David Crilly, 59, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the iconic Guildhall ceremony
An inspirational football coach from Wandsworth fought back the tears after winning the ultimate London Sport Award.
David Crilly, 59, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the iconic Guildhall ceremony for his 30 years of service across the capital. Crilly has been relentlessly dedicated to transforming youth sport in South London, mentoring 500-plus young people, supporting the first female-only FA Level 2 course in London and securing over £120k in grants.
Crilly’s trailblazing work has helped break down multiple social and cultural barriers, empowering diverse communities, creating pathways into coaching and changing lives forever.
And speaking after emotionally receiving his award, he said: “I’m humbled – massively humbled. When you see the standard of sports delivery across London and the quality of nominees across all of the different categories, to be involved in that is very humbling.
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“I’m normally the one writing the nominations for offer people and making sure they’re getting the recognition they deserve, so to be on the other side of that makes me immensely proud.
“I never expected this at all – when I heard my name and saw the video supporting my nomination, I was in bits.
“I’m immensely proud and really thankful to be involved in an awards ceremony at such a historic venue is amazing. This is my town and city – so to be recognised here is amazing.”
Taking place at the iconic Guildhall, the prestigious regional awards welcomed high-profile guests such as Olympian and TV personality Montell Douglas, who hosted proceedings, British bobsledder and three-time Winter Olympian Greg Cackett, LSA CEO Emily Robinson and Edward Lord, lead member for Sport at City of London Corporation.
Supported by the City of London Corporation, the 2026 London Sport Awards honoured inspiring individuals, projects, and organisations across ten categories, from volunteers and community clubs to businesses and tech innovators, who are helping Londoners lead healthier, more active lives.
From the hundreds of nominations that were made, an expert panel of judges shortlisted 26 nominees across the ten awards that were given out.
As well as honouring all of those present, another highlight of the event, which was enjoying its 10th year, was a Q&A session with Douglas, who is only the second British woman to have competed at both a summer and winter Olympic Games, and Cackett, a world championship silver medallist who competed for Team GB at Milano-Cortina 2026.
London Sport CEO Emily Robinson said: “The London Sport Awards is a fabulous showcase that brings to life all the different groups, volunteers, and grassroots sports organisations in the city of London that are doing amazing things.
“We want people to feel really encouraged that their hard work is being recognised as different sports and well-being activities are incredibly important to the lives of Londoners.”
Douglas added: “Helping Londoners be healthier, happier, and live longer lives, that is what this is all about. It’s so nice to see the faces behind those projects and programmes, so you can see the impact.”
London Sport is a charity that helps all Londoners live longer, healthier and happier lives through being active. The London Sport Awards, supported by the City of London Corporation, shines a spotlight on the capital’s unsung heroes who are helping Londoners lead more physically active lives. Find out more at www.londonsport.org
