This award honours the coaches and volunteers that have made a remarkable impact within their community. They set a shining example for others to follow, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

England winner: Courtney “Ceejay” James (Future Kidz Development CiC – London)

As Community Sports Coordinator at Future Kidz Development CiC, Coach Ceejay has dedicated over 23 years to community work through sports, fitness, and youth engagement, having a significant positive impact on the lives of underserved young people in London.

Despite facing a particularly challenging time in 2024 with the loss of a close family member, he continued to work tirelessly to expand the organisation’s reach. This included leading teams to deliver handball taster sessions at major events including the Path to Paris Community Day and the London Youth Games Finals, creating opportunities for youngsters to try their hand at an Olympic sport. He also organised two summer programmes, providing opportunities for local youth to engage in sports and leadership activities.

Ceejay’s continued commitment to inclusivity is evident in the development of Future Kidz Development’s Community Plus division, which offers tailored sports sessions for individuals with SEND, as well as organising competitive sports events for SEND schools and alternative provision. These initiatives have garnered support from key organisations including the West Ham Foundation and Better Gym in Newham – and with partnerships such as these continuing to grow stronger, Ceejay is keen to expand competitive provisions for this targeted audience in 2025.

Beyond his role as a coach, Ceejay is a respected mentor, empowering young leaders through Future Kidz Development’s youth-led initiatives. Under his leadership, the NexGen Committee has enabled young people to plan and budget their own community projects while gaining essential public speaking and decision-making skills.

His dedication to securing the future of the organisation also led him to participate in StreetGames’ Race for Investment program, equipping him with fundraising expertise to sustain and grow Future Kidz Development.

With strengthened partnerships and an expanding range of services, Ceejay’s efforts in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and impact in 2025.

Wales winner: Dylan (Dallaglio RugbyWorks & Parc Prison)

Dylan first became involved with Dallaglio RugbyWorks while serving his sentence at HMP & YOI Parc in Bridgend. The charity uses rugby to support incarcerated individuals by improving their physical and mental wellbeing and equipping them with essential life skills. Dylan’s passion for rugby helped him fully engage with the programme, demonstrating strong commitment and enthusiasm. As his release date neared, he expressed a desire to continue working with RugbyWorks and, with the support of staff, successfully secured a coaching role. While still serving his sentence, he was granted Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) to speak at a RugbyWorks event, inspiring young people with his story. Upon release, he smoothly transitioned into his role as an assistant coach, quickly becoming a valued team member.

Dylan’s ability to connect with young people has been key to his success as a coach. He has worked hard to develop his skills, allowing him to lead coaching sessions, deliver workshops, and mentor others effectively. In addition to coaching, he volunteers as a mentor at Parc Prison, using his experiences to guide and support incarcerated young people. His dedication has earned him deep respect within RugbyWorks, as well as recognition from external partners such as Swansea Youth Offending Team. Dylan’s journey highlights the power of sport in transforming lives, showcasing resilience, commitment, and the ability to create meaningful change through lived experience.

Highly commended

Michaela Castillo-Williams (Epic Partners – Midlands); Elias Fazli (Sports Fun 4 All – London & South East); Dwight Barnett (St Matthews Project – London & South East); Georgia Towart (Escape Intervention – North East); Moinul Islam (Outta Skool – North West); Hussain Master (Fishwick Rangers – North West); Jenson Harris (Off The Streets – Wales); Megan Cottrell (Aneurin Leisure Trust Sports Development – Wales); Andres Ramirez (LS14 Trust – Yorkshire & Humber)

This award celebrates the community projects that embody the core values of Doorstep Sport: providing accessible and affordable opportunities for young people to take part in informal physical activity within their local community through vibrant, varied, fun and sociable sessions.

England winner: Epic Partners (Midlands)

Epic Partners is a Midlands-based charity dedicated to empowering young people through sports, mentoring, and inclusive programmes. Their initiatives provide a safe and supportive environment, offering free weekly activities such as the Girls Club, which helps girls build confidence in sports, and the Health Hub, where young people can engage in sports, mindfulness, and cooking skills. Their Sports Academy broadens access to various physical activities, while free football and basketball sessions offer an alternative to expensive club memberships.

Beyond sports, Epic Partners focuses on mentorship and youth development, helping young people build positive relationships and emotional resilience. Their Youth Club provides a safe space for 11-16-year-olds, reducing antisocial behaviour and encouraging positive life choices. The charity’s holistic approach ensures that young people’s social, emotional, and physical needs are met, leading to lasting change. Many participants, inspired by their experiences, later volunteer during school holidays, gaining valuable skills while supporting younger children in the same transformative programmes.

