The Youth Sport Trust has recognised some of the nation’s most inspiring young leaders, activists, and champions of wellbeing at their Young Changemaker Awards 2025, celebrating those using the power of sport to make a positive difference to their own lives, as well as in their schools and communities.

Hosted at Lord’s Cricket Ground on UNICEF’s World Children’s Day, 20 November, the ceremony brought together young people, educators, and sporting role models to honour individuals who have gone above and beyond to create change through sport and physical activity. From breaking barriers in inclusion and gender inequality to championing mental health and using sport for social change, this year’s winners showcased the power of sport to create belonging, confidence and brighter futures.

2025 Youth Sport Trust Young Changemaker Award Winners:

• Emily – Young Health Champion Award. Celebrated for overcoming a life-changing illness and championing inclusive PE and sport at school as an advocate for others with disabilities through Inclusion 2028.
• Anna – Inspirational Female Leader Award. Honoured for inspiring girls to get active and closing the gender gap in sport through her leadership with Girls Active.
• Regan – Greatest Turnaround Through Sport Award. Awarded for transforming his confidence and finding his voice through the Set for Success programme after overcoming challenges with a stammer.
• Ethan – Young Activist Award. Commended as a Young Ambassador Cymru, for using basketball and youth leadership to promote inclusion and raise thousands for good causes.
• Mason – Inspirational Inclusive Young Leader Award. A transplant athlete, recognised as a role model for motivating other young people with medical challenges to embrace the benefits of physical activity through the Inclusive Leadership Camp.
• Gift – International Young Leader Award. Celebrated for her resilience and drive to transform her life and inspire others, launching a successful sausage business in her community following her participation in the Youth Sport Trust’s International's Beckwith International Leadership Development programme.

Watch the winner’s stories here.

The awards ceremony was presented by former World Champion inline skater and Youth Sport Trust athlete mentor Jenna Downing, and several individual awards were presented by Youth Sport Trust Health Champion and TV GP, Dr Radha Modgil. The event featured a Q&A session with former England International rugby player, Maggie Alphonsi MBE, who reflected on the Red Roses’ historic World Cup win and its impact on women’s sport. She shared insights on her own journey to finding belonging through rugby, touching on overcoming adversity, the importance of diversity in leadership, and the life-changing power of sport.

Speaking at the event, Alphonsi said, “Rugby didn’t just change my life; it saved my life. Growing up I got involved in lots of antisocial behaviour. When I found rugby, it gave me direction. I was surrounded by other people who gave me confidence and belief in myself. Sport generally is great for every young person for building their resilience.  It’s not about bouncing back; it’s about bouncing forward. It gives you that confidence to strive to move forward and develop your character. For me, it gave me a career that I’m always grateful for. What sport does and what it can do is have such a positive impact on your life, but you don’t necessarily know the impact until you’ve reached the destination.”

Ali Oliver MBE, CEO of the Youth Sport Trust said: “The Youth Sport Trust Young Changemaker Awards celebrate the amazing young people we have the privilege of supporting through our training, school networks and interventions. These young people aren’t just developing their wellbeing and life skills, but they are creating positive change for those around them. Each of this year’s winners embodies the very best of what our charity stands for, and highlights the immense individual, school and community benefits of young people accessing the life changing benefits of play and sport. Our winners’ stories speak for themselves - each of these young people have shown a commitment to realising their potential and being a role model for others. They are an inspiration and bring enormous hope for the future.”

A special thanks was given during the awards to Barclays, for their help in securing Lord's as the venue for this year’s event alongside Kitround, LEGO and Sports Directory for kindly providing prizes for each of the winners.

The vital work of the Youth Sport Trust is made possible with generous support from partners, funders, and supporters. For Corporate and Charity partnerships, or fundraising and donation enquiries, please contact: [email protected].