Active Youth Champion Award Finalists
The Active Active Youth Champion Award celebrates an individual who has helped children and young people to be more active. It recognises someone who has made a significant difference supporting children and young people to move more, either through delivering sessions, being a champion to encourage children and young people moving more and enjoy being active, or opening opportunities up, especially for those who are currently less active and facing barriers to participating in physical activity.
Our Finalists
Nikita Capes (Empire Elite Allstars Cheerleading)
Nikita Capes founded a small cheerleading class in Crowland in 2018 to offer young people a new way to stay active in an area with limited opportunities. Her recreational classes quickly gained popularity, leading to the creation of Empire Elite Allstars Cheerleading CIC. Nikita expanded the club to include competitive cheerleading and dance, coaching her teams to success across the country over five seasons.
She introduced junior coaches, supporting them in obtaining coaching qualifications, and many have continued in the sport at university. Nikita's efforts extend beyond classes, organising fun activities like online challenges and "bring a parent" sessions that strengthen relationships through physical activity. She is also a role model, and competes in national and international cheerleading competitions, inspiring her athletes by showcasing the heights they can reach.
Nikita is committed to making cheerleading accessible for all; she has set up a hardship fund for families in need and works to increase girls' participation in sports, especially around the age when many drop out of physical activity.
Lindsay Linder (swimming teacher)
Lindsay has been nominated for this award due to her exceptional dedication as a swimming teacher. Her work spans school swim lessons, group sessions, and personalised one-on-one classes, demonstrating her versatility in teaching youth water safety and proficiency.
Lindsay is committed to inclusivity and she ensures that every child, regardless of background or ability, feels valued. Many of her students have overcome fear of water to become confident swimmers, and she has successfully taught children with learning and physical challenges, helping them achieve milestones once thought unreachable. Her tailored lesson plans ensure that all her students, make progress and feel accomplished.
Lindsay’s work positively impacts her students’ self-esteem and confidence, benefiting other areas of their lives.
Ryan Pick (Boston United Community Foundation)
Ryan's journey with Boston United began with the Community Foundation’s football fun days, where his passion for football soon evolved into a desire to give back. Upon aging out of the participant category, he started volunteering, which has had a significant impact on the community. Ryan joined the Foundation's Football and Education programme and has become an essential part of numerous projects.
Ryan’s involvement spans beyond the pitch, actively supporting school sessions, disability programmes, Tiny Pilgrims, Wildcats, the HAF programme, and even serving as a match official and mascot coordinator on matchdays. He recently became a volunteer coach for the U13 football team, further deepening his contributions. Ryan's work has created a ripple effect, inspiring others to engage in community activities, fostering unity, and making a lasting positive impact on those he supports.