Wales winner: Community Sports Hubs – Gwella

Gwella Sports Development aims to offer positive experiences and opportunities to inspire people living in Flintshire to stay active and healthy. Across their seventeen Community Sports Hubs, more than 200 young individuals from diverse backgrounds gather weekly to participate in a wide range of free sessions. Activities on offer include boxing, football, skateboarding and multisports, providing a varied and vibrant offer to engage the local community.

During school holidays, participants have the opportunity to take part in unique experiences including high-energy inflatable park sessions, go-karting adventures and climbing wall activities – enabling them to try things that they may not otherwise have the chance to, as well as building skills including resilience, teamwork and communication.

At the core of the Hubs’ mission is the belief that every young person should have access to high-quality sport and physical activity, regardless of financial circumstances. All of their Community Sports Hubs sessions are therefore offered free of charge, removing barriers to participation and levelling the playing field for all.

Highly commended

Birmingham Youth Sports Academy (Midlands); EPIC Friday Night Street Sport Project (London & South East); Lee Dema (St Matthews Project – London & South East); Pelton Youth Project (North East); Black Scorpion Karate CIC (North West); Newport County in the Community (Wales); Abdul Malik Onasanya – Hoopcity (Reach Up Youth – Yorkshire & Humber)

This award celebrates the projects that provide free physical activity sessions and healthy meals to underserved young people across the UK during the school holidays, bridging the inequalities gap and ensuring that every child can enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling holiday experiences.

England winner: Sporting Your Futures CIC (Midlands)

Sporting Your Futures CIC’s Holiday Sports Camps provide young people in the West Midlands with access to a wide range of sports and physical activities, promoting their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. In 2024, the programme engaged 3,357 participants; with 97% of these young people eligible for free school meals, many of them may otherwise have struggled to access enriching physical activity during the school break. With a programme of activities including go-karting, fencing, and golf, however, they were able to discover new interests and develop a positive attitude to health and fitness. The initiative also prioritises inclusivity; with 84% of participants coming from ethnically diverse backgrounds, the organisation has worked hard to create a space where every young person feels valued, supported, and welcome, with the range of activities on offer specifically tailored to local need.

Recognising the growing mental health challenges among young people, particularly post-COVID, the programme places strong emphasis on building resilience and emotional wellbeing through their holiday activities. With one in ten children in Birmingham experiencing a diagnosed mental health condition, the camps provide crucial support in reducing stress, anxiety, and social isolation.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents highlights the programme’s success, with 99.5% reporting that their children enjoyed the activities. Sporting Your Futures’ Holiday Sports Camps are a tangible example of the transformative impact of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in the lives of young people living in underserved communities.

Wales winner: Môn Actif & Anglesey Childcare and Play Team

Môn Actif provides a range of opportunities to children and young people of all ages and abilities across Anglesey. Over the last year, the organisation has delivered 28 Fit and Fed holiday camps, benefitting more than 890 children and young people with free activities, healthy food, snacks and drinks. They have also provided activities including sport-specific camps, Family Fun Days, Disability Sports Camps, Community Swim Safe Days, and opportunities to take part in mountain biking, climbing, surfing, paddleboarding and more – taking these opportunities into the heart of communities, right on young people’s doorsteps.

Môn Actif have collaborated with a wide range of organisations and services to enrich their provision and increase their outstanding impact, with partners including North Wales Police, the National Trust, Disability Sport Wales, Swim Safe UK, various NGBs, and many more. By partnering closely with StreetGames, the two organisations have been able to share their collective years of experience of what works when working with young people living in underserved communities and to make a real difference in the right places, for the right people, at the right time.

Highly commended

St Matthews Big Local (Midlands); Christian Johnson (CEF Lynx – London & South East); Lambton Street Youth and Community Hub (North East); Stockport County Community Trust (North West); Kallum Wallbank (Elite Community Hub – North West); Fit & Fed Merthyr Tydfil Housing Association (Wales); Swansea City AFC Foundation (Wales); Dance Action Zone Leeds (Yorkshire & Humber)

This award recognises those that champion the power of sport and physical activity in supporting young people’s mental wellbeing, showcasing the positive role of movement, connection and skills development.

England winner: Open House CIC (Midlands)

Open House is a Birmingham-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people’s wellbeing through youth clubs, workshops, mentoring, and sports activities. Founded in 2020 by Katie, a Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, and Chantel, a Learning & Behaviour Mentor, the organisation focuses on mental wellbeing, social integration, and physical health. Despite being relatively new, Open House has become a vital community resource, taking a holistic and inclusive approach to meet the needs of young people, including those with special educational needs or who are not in education, employment, or training.

