Winners announced for StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024

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Winners announced for StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024

About the Awards

The StreetGames Sport for Development Awards are an annual celebration of the outstanding individuals and organisations using sport and physical activity to transform the lives of children and young people living in underserved communities.

This year saw a record response to the Awards, with more than 460 nominations received – a testament to the breadth of incredible sport for development work happening in communities right across England and Wales.

As official charity partners of Team GB, we were delighted to welcome partners from the organisation to be part of this year’s judging panel alongside young people and community leaders from the StreetGames network, as well as StreetGames staff and trustees.

Mark Lawrie OBE, StreetGames Chief Executive, said: “We were blown away by the response to this year’s Awards, with the outstanding number of nominations received, and the powerful stories behind each and every one of these, speaking to the passion of the dedicated community organisations and individuals that make up the StreetGames network.

“We are honoured to be able to shine a spotlight on the impact of their tireless and transformational work and look forward to continuing to support them over the coming year.”

2024 winners

  • Coach/Volunteer of the Year

    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 (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)

  • Doorstep Sport Project of the Year

    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 Community Games Holiday Club (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)

  • #HolidaysMatter Award for Outstanding Holiday Activities Project

    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)

  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Award

    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)

  • Outstanding Work in Community Safety Award

    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)

  • Us Girls Award for Engaging Women and Girls

    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 females.

    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 “Female Fighters”), a weekly group personal development session for girls and young women aged 7 to 25. Discussions at these sessions have centred on a wide range of pertinent topics, including gangs, exploitation, personal safety, healthy relationships, education and career aspirations, and physical and mental health. 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 female participation.

    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)

  • Young Volunteer of the Year

    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)

  • Youth Voice Champion

    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)

StreetGames CEO Mark Lawrie Awarded OBE in New Year Honours List

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StreetGames CEO Mark Lawrie Awarded OBE in New Year Honours List

We are proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Mark Lawrie, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List. This prestigious recognition has been awarded for Mark’s outstanding services to education and to young people.

Mark has led StreetGames since 2021, driving our mission to harness the power of sport to create positive change for young people living in the UK’s most underserved communities. Under his leadership, we’ve expanded our reach and impact, working with over 1,600 community-based organisations to provide accessible, fun, and inclusive sports opportunities through initiatives like Doorstep Sport.

Mark’s career in education and sport spans more than 25 years, with roles in teaching, children’s services, and sports development. His expertise has shaped national policies and programmes designed to improve outcomes for young people, particularly those facing significant challenges. Beyond his work with StreetGames, Mark also serves as Chair of Trustees for the Personal Best Foundation, further cementing his commitment to supporting young people from all backgrounds.

On receiving news of his OBE, Mark said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the hard work and passion of the entire team at StreetGames and the Personal Best Foundation, as well as the incredible community organisations we support. Our shared goal is to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their potential, no matter their background.”

John Cove, StreetGames Chair, commented: “On behalf of the StreetGames Board, I congratulate Mark on his well-deserved Honour. It is fantastic to see Mark’s work validated in this public way as the commitment, innovation and efforts he makes above and beyond often goes unseen but are central to how he drives the organisation forward to make a real difference to children and young people’s lives up and down the country.”

Exciting new chapter for the Social Prescribing Youth Network

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Exciting new chapter for the Social Prescribing Youth Network

We are delighted to announce that the Social Biobehavioural Research Group will be the new hosts of the Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN). 

 From 2018 to now…

 The Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN) was developed by StreetGames in 2018. Over the last six years, SPYN has gained more than 1,300 members and has had notable achievements including delivering resources and training.

This process has now concluded and we are pleased to announce that the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at University College London will be the new hosts of SPYN moving forward. UCL will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this network and are hoping to grow it further in order to support increased social prescribing for children and young people across the country.

Four key individuals will be involved in the day-to-day running of SPYN:

  1. Dr Daniel Hayes, an expert in youth social prescribing who will head up the network.
  2. Prof Daisy Fancourt who will provide expertise in running large networks, having led the £1.25 million UKRI MARCH network and 70-country COVID-Minds network.
  3. Rachel Marshall who manages research communications and impact work for UCL SBB, and
  4. Nikita Arslanovski who coordinates communications and finance for the team.

