Ben’s work has touched the lives of countless young people, ensuring their voices are heard, and more importantly, acted upon.
Ben Rigby is Managing Director at 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.
In 2024 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 leads the Derby City Youth Alliance Youth Voice Group, connecting youth voice groups across the region to share ideas and influence local decisions, and is supporting Sport England’s Youth Voice Partnership Group. He also supported a work experience student to become the youth representative on CIMSPA’s Workforce Professional Standards Board for Community Sport, influencing national standards.
Ben’s approach has earned him deep respect from young people and colleagues, with Lemar, 21, sharing: “Ben makes young staff and volunteers feel heard and appreciated. He ensures that systems are in place so the young people feel heard and cared for. Me and other young workers have a lot of respect and admiration for Ben, he takes time to listen and support us, but also cares for us as people.”
His work has also had a lasting impact on young people; Ben, 23, recalls: “I was a teenager getting into trouble. Ben helped me talk about life and organise community events, giving us a voice with the council. When I didn’t get good grades, Ben connected me with others and I got a job that I never would have had without his support.”
What sets Ben apart is his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, finding solutions to help every young person feel confident enough to speak out, lead projects, and influence local and national decisions and strategies.
Find out more about the StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024.
