A Tees Valley executive director and partnerships manager has been recognised for her innovative and adaptable approach to supporting local schools and their physical education offering.

Claire Tennyson, of Redcar & Eston School Sport Partnership was highly commended in the Campbell Award category at the Youth Sport Trust 2024 Conference Awards, sponsored by Sports Directory and The LEGO Group.

The award category, sponsored by Barclays, recognises network leaders who have influenced changed in their area that has positively impacted 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.

Tennyson said: “It’s brilliant that I got nominated and it makes you feel like you’re doing a really good job.

“I always coming to the Youth Sport Trust Conference. I’ve been doing it for 19 years now.

“It’s great to hear what everybody is doing and take inspiration from everybody and it’s just that celebration of children and young people.

“I’m proud of how I’ve built up partnerships in the local community to get children more active in our local area.”

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/