Almost 200 nominations have been received for this year’s awards, celebrating the people and organisations making a difference through sport, physical activity and community wellbeing.
Hyndburn Leisure has announced the 40 finalists for the Active Hyndburn Awards 2026.
The awards recognise individuals, clubs, schools, community groups and organisations whose dedication and achievements are helping people across Hyndburn to become more active, improve their wellbeing and reach their potential.
Five finalists have been selected in each of the eight award categories.
The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony at Accrington Town Hall on Friday 25th September 2026.
The event is organised by Hyndburn Leisure and will feature former England cricketer Ryan Sidebottom as special guest speaker. Catering will be provided by local restaurant MyLahore and the event MC is Simon Brierley.
The finalists
Active Education Award
Active Wellbeing Team
Rebecca House
Katy England and Great Harwood St John’s Primary School
Kelly Barlow and St Oswald’s RC Primary School
Nicola Rogers
Changing Lifestyle Award
Michael Baron
Paul Brankin
Joe Westlund
Fred Wilson
Yvonne Haddock
Club of the Year
Lancashire Bombers Flag Football Club
Accrington Wildcats ARLFFC
Globe FC
Galaxy Cheerleading Club
Wheels for All
Coach of the Year
Max Robinson
Damian Chamberlain
Stephen Rusyn
Pietro Lo-Giudice
Stacey Bowie
Inspire Award
Louise Robinson
Rebecca House
Lee Walsh
Ian Hodgson
Sophie Molloy
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jean Wood
Dave Campbell
Jill Keightley
Max Robinson
Martin Morley
Sports Achiever of the Year
Bobby Bridges
Olly Newbould
Umaiza Basharat
Rebecca Batchelor
Sophia Miller
Volunteer of the Year
Amelia Vaughan
Russel Bury
Liz Bell
Aawaz Unity Multilingual Choir
Friends of Rhyddings Park
Anne Ellwood, Trustee from Hyndburn Leisure said:
“We were delighted to receive almost 200 nominations for this year’s Active Hyndburn Awards.
The response shows just how many inspiring people and organisations are making a positive difference across Hyndburn.
Every finalist has an incredible story to tell. They include people achieving at a high level, supporting others to become more active, volunteering their time and creating inclusive opportunities within their communities.
We would like to thank everyone who submitted a nomination and took the time to recognise the achievements of others.
We are looking forward to welcoming all 40 finalists to Accrington Town Hall and celebrating everything they have achieved.”
Sponsors and partners
The Active Hyndburn Awards are made possible through the generous support of this year’s sponsors and partners.
The headline sponsor is East Lancashire Learning Group.
The category sponsors are Coolant Heat Facilities, Master Ground Services, Alliance Leisure, Wilkes Vending, Forbes Solicitors, Hyndburn Borough Council and Myson Pages.
The partner sponsors are Technogym, Ainsworths, Red Rose Travel, Rosslee Construction, Pilkington Bros, and Brands Inside Out.
The Active Hyndburn Awards celebrate people making an impact in sport and active communities across the borough.
The winners will be announced at Accrington Town Hall on Friday 25th September 2026.
