Northern Grit, Sporting Glory 2026 not only delivered an inspiring celebration of women’s sport, but also raised an incredible £35,000 for seven charity foundations across Manchester.
Manchester Deansgate Hotel was packed to capacity as Northern Grit, Sporting Glory 2026 brought together leaders, athletes, supporters and advocates from across Manchester for an unforgettable evening celebrating the transformative power of women’s sport.
Hosted by the outstanding Stacey Copeland, the event shone a spotlight on the people and organisations helping to create opportunities for women and girls through sport.
Guests heard honest and inspiring insights from an exceptional line-up of speakers, sharing experiences of resilience, leadership and the importance of creating pathways for future generations.
The evening was made even more special by a powerful address from Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Craig, who spoke passionately about the role sport plays in creating opportunities, building confidence and strengthening communities across Manchester.
A particular highlight of the night was another moving original poem delivered by Stacey Copeland, again capturing the spirit of Northern Grit and the collective ambition to see more women and girls thrive through sport, just as she did last year.
The £35,000 raised during the evening will directly support seven charity foundations in their work to provide life-changing opportunities for women and girls through sport, helping to tackle barriers to participation and create positive futures across Manchester.
A huge thank you to our panellists, sponsors, partners and everyone who attended and contributed to another incredible event. The generosity, energy and commitment shown on the night demonstrated the strength of support for women’s sport across the city.
Together, we are helping to build a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to participate, belong and succeed through sport.