The organisation offers a range of accessible initiatives, including seasonal holiday clubs, after-school programmes, outdoor activities, sports opportunities, and life skills workshops. It also provides arts and crafts sessions, knife crime awareness talks, and mentoring services, ensuring that young people receive tailored guidance and support to meet their needs. Beyond its own programmes, Open House also connects individuals with wider services and local businesses, going the extra mile when they see children and families in need by providing individual support and service direction.

The impact of Open House is reflected in overwhelmingly positive community feedback, with young people praising the welcoming environment, supportive staff, and opportunities to make lifelong friendships.

Wales winner: Wye Gymnastics & Galaxy Cheerleading

Based in Caldicot, Wye Gymnastics & Galaxy Cheerleading (WGGC) runs 71 weekly sessions for more than 1,400 participants, using gymnastics and physical activity as a vehicle for social change.

In 2024, WGGC expanded their longstanding programme for Muslim girls, with a new location in South Wales providing more opportunities for underrepresented groups to engage in physical activity. By creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments and ensuring cultural sensitivity, this approach has instilled confidence and a sense of belonging in participants as well as nurturing physical health. WGGC has also continued to increase its provision in low-income areas, launching new sessions in Pillgwenlly and offering bursaries to ensure financial barriers do not prevent participation.

The club’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident in its Young Leaders Academy, which supports girls aged 12 and above in developing leadership and coaching skills. With 25 participants currently enrolled, the programme nurtures future role models and mentors, creating a lasting impact within the community.

WGGC’s initiatives not only promote physical fitness but also enhance mental wellbeing by reducing social isolation and building positive aspirations. Their holistic approach demonstrates the power of sport in bridging social divides, supporting personal growth, and strengthening communities.

Highly commended

Dawn Bere (Northampton Saints Foundation – Midlands); Thru Life – Mental Health & Bereavement Thru Sports (London & South East); The Mental Shift CIC (North East); Peak Connections Project WAVE Adventure (North West); Natalie Hind (Happy Healthy You Bradford – Yorkshire & Humber)

This award celebrates those that have recognised and harnessed the power of sport and community in breaking the cycle of youth crime in low-income areas, embracing physical activity and mentoring to support positive life choices.

England winner: Suffia Hussain (Project On Guard/Goshukan Karate Academy – Yorkshire & Humber)

Suffia Hussain, a karate and self-defence coach at Goshukan Karate Academy in West Yorkshire, developed Project On Guard in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police to address the need for a safe space for young people – particularly those in ‘harder to reach’ communities – to discuss and learn more about real life issues around personal safety. The five-week youth empowerment programme, designed for individuals aged 11 to 17, combines practical self-defence training with discussions on real-life issues including healthy relationships, grooming, coercive behaviour, gangs, and knife crime awareness – with these discussions often led by past graduates of the programme who serve as mentors. Originally created for girls and young women, the programme has since expanded to include tailored sessions for boys, ensuring inclusivity and relevance for all participants.

The programme has continued to grow in popularity through word of mouth – a testament to its positive impact and Suffia’s ability to engage and connect with the young participants, with testimonials praising her restorative approach which allows young people to reflect on their choices and develop resilience. Suffia’s dedication has made Project On Guard a vital initiative in helping young people navigate challenges and make positive life choices.

Wales winner: Milford Youth Matters – Under the Bridge

Milford Youth Matters’ Under the Bridge project is a detached youth provision designed to engage young people aged 11+ in Milford Haven, focusing on four key areas: safety, crime perception, anti-social behaviour, and skill development. The project runs for two hours on Friday evenings during the summer holidays, filling a gap left by the absence of statutory youth services. In 2024, more than 220 individuals participated, with a total of 819 engagements recorded over six weeks. Using detached youth work in areas where young people naturally gather, the project offers sport and creative activities as well as volunteering opportunities – encouraging positive behaviour while reducing the likelihood of anti-social activities.

A key objective of the project is to shift negative perceptions of young people in the local area; with activities taking place in a public area, the wider community have been able to witness participants’ positive engagement, helping to break down negative perceptions around young people.

The initiative not only addresses anti-social behaviour but also promotes long-term engagement with youth services to help build safer, healthier, and more connected communities. Collaboration with local schools, policing teams, and the Milford Port Authority has further strengthened the initiative’s impact.

