We're excited to announce the People’s Choice Award is returning for the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2026. This category puts the spotlight in your hands - from our shortlist of incredible finalists you can vote for your top three favourites and help us celebrate those making a real difference through sport and physical activity. The finalist with the most votes, will be crowned People's Choice winner at our Awards evening on Thursday 12 November.

Each year, our awards honour the individuals, clubs, schools, and organisations going above and beyond to, support others, create opportunities to get active and build healthier communities. This year’s finalists include dedicated volunteers, inclusive clubs, inspiring individuals, and standout providers - all using the power of sport and movement to change lives.

Who do you think deserves to win the People's Choice award? Take a look at the line up of finalists for this year below - then follow this link to vote!

Voting is open until 31 October.

Our Finalists

Active Change Award

Frank Cook's regular attendance at Co-op Wellbeing Walks has helped him overcome social isolation, build confidence and improve his physical and mental wellbeing. He has also taken up seated exercise through Lincoln City Foundation and has made noticeable improvements in his strength and mobility, now using his walking stick much less and sometimes not at all.

Jayne Faulkner - After breast cancer treatment and a difficult period of personal loss, Jayne joined Fighting Fit Mablethorpe and gradually rebuilt her strength and confidence. She progressed from seated exercise to gym sessions through One You Lincolnshire, now regularly walking to the gym, trying new activities and encouraging others to get involved.

Laura Nelson joined Station Leisure and Learning Centre as a cleaner with little confidence, but has transformed both her career and wellbeing. She has progressed into customer-facing roles, gained multiple fitness qualifications and learned to swim from scratch, while also becoming more active and losing two stone

Active Club

Miles that Matter
Established in March 2026, Miles That Matter has quickly grown from a small group of friends into an inclusive running community welcoming people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. Through free weekly track sessions, community runs and supportive training, the club helps people build confidence, improve fitness and work towards personal goals, from returning to exercise to completing their first 10K.

Nettleham Cricket Club has made significant progress in supporting women and girls, creating clear pathways for players to develop and progress in an inclusive environment. What began as a small softball team has grown into girls’ softball and hardball teams, a successful Super 8s side and a women’s XI that won its league and gained promotion to the Premier League. The club also supports players into leadership and coaching roles.

Sleaford Snails has grown from just seven members after Covid to more than 70 players each week, creating a welcoming and affordable club for people of all ages and abilities. Its inclusive approach supports people living with a range of health conditions, as well as those looking to improve fitness, confidence and social connections. The club is entirely self-supporting and also donates at least 10% of its annual net income to local charities.

Active Community Champion

Gail Castledine has created a welcoming running community in Louth through her inclusive Saturday morning ‘Jeffing’ group, combining running and walking so people of all abilities can take part at their own pace. What began with a handful of friends now attracts up to 30 people, with many progressing from their first runs to 10Ks, half-marathons and even ultra-marathons. Her encouragement ensures nobody is left behind, while the group’s post-run coffee creates a strong sense of friendship, connection and belonging.

Justyna Łukaszuk has built an inclusive community organisation in Spalding from the ground up, initially supporting the Polish community before expanding her work to Ukrainian families and people of all backgrounds. Despite starting with limited English and no funding, she has secured significant investment to provide free activities including yoga, Zumba, cycling and walking. Her work removes barriers to participation while also supporting families facing hardship and developing local volunteers.

Miles That Matter Run Club was founded following the loss of a close friend, turning grief into a positive force for connection, with mental health, particularly men’s mental health, at its heart. The free club welcomes everyone, regardless of age or ability, with weekly track sessions and community runs helping people build fitness, confidence and friendships. The club has created a supportive community where simply turning up is recognised as an achievement and people feel connected and supported.

Impact on Health Award

Broken XI Cricket Club uses cricket to support men’s mental and physical wellbeing, creating a welcoming, judgement-free environment where everyone can feel part of a team. Low costs and flexible participation remove barriers, while the club welcomes people of all ages, abilities and experience levels. For members experiencing isolation, poor mental health or major life changes, the club provides friendship, confidence, purpose and a strong sense of belonging.

Fighting Fit supports people living with and beyond cancer to stay active, build strength and regain confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Sessions are adapted to different abilities and energy levels, allowing participants to exercise at their own pace. More than exercise, Fighting Fit creates a community where people can share experiences, build friendships, have fun and support one another through challenging times.

Princess Royal Sports Arena is making physical activity more accessible through inclusive programmes and significant investment. A £200,000 gym has welcomed more than 200 new members, many previously inactive or lacking confidence, while GOODBOOST, accessible classes, tailored personal training and SEND swimming support people to improve mobility, strength, confidence and wellbeing. The centre combines personalised support with opportunities to connect with others.

Inclusion and Diversity Award

Lincoln United LGBTQ+ FC creates a safe, welcoming football community where people of all abilities, genders, sexual orientations and backgrounds can play and belong. During 2025/26, the club combined inclusion with sporting success, becoming Lincolnshire Ability Counts League Winter League Championship Division Champions, winning the Nottinghamshire Pride in Football Tournament and receiving two Fair Play Awards. Its wider work challenges discrimination and brings LGBTQ+ people, disabled players, allies and the community together.

