How a School Sports Partnership is Transforming Young Lives in Croydon
The South London’s Croydon School Sports Partnership has recently made headlines by winning the Positive Experiences for Targeted Young People Award at the School Games Impact Awards 2026. This recognition underscores their remarkable efforts in promoting the wellbeing of students and ensuring safe participation in sports.
A Focus on Wellbeing
The award-winning initiative, known as the ‘Play. Chill. Heal.’ project, has established a strategy that emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery in sports. Agata Maj, the School Games Organiser at the partnership, expressed her delight at receiving this accolade, highlighting the project’s role in reducing anxiety, boosting confidence, and engaging young people who are often underrepresented in physical activities.
Creating Inclusive Opportunities
Maj underscored the significance of inclusivity, noting the project’s ability to bring together participants from varied backgrounds, including girls who are less active and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The project’s success illustrates how meaningful opportunities in sport can enhance both physical activity and mental wellbeing.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The recognition from the School Games Impact Awards not only celebrates the partnership's achievements but also emphasizes the broader implications of their work. Former Team England basketball player Daniel Edozie, who delivered the keynote speech at the awards, commended the educational professionals’ commitment to promoting wellbeing through sport.
As Clare Warburton from the Youth Sport Trust pointed out, the role of community sports in nurturing young minds and building relationships cannot be underestimated. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in fostering a supportive environment for young people.
As the Croydon School Sports Partnership moves forward, there is optimism for the continued growth and impact of the ‘Play. Chill. Heal.’ project. Maj’s pride in the collective achievements of her team, schools, and communities reflects a shared vision of greater inclusivity and empowerment for all young people. The journey of transformation in Croydon is just beginning, and it holds the promise of a healthier and more connected future.
