YMCA Awards Celebrates Four Finalist Shortlists at the ukactive Awards 2026
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YMCA Awards is celebrating a landmark achievement after being shortlisted in four categories at the prestigious ukactive Awards 2026, recognising its continued leadership in shaping the future of education, workforce development and professional standards across the physical activity sector.
The organisation has been named as a finalist in the following categories:
Outstanding Leadership Team Award
Supplier of the Year
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award
Education Programme of the Year
The recognition comes at a significant time for YMCA Awards, following a year of continued innovation, organisational growth and an unwavering commitment to supporting learners, training providers and employers with industry-leading qualifications and education programmes. As well as being announced as being shortlisted for two Federation of Awarding Bodies Awards last week.
Being selected across four categories reflects the breadth of YMCA Awards’ contribution to the sector. From delivering high-quality education programmes and pioneering inclusive qualifications, to strengthening organisational leadership and supporting workforce development, the organisation continues to play a vital role in raising standards across health, fitness and wellbeing.
The ukactive Awards celebrate the organisations, programmes and individuals making an outstanding contribution to improving the nation’s health through physical activity. With a record number of entries submitted this year, reaching the finalist stage represents a significant industry endorsement of YMCA Awards’ work and impact.
Vicki Steer, Interim Head of YMCA Awards, said:
“To be recognised across four separate categories at the ukactive Awards is an incredible honour and a reflection of the passion, expertise and commitment shown by every member of the YMCA Awards team. These nominations recognise far more than individual projects – they acknowledge our collective ambition to continually raise standards, champion innovation and ensure learners, employers and training providers have access to qualifications and education that genuinely make a difference.
We are immensely proud to stand alongside so many outstanding organisations within our sector and look forward to celebrating the achievements of everyone who has been shortlisted.”
The four finalist nominations further reinforce YMCA Awards’ position as one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for health, fitness and wellbeing qualifications. They also recognise the organisation’s continued investment in developing qualifications and education pathways that respond to the evolving needs of employers, professionals and communities.
The winners of the ukactive Awards 2026 will be announced during the awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, on Thursday 8 October 2026, where the sector will come together to celebrate excellence, innovation and leadership across the UK’s physical activity industry.