England women’s Blind squad win award

Our England women’s blind football squad were among the winners of the Variety Disability Sports Awards 2026, following their achievements this year.

The Para Lionesses were awarded with the Glaukos Award for Outstanding Team Achievement, having recently picked up bronze at the IBSA Women’s Blind EUROs in Türkiye, celebrating the team’s sporting achievements and its contribution to raising the profile of blind football.

And Alicia Grimmond (pictured above, left) and Megan Smithson-Booth (right) were present at the event in London's West End to collect the award on behalf of the squad.

The awards aim to shine a spotlight not only on sporting excellence but also on the people and organisations ensuring that disability is never a barrier to participation.

From internationally recognised athletes to the grassroots organisations, schools and individuals breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for disabled people across the UK, the ceremony celebrated the importance of accessible opportunities and the life-changing impact that sport can have.

With nominees ranging in age from just 13 upwards, the awards reflected the extraordinary breadth of talent, dedication and commitment within disability sport.

Other winners at the event, run by Variety, the Children’s Charity, included Paralympic champion Richard Whitehead MBE and teen tennis star Matt Knoesen

Through its work supporting disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, Variety, the Children's Charity continues to champion greater access to opportunities and experiences that can transform lives, helping young people build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.