Two highly respected people have received a national prize for their tireless work and commitment to bring countless opportunities for young people to get active across the country.
Vincent Brittain, fellow founder of the Schools Active Movement and CEO of inspire+ and, Alan Watkinson from Hounslow won the Campbell Award (Network Leader/Local Influencer Award) at the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Conference Awards, sponsored by Sports Directory and The LEGO Group.
Award sponsors Barclays, and supporters of the Youth Sport Trust mission, donated an additional prize of two tickets to the men’s Euros final this summer in Berlin, three nights’ accommodation, and business class flights.
The Campbell award acknowledges a network leader who has influenced change in their area that has positively impacted on schools and young people through PE, sport, and play.
The Youth Sport Trust is the UK’s leading children’s charity improving every young person’s education and development through sport.
Brittain said: “There is a fantastic board behind Schools Active Movement and I have phenomenal colleagues and trustees at inspire+ so this award is for them as well.”
“Every time I come to these prestigious awards; I’m always inspired so I feel privileged to be recognised.”
“Getting people healthier and more active never stops being the full mission.”
At the heart of Vincent’s mission is a deep commitment to young people to become healthier, happier and more active. Through inspire+, he has changed the lives of many young people by establishing one of the largest and most successful providers of PE, Sport and Wellbeing apprenticeships in the country; hosts Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) and Move and Food camps that in 12 months has provided over 6000 hot nutritious lunches for children on benefits related free school meals, organises the highly anticipated annual Mini Olympics, that sees over 2500 young people inspired each year and provides leadership opportunities for hundreds of young people both in primary and secondary schools.
Founding Schools Active Movement has meant that 185 not-for-profit organisations are supported across England. These organisations work with over 14,000 schools and 3 million children.
Sir Mo Farah sent a virtual message of thanks to the pair who have committed their working lives to building strong locally based organisations who continue to be inspired by the power of sport.
Reigning heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson was also in attendance to recognise those who have gone above and beyond from across the country.
More than 120 nominations were received from across the seven categories, and judging panels of experts reviewed the shortlisted entries to decide the finalists.
Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver added: “There have been so many incredibly worthy nominees for the various awards.
“I’m so excited about all the innovation and tremendous practice that is going on across the country to build brighter futures for young people through the power of sport.”