Two co-chairs 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 from Grantham and fellow chair of the Schools Active Movement 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 soundboard behind what we do so this award is for them as well.

“Every time I come to these awards; I’m always inspired so I feel privileged that someone can be inspired by what we’ve done.

“Getting people healthier and more active never stops being the full mission.

“You can’t do anything on your own so it’s so important to help the work of everybody.”

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.

The 31-year-old also sat down for a keynote speaker session and shared advice and anecdotes from her athlete career.

She said: “It’s been a really great evening and event.

“Sport is what I do and how I’ve been brought up through youth development and all the competitions that I did through this organisation as a kid.

“It’s nice to be here and giving back and it’s great to hear so many inspiring stories.

“I don’t know who I am without sport and that came from PE lessons doing high jump when I was younger.

“From that young age, I found an identity through it where I was known for being good at something.”

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.”

The Youth Sport Trust Annual Conference Awards celebrate schools, settings, trusts, and individuals who, working alongside Youth Sport Trust, have made a real and impactful change to the lives of young people. Find out how the Youth Sport Trust is building brighter futures for children through sport and play. https://www.youthsporttrust.org/