Proudly sponsored by PING

This award recognises an individual, group or organisation who have made an outstanding contribution to providing opportunities for people to have a positive experience of physical activity. It celebrates those who have impacted a wide range of people to improve their access, involvement and / or enjoyment of sport or other physical activity - especially for those who are currently less active and facing barriers to participation.

Our Finalists

Nik Fox

A few years ago, Nik Fox envisioned transforming two unused fields at Kenwick Park Golf Club into a 9-hole Par 3 course, designed to give young people and newcomers a chance to experience golf firsthand. As the junior organiser, he aimed to create an accessible environment for juniors, allowing them to play rather than just learn.

With no budget, Nik led a team of volunteers to bring his vision to life. Now open seven days a week, the course sees an average of 100 juniors playing weekly from April to October. Nik also conducts structured coaching sessions for 45 children every Saturday. The course features holes ranging from 55 to 110 yards, ideal for children and young people as well as those lacking confidence to tackle an 18-hole layout. It also offers a relaxed space for families to enjoy time together.

The course hosts the Golf Foundation’s Golf Sixers event, attracting clubs from across the East Midlands for community engagement. Additionally, Nik has initiated summer golf camps and collaborated with Magna Vitae Community Coaches to bring rural children to the club through the "Schools Out" program, offering them diverse experiences in golf.

Nick Lister Fitness

Through Nick Lister Fitness, Nik provides bootcamps and running clubs which have changed people’s lives for the better. His outdoor village bootcamps provide a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities to flourish. With an emphasis on ‘progress not perfection’, they allow everyone to feel like they belong. The sessions are affordable, and welcome many underserved groups in the rural community. They are also multi-generational, with a five decade age range across participants!

Nick’s running clubs cater for every ability, including some who may have never engaged in running before. They aim to reduce perceived barriers to physical activity by focusing on confidence rather than competition. Nick is also an inspiration and role model to his community, as an ultra-runner who has raised thousands for charity.

Dan Hone

Former professional football player Dan Hone wanted to use his experience to inspire & mentor young people. Having experienced various training systems nationwide, he envisioned coaching children in a way he had always wished to be coached. Nine years ago, Dan established Kixx Lincoln with minimal resources—just a bag of balls and a few bibs. From his first session with only 3 children, his initiative has grown to engage over 600 children weekly, and has positively impacted more than 12,000 young lives.

Recognising the need for an indoor football centre in Lincolnshire, Dan set up Active Arena CIC. The site opened, when restrictions were eased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then Active Arena CIC has since become a thriving community asset. Located in one of Lincoln's most deprived wards, the dynamic indoor football centre is designed to engage young people facing statistical disadvantages. Dan has created a true community hub where children, young people, and their families feel welcomed and valued.


View all our finalists