Turning Tragedy into Triumph: Churchtown Primary School Wins Inspiring Play Award

In a remarkable demonstration of resilience and community spirit, Churchtown Primary School in Southport has been awarded the Inspiring Play Award at the 2026 Youth Sport Trust Awards. This accolade comes nearly two years after the tragic loss of two of its pupils,Alice da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, during a dance workshop in July 2024.

A Playground Built on Hope

In response to the heartbreak, the school community transformed their grief into hope, embarking on a mission to create a new playground in memory of Alice and Bebe. Through a series of fundraising initiatives, students raised an impressive £380,000. The new playground will not only honor the memory of their peers but also promote unstructured, child-led play, thereby enriching the school experience for future generations.

Community Unity and Support

Headteacher Jinnie Payne expressed her pride, stating, "This is for all for the community – the Southport community – but also nationally, in terms of the amount of gifts and money we had to build the playground for the children at Churchtown.” Deputy Head Tom Dowd echoed her sentiments, remarking on the pride the students feel in being part of a project that has transformed their playtimes and brought the community closer together.

Celebrating Inclusivity and Empowerment

The Youth Sport Trust Awards, which celebrated innovative approaches to children's health and wellbeing, featured notable speakers from the sporting world, including former England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunter. The event underscored the critical impact of sport and play in fostering inclusivity and positive change within schools. Sarah Massey, director of sport at the British Olympic Association, highlighted the powerful stories shared at the awards, reiterating the ability of sports to change lives and encourage young people to stay active.

This award serves not only as recognition for the school’s efforts but also as an inspiration to communities everywhere facing similar trials. By unitedly turning pain into progress, Churchtown Primary School sets a remarkable example of how to transform tragedy into a beacon of hope for the future.