Dr Daniel Hayes commented:
“Children and young people’s mental and physical health has reached a crisis point. Despite this significant need for youth social prescribing, and growing momentum and interest, its potential is unrealised. Provision is patchy and pockets of good practice remain isolated, with a lack of awareness or joined up working from the policymakers, researchers, healthcare practitioners and community assets that are fundamental for social prescribing to succeed.

SPYN is a fantastic network that has the potential to drive work in this space forwards by mobilising stakeholders, providing training and networking opportunities, and sharing good practice. We are very excited to build on our existing knowledge and partnerships in this field and take SPYN to the next level in terms of impact. We hope you will join us on this journey!”

Stuart Felce, UK Director of Strategic Business Relationships at StreetGames, commented:
“The transition of the Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN) to the Social Biobehavioural Research Group marks an exciting new chapter in its development. At StreetGames, we are incredibly proud to have established SPYN and grown it into a thriving network of over 1,300 members since 2018.

This move ensures that SPYN receives the dedicated focus it deserves to further its vital work in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people through social prescribing. While the network will now be hosted by one of the leading national experts in the field, StreetGames remains deeply committed to advancing youth social prescribing, particularly through our focus on sport and physical activity.”

How to get involved with SPYN

The Social Biobehavioural Research Group team are currently busy planning and look forward to sharing further updates, opportunities and activities for SPYN members in the New Year.

New members can join the Network here to receive future updates about the expanding world of social prescribing for children and young people. Our newsletter will bring you the latest research, resources, events, training and more – all directly to your inbox.

Membership is free and open to all those interested in bringing social prescribing and its benefits to the younger generations. Whether you are a Link Worker, social prescribing coordinator, voluntary and community worker, commissioner, funder, health professional across primary or secondary care, or a researcher – join SPYN and be a part of the youth social prescribing movement in the UK and beyond.

If you have any SPYN-related queries you can get in touch with the team at: spyn@ucl.ac.uk.

 

StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024

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Nominations open for StreetGames Sport for Development Awards 2024

The StreetGames Awards are back for 2024, shining a spotlight on the outstanding individuals and organisations using sport and physical activity to make a difference in our communities.

Nominations are open now, and we need your help once more in highlighting the transformational power of sport for development in communities across England and Wales.

Winners will be selected across eight categories, including a new category for 2024 celebrating your Youth Voice Champions.

Nominations will close on Sunday 15th December, after which our judging panel will draw up a shortlist of finalists and select the winners within each category. Winners will be announced early next year, and invited to a special celebration event to take place in March.

Mark Lawrie, StreetGames Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to once again celebrate the fantastic achievements of our network and the transformative power of Doorstep Sport with this year’s StreetGames Sport for Development Awards. Please do get involved by nominating your local changemakers and helping us to honour their outstanding stories of impact and inspiration.”

The full list of categories for 2024 is:

  • Coach/Volunteer of the Year
  • Doorstep Sport Project of the Year
  • #HolidaysMatter Award for Outstanding Holiday Activities Project
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
  • Outstanding Work in Community Safety Award
  • Us Girls Award for Engaging Women and Girls
  • Young Volunteer of the Year
  • Youth Voice Champion

Discover more about each of this year’s categories and submit your nominations.

Olympians and Paralympians back Birmingham’s groundbreaking watersports festival

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Olympians and Paralympians back Birmingham’s groundbreaking watersports festival

The ‘Into the Green and Blue: Watersports Festival’ gave more than 1,000 young people from some of Birmingham’s most underserved communities the chance to experience a range of watersports for free. Held at the Andrew Simpson Centre and across eight paddle sports hubs along Birmingham’s canal network, participants enjoyed activities such as Bell Boating, Kayaking, Sailing, Power Boating, and Rowing.

Organised by StreetGames in partnership with Paddle UK, British Rowing, and Andrew Simpson Sailing, the festival is part of the ongoing Birmingham Community Paddle Sports Project, which aims to increase access to watersports. As the official charity partner of Team GB, StreetGames welcomed athletes Emma Wiggs, Esme Booth, and Rob Oliver through the Team GB ChangeMaker campaign, which seeks to remove barriers in sport and inspire the next generation of athletes.

Since its inception in 2022, the Birmingham Community Paddle Sport Project, supported by StreetGames in partnership with Olympic canoeist Andy Train, Paddle UK and the Canal & River Trust, has aimed to engage Birmingham’s most underserved communities by increasing access and promoting participation in paddle sport across city’s canal network. 