Highly commended

Go-Getta CIC (Midlands); BIGKID Foundation (London & South East); Your Trust (North West); Abraham Moss Warriors (North West); Môn Actif & Anglesey Childcare and Play Team (Wales)

This award recognises those that have positively engaged with women and girls to increase and sustain participation in sport and physical activity, creating safe spaces where young women thrive with trusted mentors and tailored activities.

England winner: Fight for Peace (London)

Fight for Peace supports young people to reach their full potential by combining combat sports with essential youth services such as employability training, education, and mentorship. The organisation started 2024 with a commitment to increase participation levels of women and girls, with their action plan focusing on improving representation amongst coaches and mentors, expanding outreach, and creating exclusive spaces for young women and girls.

The organisation now has two flagship services that exclusively engage young women and girls: free, twice-weekly women-only boxing sessions for those aged 14 to 25, designed to create a safe and supportive environment for young women to build confidence, skills, and community; and Lutadoras (Portuguese for “Women Fighters”). Lutadoras is a weekly personal development session for young women and girls aged 7 to 25 to come together to explore issues, build confidence and a strong sense of identity, overcome challenges, and promote personal growth.

The group has also led on the delivery of the #FriendsCanTell project, supporting young women and girls to help friends in toxic relationships. Evaluations of the programme have revealed significant improvements in participants’ mental wellbeing, self-confidence, and ability to navigate personal challenges.

As a result of these initiatives, the organisation has seen a fantastic 300% increase in participation of women and girls.

Wales winner: Newport Live

Girls Takeover from Newport Live is a programme designed to empower girls aged 11-18 in Newport by providing a safe and supportive environment to engage in fitness activities and community events. The programme offers a wide range of activities, including fitness sessions, swimming, football, 5km walks, arts and crafts, and “chill and chat” sessions. Gym-based activities include group classes like Zumba, Spin, Pilates, and circuits, allowing participants to become familiar with different fitness instructors and class formats. By creating a comfortable, supportive atmosphere, the programme helps girls feel less intimidated when attending fitness classes in the future.

The success of the programme is rooted in its responsiveness to participant feedback. While the first session had only three participants, recent events have seen attendance rise to 34 – with a total of 367 girls engaged over 17 sessions. Many girls have gained confidence to attend gym sessions independently, and some have even become ambassadors for Newport Live, promoting health and fitness. Girls Takeover also helps to identify and engage female volunteers, providing them with opportunities to receive training that could lead to employment.

Feedback from both participants and their parents has been overwhelmingly positive; girls report enjoying the variety of activities and the supportive, non-judgmental environment, whilst parents appreciate the opportunity for their daughters to engage in physical activity in a safe and encouraging space.

Highly commended

InUnity – Ariel & Silks project (Midlands); Trapped in Zone One – Move and Stretch (London & South East); Nadia Iftkhar (Company of Others – North East); India Perris Redding (Sale Sharks – North West); Us Girls Off The Streets (Wales); Madison Collins (Dance Action Zone Leeds – Yorkshire & Humber)

This award celebrates the young volunteers, aged up to 25, that have put their all into personal development. From developing their skills to getting out of their comfort zone and growing their confidence, these individuals will have come a long way in a short space of time.

England winner: Zain Boyko (Wigan Youth Zone – North West)

Since getting involved with StreetGames as a Young Advisor, Zain has contributed more than 200 volunteering hours across a variety of projects. As part of the StreetGames Doorstep Sport Advisory Group, Zain has provided valuable feedback from a young leader’s perspective as well as bringing considerable experience from his part-time youth worker role at his community organisation. He has also participated in a Youth Design Jam supported by StreetGames, Sport England and Innovation Unit, to prototype and iterate ways to embed Youth Voice in Sport England’s work, and across the grassroots sport sector. This project saw him learning about the service design process whilst harnessing his creativity. He was a great leader and a valuable team player, able to spot when to step back and support others to input when he felt their voice was missing from the conversation.

Most recently, Zain was an integral member of the Young Advisor team delivering the #NextGen Residential 2024 at Brathay. As well as bringing creative ideas and positive challenge to the planning process, Zain took seamlessly to the role on site; he was incredibly supportive of his immediate Young Advisor team as well as his team of young volunteers and always led by example, including jumping into the lake to support a peer. Zain has always been humble in his approach and is a brilliant ambassador for StreetGames.

