WSA shortlisted for 2026 Finance Awards Wales
The WSA is thrilled to reveal it has been shortlisted for the ESG Excellence of the Year award at the 2026 Finance Awards Wales.
A sector-leading initiative that demonstrates outstanding Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practice, we’re delighted that the Sustainability in Sport Fund has been nominated for the ESG Excellence of the Year award at the 2026 Finance Awards Wales.
At its core, the Fund represents a sustained commitment to environmental responsibility, providing funding to invest in sports projects that address decarbonisation, waste reduction, biodiversity protection, behaviour change and community engagement.
It enables WSA members to take meaningful action aligned with Wales’ environmental ambitions, while encouraging sector-wide leadership in sustainable practice and advancing all three pillars of ESG. It delivers tangible benefits to communities across Wales, and sets a national benchmark for collaborative, sustainable and ethical practice across the sport and leisure sector.
Over the past two years, there have been numerous standout demonstrations of the impact of the Fund and its dedicated recipients.
One of which is the West Wales Sports Partnership’s REPLAY project, which is redefining how sports kit and equipment are reused across West Wales. By supporting local kit‑reuse networks, REPLAY reduces waste while simultaneously lowering financial barriers to participation, increasing accessibility and strengthening community resilience.
The Sustainability in Sport Fund also delivers clear and meaningful social impact. Dragons RFC showcased how sustainability can unite and galvanise communities through their new Eco‑Hub at Rodney Parade – a visible, practical space that demonstrates environmental responsibility in action.
The Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs (BGC) of Wales’ Environmental Adventure Initiative, has empowered young people and fostered long‑term behaviour change. Co‑designed with the BGC Wales Youth Forum, the initiative included a 100‑mile canoe expedition along the River Wye to test water quality and ecology, alongside wider efforts to embed sustainability across all outdoor activities. The project’s legacy will be the creation of young Eco‑Leaders who take their learning back into communities across South Wales, inspiring further action.
More than 50 organisations have applied across the first two editions, which is clear evidence of sector appetite, energy and ambition.
WSA CEO, Andrew Howard, stated:
“We have been incredibly grateful to Admiral for their investment over the past two years, because of the Fund’s amazing impact on ESG practices and education across Wales already.
“The case studies we have heard since the first round of funding, and the quality of submissions this year, are evidence of our sector’s dedication and commitment to advancing sustainability within local communities; and the Sustainability in Sport Fund ensures that these ambitions are realised.
“We are incredibly proud to have been shortlisted for the ESG Excellence of the Year award, and are grateful to Finance Awards Wales for this recognition. We look forward to finding out the results in May!”
The WSA is also proud to have recently delivered the second year of the Sustainability in Sport Fund, in collaboration with Admiral, offering £100,000 to sporting organisations and clubs to deliver innovative, impactful and scalable sustainability projects that drive long-term environmental and social change.
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