This festival is an example of what can be achieved through partnership working in the city and will aim to create further opportunities for year-round sporting activity to be available to children and young people across the city in the future. 

Ray Vince, Area Lead, StreetGames said: “StreetGames exists to bridge the sporting inequality gap for young people from low-income, underserved communities. Working with our partners, we deliver Doorstep Sport to bridge the inequality gap and offer sport and physical activity in a way that meets the needs and motivations of the people we reach. I think we have started to show this weekend how we can be even more effective by working together in a multi-watersport approach.

“This event is a critical step in our mission to establish year-round, multisport opportunities in underserved communities, opening pathways for young people to grow into volunteers and community leaders. It’s a reminder to mainstream sports providers of the importance of adapting their offer to suit all young people.”

Triple Paralympic Gold Medallist, Emma Wiggs MBE reflected on her visit to the paddle sports hub in Castle Vale: “I wanted to congratulate all those involved on a fantastic weekend of paddling and water activity! I absolutely loved meeting everyone and seeing how the organisations’ passion and energy inspired the young people to get on the water…these efforts have developed new experiences and new fans of the outdoors and water, so thank you.”
 

Esme Booth, British Rowing Olympic Silver medallist said: “I feel truly inspired by all the work everyone is doing to get people out on the water and would love to see if we can make rowing part of this, making it available to the communities in Birmingham as a sustainable project that is open to a diverse group of people of all abilities and backgrounds.”

Retired Olympian Andy Train, who has been the driving force behind The Birmingham Community Paddle Sport Project, said: “It has been a great festival! Our partnership with StreetGames, who also support our hubs year-round, has meant we were able to attract a further 500 families this weekend. Our community paddle sport hubs are based on the doorstep of the most underserved communities. The canal network in Birmingham reaches into everyone. In this way have been able to give young people and families a real opportunity to get into water sport and if they want, stay with it.”

Further feedback from partners involved has been overwhelmingly positive:

“This event has been a great opportunity to showcase different organisations working in partnership to reach into the underserved communities giving young people from low-income families the chance to access water sports. We are especially grateful to the role that StreetGames has played in enabling engagement through their network of locally trusted organisations and in bringing us all together to make this happen very effectively. We are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with StreetGames and to expanding this way of working not just in Birmingham but also across England.” – Greg Van Heerden, Recreational Programmes Lead (Paddle UK). 

“Truly inspirational! I can’t really say more than that. Other than, I am very excited for the possibilities of what’s next.” – Rebecca Gibson, Love Rowing.  

“It was brilliant to hear The Andrew Simpson Centre were able to support 150 individuals getting out on the water. Given the large initial expressions of interest, we, of course, would be happy to work with all to offer further opportunities to access watersports.” – Richard Percy (CEO Andrew Simpson Foundation) 

 “I’m delighted to hear of the event’s success last weekend; a great testament to the creativity, vision and dedication of the partnerships that has been brought together.” – Caroline Slocock, ASF Fundraising Manager.  

#SafeinSport: Safeguarding and the role of Doorstep Sport

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#SafeinSport: Safeguarding and the role of Doorstep Sport

The NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit is once again hosting its #SafeInSport awareness raising week from 7-11 October 2024. The campaign reminds us that everyone has a role to play in keeping children and young people safe in sport. This year’s campaign is focusing on building safer sporting communities.

Everyone in the StreetGames community plays a vital role in ensuring children and young people are safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Safeguarding is about adopting policies and practices that enable a caring environment where every child and young person feels listened to, valued and protected.

We know from our network survey that the mental and physical wellbeing of the young people you work with is of the highest importance. Underpinning effective Doorstep Sport is a person-centred approach which prioritises and responds to what young people need both within and beyond the activities being delivered.

This #SafeInSport week, we’re celebrating the power of our collective responsibility. Throughout the campaign, we will be recognising the valuable role of Doorstep Sport in providing a safe space for young people. You can read some positive examples from our network members below.

How Doorstep Sport contributes to safer sporting communities

Walsall FC Coach Honoured for Community Safety Work

Martin Manley from Walsall FC Foundation has spent 10+ years supporting at-risk young people in Walsall, increasing local Doorstep Sport provision through partnerships.

