and mental health challenges but have not accessed support due to stigma and cultural barriers. Joe established weekly football sessions that have grown from 8 to 30 participants, providing a safe space to build trust, reduce isolation, and encourage physical activity. He sourced donations of football boots and clothing to help those without proper gear participate fully.

Despite facing some hostility, Joe’s patient and compassionate approach has helped participants develop social skills, emotional regulation, and a sense of community. Through the group, several members have accessed mental health therapy, showing real progress. Joe also runs Outdoor Social Intervention groups, combining physical activity with psychoeducation for those with mild to moderate mental health needs.

Lincoln Invictus FC

Lincoln Invictus FC is an inclusive, volunteer-run, not-for-profit football club committed to making football accessible for all. Accredited as an LGBTQ & England 2-star Club, they offer PAN-Disability, Deaf & Hearing-Impaired, and Walking Football for all ages and abilities. Their PAN-Disability section serves players region-wide, competing in the East Midlands league and providing regular training. As a pilot club for the FA Comets Programme, they support children with complex disabilities, helping both players and families build skills and feel part of a supportive community.

The club runs weekly sessions for children and adults, with ten teams competing regionally, plus a holiday ‘Skill School’ providing safe social space and respite for families. They also deliver sessions to care homes for adults with profound disabilities. A player access fund ensures financial barriers don’t limit participation, benefiting many from low-income backgrounds. Lincoln Invictus FC supports members to gain coaching qualifications, fostering confidence and work opportunities. Their Walking Football section offers social and competitive play, including a ladies-only session, welcoming over 200 diverse participants.

View all our finalists