Ethan – Young Activist Award Winner

National Charity Award Recognises Welsh Student’s Sporting Advocacy

Loughborough, 20th November - Ethan, from Cardiff Met Archers, has been named the Young Activist Award Winner at the 2025 Youth Sport Trust Young Changemaker Awards for his outstanding leadership skills, enthusiasm and support for encouraging other young people to get active. The awards celebrate young people who, working alongside Youth Sport Trust and Youth Sport Trust International, have made a real and impactful change to their life and the lives of others through PE, physical activity, play and school sport.

The Young Activist Award was presented by Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive Ali Oliver MBE, alongside Victoria Woods from Sport Wales and recognises a young ambassador who is a role model and leader for sport in their community.

A long-standing member of Young Ambassadors Cymru, a youth leadership program run by the Youth Sport Trust and funded by Sport Wales that develops future leaders through sport, facilitates activities, and tackles inequalities, Ethan mentors other young players, as well as champions safe and enjoyable environment for young referees.

Ethan said, “When I got involved with Young Ambassadors it was very much about helping people close to me. I thought that I could use my voice and my roles in the Youth Sport Trust [programme] to make good on that. Specifically, it was for inclusivity in sports. I really wanted to strive to make sure everyone had the opportunity to be able to come and try sport and do different things. I want younger players to leave knowing they have felt they’re in a safe environment. I want them to come in and be able to have fun and not worry about any external problems.”

Last year, Ethan was selected as team captain for his Basketball club’s most recent

annual 24-hour charity game, the first time a young person had been chosen for this role. Ethan and his co-captain each led a team each over 24 hours of continuous basketball, raising over £6000 profit, with Ethan donating £3000 to the Youth Sport Trust. Alongside sitting his GCSEs, Ethan was responsible for contributing to the planning and delivery of the event, which saw over 150 people taking part across the running, wheelchair and Additional Learning Needs sessions.

Watch Ethan’s story here.

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.”remind us why giving every young person the chance to belong and thrive is so vital.”

Notable sporting and health advocacy figures in attendance included World Champion inline skater and Youth Sport Trust athlete mentor Jenna Downing, former England International rugby player, Maggie Alphonsi MBE, and Youth Sport Trust Health and Wellbeing Champion, Dr Radha Modgil.

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: supporters@youthsporttrust.org.

About the Youth Sport Trust

The Youth Sport Trust is the leading UK children’s charity for improving young people's health and wellbeing through sport and play. We empower young people and equip educators to build brighter futures through the power of physical activity. Founded in 1995, we work with around 20,000 schools and provides opportunities for over two million children every year. Our vision is to create a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport.

For media enquiries please contact press@youthsporttrust.org.