Sports Fun 4 All: Inclusive Football Coaching for Community Well-Being and Growth

Trusted adults, or the ‘right people’, are a key ingredient of effective Doorstep Sport. Participants at Sports Fun 4 All value the safe & friendly environment that allows them to express themselves and develop positive, lasting relationships.

ReflecTeen Winner of StreetGames' Doorstep Sport Award

Successful Doorstep Sport plays a vital role in safeguarding young people. In Manchester, ReflecTeen offer early intervention through mentoring, sports and educational support, helping young people navigate life's challenges.

Onboard Skatepark: Using extreme sports as a tool for positive mental health

If young people feel safe and heard when things are going right, they are more likely to open up if something is wrong. Onboard Skatepark have fostered an environment where young people feel comfortable to share.

Palace for Life (PfL) Foundation

Committed to enhancing the safety of young people in the local area, Palace for Life received investment from the Youth Justice Sport Fund which enabled them to expand their reach and establish vital support systems for their participants.

Youth Ngage Honoured for Mental Health Work in StreetGames’ Awards

Doorstep Sport creates a caring environment where young people feel listened to, valued and protected. Young Ngage bridges the gap between young people and higher authority, discouraging anti-social behaviour and developing youth champions.

Gareth Bale inspires young people at Festival of Sport

Gareth Bale inspires young people at Festival of Sport

Football legend Gareth Bale hailed a best-ever event as he stepped up his commitment to promoting sporting opportunities for young people.

Hosted at at the Celtic Manor Resort, the third annual Gareth Bale Festival of Sport on September 14-15 saw more than 100 children from some of the most underserved communities in South Wales given the chance to sample a wide variety of sports.

Organised in partnership with Wales Golf, StreetGames and CAA Sports, the multi-sport event saw Bale try his hand at sports including cricket, badminton, table tennis and skateboarding, as he inspired youngsters from community groups to enjoy the many benefits of sporting participation.

Bale, the former Real Madrid superstar who is Wales’s record goalscorer, also took part in Q&A sessions with the young people attending before presenting the Gareth Bale Championship trophy to the winning golfer following two days of intense competition on Celtic Manor’s Montgomerie and Roman Road golf courses.

Bale said: “This is the third year that we have held the Gareth Bale Festival of Sport and this one has been the best yet. As a boy, I played every sport I could and I’m sure that helped my development as an athlete. That’s why it’s great to see young people in Wales getting the chance to try lots of different sports they might not otherwise get the chance to.”

Claire Lane, StreetGames National Director, Wales, said: “At StreetGames, we are committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of sport. The Gareth Bale Festival of Sport is a perfect example of how we can provide children with the chance to explore a range of sports, helping them find their passion and stay active.

“This event is also a critical step in our mission to establish year-round, multisport opportunities in underserved communities, opening pathways for young people to grow into volunteers and community leaders. It’s a reminder to mainstream sports providers of the importance of adapting to meet the needs of all young people, especially those from low-income areas.”

Theo Baker, Head of Participation at Wales Golf, said: “Both the Festival of Sport and the Gareth Bale Championship have gone from strength to strength over the last three years. We are working together to show the benefits that sport can bring to people and communities, and it’s fantastic to be able to do this at an iconic venue like Celtic Manor. These are exciting times for golf in Wales with Gareth’s involvement and next year the AIG Women’s Open Championship will be held in Wales for the first time at Royal Porthcawl.”

New Bury Boxing celebrates three years of community support

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New Bury Boxing celebrates three years of community support

Working as part of an alliance with other community groups from the area and with the support of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit, New Bury Boxing is once again providing a positive, accessible sporting offer for local young people.

New Bury and Farnworth ABC was a well-established and much-loved boxing club for many years, with a strong community focus. When the club closed around 2014, so too did the youth club which ran out of New Bury Community Learning Centre, leaving little to do for young people living in the local area.

In 2020, through their ‘community-led approach’ work, Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit invested funds into New Bury as a community in need. Local consultation identified key priorities for the area, which included more positive activities for young people. It was clear that boxing still meant a lot to the community, with a strong desire to re-establish the boxing club.

As part of an alliance with other local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, and with the support of StreetGames, Bolton-based community boxing gym Elite Community Hub received funding to run boxing sessions in New Bury, marking the start of a revived boxing offer for local young people.

