The event held last night, which was themed around ‘A year of Changemakers’ following the success of the Lionesses and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games heroes who helped inspire a movement across grassroots sport, promoted the central role of PE, sport, and play for young people’s wellbeing.

Held at the Telford International Centre, it saw sporting stars including Jill Scott MBE make a special appearance alongside a panel of young people who shared how sport has improved their mental health.

Ali Oliver MBE, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, said:

“The Youth Sport Trust would like to congratulate all the winners of our 2023 Awards. Each of the winners have demonstrated a huge commitment to the important role of PE, play and sport in improving young people’s mental health.  

“This generation is moving less, spending more time online and has experienced major changes in their lives following the Covid-19 pandemic. On top of this, increased social inequality amplified by the cost-of-living crisis are creating a ripple effect on their school and home life. It is thanks to changemakers like those we celebrated in Telford that they will grow up healthier and happier.” 

The night was hosted by TV presenter and author Radzi Chinyanganya with nine awards in total handed out. The winners are: 

Campbell CARE Award (Network Leader / Local Influencer Award) 

Stephen Munday from the Cam Academy Trust, Cambridgeshire

Campbell CARE Award (Network Leader / International Influencer Award) 

Shaz Afzal from Rangoonwala Foundation Sport Project, Karachi, Pakistan

Beckwith CARE Young Changemaker  

Billy Ellerington, Derby

Outstanding Early Years Physical Literacy Practice  

Cherry Tree Montessori, Dorset

Outstanding Primary Practice

Michael Syddall Primary School, Catterick, North Yorkshire

Outstanding Secondary Practice

Djanogly City Academy, Nottingham

Outstanding Multi Academy Trust Practice  

Aspire Academy Trust, Cornwall

Outstanding Inclusive Practice  

Fountaindale School & Abbey School (joint winners), Rotherham and Mansfield  

Outstanding Contribution to the Community  

Eugene Dwaah - Evolution Sport & Neil Kersey - Barking Rugby Club, London

The Awards evening preceded the Youth Sport Trust’s ‘Power of PE, Sport and Play to Improve Mental Health’ Conference which begins today at the Telford International Centre. 

It will see the charity’s Chief Executive Ali Oliver MBE and Dr Alex George, former A&E now TV doctor and Youth Mental Health Ambassador, 10 Downing Street, and author of ‘A Better Day’, give an opening address alongside other high-profile speakers.

A virtual address from the Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb MP, will be made with an update on government’s new School Sport and Activity Action Plan, and the important role it sees for sport in education. Attendees will also have the chance to network, make new connections, and take part in workshops.   

Follow #YSTConference and @YouthSportTrust on social media for some of the key highlights throughout the day.