The Wheelie Able Doubles League brings wheelchair and ambulant players together as equal teammates, using doubles tennis to challenge perceptions of disability in sport. Players compete side by side, developing teamwork, communication and tactical skills in a safe and supportive environment. Designed with lived experience of wheelchair tennis, the league is breaking down barriers and showing that players can compete together regardless of disability.

White Eagle Cultural and Development Centre CIC uses physical activity to bring diverse communities together across South Holland, ensuring income, nationality, language, age or health are not barriers to being active. Free and subsidised activities such as yoga, Zumba, cycling, walking and wellbeing sessions support Polish, Ukrainian, Lithuanian and local British communities, while multilingual communication and leadership opportunities help people feel included and valued.

Outstanding Service to Sport & Physical Activity

John Copsey has dedicated more than 55 years to volunteering and creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy sport. His contribution spans swimming and tennis, including growing City of Lincoln Pentaqua from 40 to 400 members and supporting athletes who went on to become national and European champions, a world medallist and four Olympians. As Chair of Lincolnshire Tennis, he championed inclusion initiatives and helped Lincolnshire become the first county to achieve 100% LTA governance compliance.

Chris the Mindset Coach has used fitness and wellbeing to help people become healthier, stronger and more confident, creating supportive communities particularly for women before, during and after menopause. His inclusive sessions support people with different abilities, health challenges and confidence levels, while monthly workshops with health specialists provide additional support and knowledge. His work also extends to men’s wellbeing, neurological rehabilitation and personalised coaching.

Inspire+ has created opportunities for children and young people across Lincolnshire to be active, develop confidence and enjoy sport. In 2023/24, it delivered 1,900+ hours of coaching, leadership and active play and 2,000+ hours of inclusive activity, while its 53 School Games Organiser events engaged more than 9,350 pupils. Its Mini Olympics alone brought together 2,000+ children and 100+ volunteers.

Positive Experiences for children and young people award

Branston Church of England Infant Academy is making walking, wheeling and cycling a normal and enjoyable part of school life through Walking Bus Wednesday, Walking Bubble, Park and Stride and the Living Streets WOW challenge. Its inclusive whole-school approach involves pupils, families and staff, with options ensuring every child can take part. The impact is already clear, with 30% more children now walking, wheeling or cycling to school over the past four months.

Martin Chapman has dedicated more than 36 years to helping young people experience kayaking and outdoor adventure. Volunteering twice a week, he gives groups of up to 10 young people the chance to develop paddling skills while building confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence. His inclusive approach has helped hundreds of children gain kayaking awards and qualifications, with many inspired to continue volunteering and enjoying outdoor activities.

Wildcats Theatre School creates inclusive, active holiday experiences through its HAF programmes, combining physical activity with creativity and performance. Around 75% of each day is dedicated to activities including dance, movement, stage combat and team games, with children facing financial barriers or with SEND able to participate alongside their peers. Children who may arrive lacking confidence can finish the week performing on stage, having developed friendships, resilience and self-belief.

Unsung Hero Award

John Brett is a dedicated Fighting Fit volunteer who goes far beyond his role to support people living with and beyond cancer. He creates a warm, welcoming environment where participants feel valued and supported, building friendships and helping people feel less alone. Despite managing his own health challenges, John continues to give his time and energy.

Nigel Oldham has dedicated more than 28 years to volunteering as a swimming coach with Lincoln Vulcans, supporting generations of young swimmers from learn-to-swim through to competitive level. He volunteers around 10 hours a week across seven poolside sessions, as well as supporting swimmers at competitions. His knowledge and generosity have helped develop athletes who reached Commonwealth and Olympic level.

Charlie Smith has transformed from a parent with no football or coaching experience into a dedicated grassroots coach, stepping up to ensure his son’s team could continue playing. He has invested his own time and money in developing his coaching skills. His passion for neuroinclusive coaching ensures every child feels safe, included and valued.

Active Skills

Church Lane’s Primary School Academy of Arts Church Lane’s Academy of Arts gives pupils the opportunity to experience high-quality dance, with more than 65% taking part in weekly sessions. Fully funded by the school, the programme removes financial barriers while helping pupils build confidence, fitness, wellbeing and new skills.

IMPowered uses football and mentorship to create safe, supportive opportunities for young people who may be struggling with behaviour, engagement or confidence. Through the sessions, young people develop teamwork, communication, resilience and emotional skills, with many becoming more confident and positive both on and off the pitch.

inspire+ helps young people progress from taking part in physical activity into leadership, volunteering, apprenticeships and employment. Its programmes have supported more than 650 apprentices into school-based roles, while young leaders have gained valuable experience delivering sports festivals and community programmes.

You can find more detailed descriptions of all our finalists here.

Vote Now

Follow the link to choose your top three finalists.

Cast your vote here