The following year, New Bury Boxing was reopened with brand new coaches from the local community, including parents who were keen to support the provision of positive activities for children and young people in the local community. The club has been building up slowly since then, allowing it to become sustainable beyond the initial community-led programme. The community-led alliance continues to go from strength to strength, with collaborative funding applications and delivery and the development of sustainable local partnerships.

On Monday 12th August, New Bury Boxing held a celebration event to mark its third anniversary. More than 20 local young people came along to celebrate all that the club has achieved, with activities including fitness games and a free raffle, with boxing gloves, a 1-2-1 training session and chocolates handed out as prizes. The young people also enjoyed some pizza and cupcakes.

As part of the celebration, the club shared its brand new banner which was put up outside to promote their new timetable. Having initially started with only one weekly session in their first year, the club expanded to four sessions per week in their second year and are now looking forward to offering six sessions per week for young people aged 8-18, with an additional three sessions for over 18-year-olds.

Along with the exciting news of their expanded offer, the club showcased their new boxing equipment which has been funded by Sport England, and were also able to put up the boxing ring which had been purchased through participating in the Hits Radio Cash for Kids Sports Challenge.

The club has also been successful in securing funding from The National Lottery and Bolton’s Fund, enabling them to offer 1-2-1 mentoring and small group sessions called Talk and Train to help young people with social, emotional and mental health issues.

New Bury Boxing club currently has five coaches, all from the area, along with five amateur boxers. The team is actively looking to expand, including encouraging more local parents to get involved by offering training and support into coaching or admin roles.

Comments from young people and parents on the ‘Feedback Wall’ at the celebration event highlight the importance of New Bury Boxing for the local community:

“New Bury Boxing is a place I feel safe and I can talk to the coaches”

“It’s been great for [x], it has given him extra confidence”

“Confidence and fitness level has improved”

“I like New Bury Boxing for the people (coaches) and friends”

Sport’s Impact on Youth Offending: ‘Getting On Track’ Report Calls for Policy Action

NEWS

Sport’s Impact on Youth Offending: ‘Getting On Track’ Report Calls for Policy Action

Political parties must prioritise the contribution of sport and physical activity if they are genuinely committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour more effectively, according to new research published today.

In its new report ‘Getting On Track’, the Sport for Development Coalition says the Government could and should be trusting and utilising more specialist organisations embedded within local communities to maximise the return on its investment into reducing youth offending and re-offending.

Furthermore at a national level, policy-makers must focus on helping to strengthen partnership working between the youth justice and sport sectors in order to address the inconsistencies in existing structures, and fully capitalise on the contribution that sport can make to society.

Getting On Track is based on learning and evaluation from the Youth Justice Sport Fund, a £5million fund from the Ministry of Justice which was managed and distributed to 218 local partners across England Wales throughout early 2023 by Coalition partners StreetGames and the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice.

Produced in collaboration by three Universities, it is the third report in a series underpinning the Coalition’s #OpenGoal framework, and includes five key recommendations aimed at maximising the contribution of sport for development to policy priorities and helping to stem spiralling public costs.

Hitesh Patel, Executive Director of the Sport for Development Coalition, said:

“We’re pleased to publish this third report in the #OpenGoal series and, on behalf of the many Coalition partners focused on reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, look forward to working with DCMS, the Ministry of Justice and other arms of Government to maximise the contribution of sport and physical activity to reducing youth offending and re-offending, and the mounting public costs associated with it.”

Mark Lawrie, CEO of StreetGames, commented:

“This report clearly demonstrates the positive impact on vulnerable young people of appropriately delivered sport and physical activity. Local interventions work. When designed with the evidence of what works by trusted adults in trusted community settings they develop pro-social behaviours and reduce anti-social and criminal behaviours. It is another piece in the jigsaw, creating the picture of how sport for development delivers individual and social impact.”

James Mapstone, CEO of the Alliance of Sport in Criminal Justice, added:

“As a Board member of the Coalition and a partner in this initiative, I’m proud to see our collective efforts leading to greater support for the sector and reinforcing the role of physical activity and sport as effective tools for tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. Together we will continue advocating for these transformative approaches to be integral, not optional, in crime reduction strategies.”

