Kingdom Wrestling is shortlisted for prestigious local award.

Kingdom Wrestling, the UK’s first faith-based professional wrestling charity, has officially been named a finalist for the prestigious Social Enterprise of the Year award at the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards 2026.

The shortlists, which celebrate the hardest-working, most innovative, and dedicated organizations driving the community forward, were announced on Wednesday 26th August 2026. The nomination highlights Kingdom Wrestling’s ongoing commitment to supporting, empowering, and uniting young people and families across the Bradford district through the unique power of sports entertainment.

Sponsored by Participate & Airedale Enterprise, the Social Enterprise category recognizes organizations that put community first. The announcement follows a highly successful summer for the charity, which recently made headlines for its innovative "Read-a-Slam" project at Keighley Library and the ever popular "Courtyard Clash" at Darley St Market. The library event drew over 200 local children and families to watch professional wrestlers act out iconic children's literature inside the ring, bridging the gap between physical sports and literacy, while Courtyard Clash has been seen over 300 fans attend both events in 2026.

"Being shortlisted validates the incredible hard work of our coaches, volunteers, and athletes who make our mission possible every day," said Gareth Thompson, Founder and CEO of Kingdom Wrestling. "As a working-class lad from Keighley myself, having our charity recognised right here in the Airedale community means everything. We are incredibly proud to stand alongside so many inspiring local organisations on this year's shortlist."

This local recognition builds upon an impressive year for the registered charity (No. 1206156), which was also crowned the UK 2026 Company of the Year in Sports Entertainment. Beyond their large-scale live events, Kingdom Wrestling delivers critical youth development work, alternative education provision, and work placements in partnership with Shipley College.

The winners of the 2026 awards will be revealed at a glamorous ceremony at Victoria Hall in Keighley on Friday 25th September 2026.

Local supporters can keep up with the charity's latest community initiatives or secure tickets to the grand ceremony directly through the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards Tickets Page.