Wales winner: Jaydyn Chadwick and Warwick Williams (Valleys Gymnastics Academy)

Jaydyn and Warwick initially joined Valleys Gymnastics Academy as participants in their Freerunning sessions. Over time they became increasingly more engaged, assisting their coach with sessions. Around two years ago they approached the staff with a request to begin volunteering, showing unwavering dedication since that time. Both have now completed their Welsh Gymnastics Leadership qualification and volunteer on a weekly basis in the Freerunning session for children aged 7-9, as well as assisting in the older age group session in which they also actively participate.

Their contributions are highly valued by the lead coach, Craig, who appreciates their commitment and the positive influence they have as exceptional role models for other participants. Both volunteers demonstrate a strong sense of empathy and enthusiasm, especially when working with participants who have additional needs. Their involvement with Valleys Gymnastics Academy has grown significantly; they continue to play an increasingly important role in supporting young participants as well as working on other projects and initiatives across the organisation.

Highly commended

Ishmail Asif (Youth Connect Walsall – Midlands); Mahfuza Salam (Society Links – London & South East); Charlie Nottingham (SVP Deaf Centre Newcastle & Newcastle Youth Panel – North East); Elemerite Sukula (Be The Change – North West); Bobby Hooper (Milford Youth Matters – Wales); Evie Hodgeson (Bulldogs BCA – Wales); Ebrahim Jarjoue (Champions Community Sport and Health CIC – Yorkshire & Humber)

This award celebrates those that have recognised and embraced the power of youth voice. They have amplified young people’s voices and helped to ensure that their views and needs have been heard.

England winner: Ben Rigby (Sporting Communities – Midlands)

Ben Rigby is Managing Director at Midlands-based Sporting Communities. He has spent many years championing youth voice, empowering young people to speak out, share their views, and actively participate in decision-making. For Ben, involving young people in decision-making and shaping the projects that impact them is essential, ensuring their perspectives are included from the start and throughout projects.

For the past six years, Ben has led projects in multiple counties, amplifying the voices of marginalised young people and helping to turn their ideas into action – creating assets including Cheadle Skate Park, a Cruyff Court, and the UK’s first PlayZone, as well as community initiatives such as a youth-led podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic and ‘Safe Places’ for women and girls, which is now supported by over 70 organisations. This year, Ben led the UK’s first Youth Innovation Conference, bringing together more than 200 young people and professionals to explore innovative practices and strengthen youth inclusion in decision-making. He also leads the Derby City Youth Alliance Youth Voice Group, connecting youth voice groups across the region to share ideas and influence local decisions.

What sets Ben apart is his ability to turn challenges into opportunities. He finds solutions to help every young person feel confident enough to speak out, lead projects, and influence local and national decisions and strategies. His work has touched the lives of countless young people, ensuring their voices are heard, and more importantly, acted upon.

Wales winner: Keira Edwards (Wales Netball)

In 2024, Wales Netball partnered with StreetGames to create the Blitz Netball Activator, a coaching workshop designed to engage new audiences and train coaches, volunteers, and leaders to run netball activities in community settings. Recognising that their current netball offer was not reaching underserved groups, Wales Netball, led by Keira, set a goal of creating a new product that was diverse and accessible to those living in poverty. Keira was passionate about making sure that the new workshop was designed by young people from low-income, underserved communities, as this was primarily the target audience for the new offer.

The design and development process involved around 50 young people aged 12 to 25 from Wrexham, Flintshire, and Denbighshire, using a range of interactive methods to gather their input. Not all of the group had netball playing or coaching experience, with only 53% having previously played netball within PE lessons and only 20% currently playing netball in a competitive club setting. The young people’s ideas were captured using a range of creative methods including games, flipchart tasks, videos and online surveys. Each young person involved received kit and equipment and were part of naming the end product, creating a sense of collective identity and achievement.

The project had a significant impact on the young people involved, with 100% of them reporting the development of new skills. The Blitz Netball Activator was successfully launched, with more than 20 tutors to date trained to deliver the workshop across England and Wales. This innovative approach by Wales Netball, particularly through the inclusion of youth voices, has set a high standard for other National Governing Bodies to follow. By creating a product that resonates with young people, the initiative promises to make netball more accessible and appealing to a wider audience, ensuring its future growth and sustainability.

Highly commended

Mia Griffin (Any Girl Netball – Midlands); Omari Hunte (BIGKID Foundation – London & South East); Zoe Watson (Newcastle Youth Panel – North East); L!sten (PIE: Pursuing Individual Excellence – North West); Jamal Aadan (Cardiff Youth Service – Wales); Justyna Kiernoziak (Gwella Flintshire Libraries & Leisure – Wales); Imran Ali (Saalik Project – Yorkshire & Humber)