Dr Haydn Morgan, speaking on behalf of the research team drawn from the University of Bath, Loughborough University and Royal Holloway University of London, said:

“This report adds further weight to the significant evidence base that demonstrates the impactful role that sport and physical activity can have on crime and anti-social outcomes. It also demonstrates the clear benefits of connecting academics with policy-makers and practitioners to develop cost-effective solutions to addressing social challenges through sport and physical activity.”

The five recommendations in the report specifically call on policy-makers to:

  1. Invest in the professional development and wellbeing of the workforce and prioritise staff retention
  2. Utilise trusted specialist organisations to maximise the return on investment
  3. Strengthen partnership working between the youth justice and sport sectors to address the inconsistency and fragmentation in existing structures
  4. Support and empower organisations to commit to this work in the long term, to be agile and responsive to identified need, and exercise autonomy in their resource allocation
  5. Facilitate the meaningful involvement of beneficiaries and experts by experience

The report also includes a series of practical and achievable next steps based on partnership working – for example through the Government’s recently-formed National Physical Activity Taskforce; workforce development; and the meaningful involvement of beneficiaries and experts by lived experience.

Hitesh added: “We invite policy-makers, funding bodies and practitioners to consider these recommendations, and welcome the opportunity to work together with partners on how best to implement them in a meaningful and impactful way.”

Read the report: ‘Getting On Track: Reducing Youth Offending and Re-offending Through Sport and Physical Activity’

£300,000 Funding Boost for Community Sport Programmes Supporting Young People at Risk of Violence

Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit commissions community sport-based intervention projects through sport partner StreetGames

  • Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has provided £300,000 of investment for community sport through the Greater Manchester Violence Prevention Fund.
  • StreetGames are the VRU’s strategic sports partner and are responsible for commissioning organisations that can deliver against the VRU’s strategic sports plan.

The £300,000 investment will use community sport-based interventions to enhance positive outcomes for young people at risk of violence aged 10-25.

Eight organisations from across Greater Manchester have been commissioned, each receiving between £24,000 – £45,000: Abraham Moss Warriors, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, Bury Defence Academy, City in the Community, Stride UK, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, Water Adventure Centre and Your Trust Rochdale.

Each will take a bespoke approach to the local area they are working in and the group of young people they are working with to ensure sustainability. Young people will have the opportunity to engage in sport, mentoring, leadership and volunteering based activities.

The funding will support vulnerable children and young people through addressing one or more of the Greater Manchester VRU strategic sport plan visions;

  • more sport in more places
  • more workforce with more competencies
  • more vulnerable children and young people referred and engaged

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for policing, crime, criminal justice, and fire, said: “Providing young people with opportunities to engage is positive activity is an effective way of preventing involvement with crime and violence. Sport is widely recognised as having a role in prevention and early intervention work with young people at risk of offending behaviour as it can help them to feel good about themselves, make positive choices and decisions, feel positively about their futures, and feel part of their community.

“Through the Violence Reduction Unit’s partnership with StreetGames we have already provided sport opportunities and interventions that enhance the quality of provision, shape future thinking and drive system sector change in Greater Manchester. The additional sport-based interventions we have funded will allow more vulnerable young people to access positive activities and receive the support they need.”

Mark Lawrie, CEO of StreetGames, said: “This investment will make a real difference in the lives of young people across Greater Manchester, supporting local community sports organisations to deliver tailored support for hundreds of young people.

“We know that sport, delivered in the right way by the right people, can make a huge difference to young lives, not just in terms of mental and physical wellbeing but by providing support and mentoring for vulnerable young people who may be at risk of violence and exploitation.

“By giving young people more opportunities to take part in positive activity, these programmes are helping to keep communities safer and improve young lives through sport.”

Danny Schofield, Head of Play, Youth and Sport at Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: “The Greater Manchester Violence Prevention Fund makes an amazing difference and is exactly what is needed. It helps us work together with vulnerable young people who need more support to develop their confidence, communication, and other skills.

“We see that sport is a really powerful way for many young people to start engaging and leads to many other opportunities and support that comes through taking part in sport and building trusted, consistent, positive relationships with coaches and youth work teams. More people are now seeing how powerful sport can be as an engagement and intervention tool and that’s fantastic for young people.”

Delivery has now started and will continue until March 2025.

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