An academy trust in the West of England has been recognised with a national prize for its outstanding service to pupil and staff wellbeing through physical activity.

Cabot Learning Federation, based across the region including Bristol, won the Outstanding Multi Academy Trust Practice award at the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Conference Awards, sponsored by Sports Directory and The LEGO Group.

The accolade, sponsored by Sports Directory, recognises to a multi-academy trust that places pupil and staff wellbeing at its core, delivering a coordinated approach to leveraging PE, play and sport to support resilient learners.

The Youth Sport Trust is the UK’s leading children’s charity improving every young person’s education and development through sport.

Education director Kate Richardson said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our award.

“It’s been five years of building a curriculum for ages two to 19 across our Trust and we’ve organised lots of other initiatives within that.

“It’s been a huge investment from our Trust in terms of PE, sport and wellbeing and we’re so pleased to be highlighted.

“We’re based around five local authorities so it’s a very proud moment for the entire Trust to be given this award tonight.”

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/