Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award Finalists
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The Positive Experiences for Children and Young People Award recognises an individual, group or organisation who is making an outstanding contribution to providing opportunities for children and young people to have a positive experience of physical activity. In particular those opening up opportunities for those who are currently less active and facing barriers to participating in physical activity.
Our Finalists
Empire Elite Allstars Cheerleading
Empire Elite, founded by Nikita Capes in Crowland in 2018, aims to promote physical activity among young people in an area of Lincolnshire with limited opportunities. The club's recreational classes quickly gained popularity, leading to the establishment of Empire Elite Allstars Cheerleading CIC. With five successful seasons of competitive cheerleading and dance, athletes, coaches, and parents travel nationwide for competitions.
The club offers junior coaching, enabling young coaches to gain qualifications through BGU, many of whom continue in the sport at university. Regular "bring a parent" sessions foster confidence and strengthen relationships through physical activity. Nikita and her team are approachable role models, and their support extends to a fundraising committee for extra activities like Christmas parties and Danceathons. They also created a hardship fund for families in need. The club positively impacts young lives, helping members to build confidence and develop a passion for cheerleading
Each year, the club organises showcase events and an annual awards night, allowing athletes to perform for friends and family. Committed to increasing girls' participation in sports and reducing dropouts, the club has secured a larger space in Pinchbeck for practice.
Fosse Way Academy
This year, Fosse Way Academy aimed to increase participation and enjoyment of sport among students. Recognising the importance of positive experiences in primary school, the goal was to expand the range of sports events beyond the national curriculum.
Over the year, the school participated in 24 different sporting events in Lincolnshire, including fencing, ultimate frisbee, archery, athletics, judo, tag rugby, and football. Every student (totaling 500 pupils) represented the school at least once, ensuring inclusivity for all genders and backgrounds. Notably, the school fielded its first girls' football team, finishing third in their league in their inaugural season, while the mixed team won their league and advanced to Finals Day. In athletics, the school represented Lincoln at a county level, finishing a close second.
In recognition of these efforts, the school received the gold award from School Games Organisers for excellence in physical literacy. Student feedback indicated high enjoyment levels, leading many to join local teams. Additionally, initiatives like "Bags of Character" helped improve emotional regulation, reducing negative behavior in classrooms. Overall, the enhancements have fostered a culture of activity and well-being among all students.
Giles Academy Cricket Leadership Group
Giles Academy's Cricket Leadership students have enjoyed transformative sporting experiences through the Cricket Leadership Award Programme, in partnership with Chance to Shine and Lincolnshire Cricket.
The programme offered students weekly after-school training sessions focused on developing leadership qualities, teamwork, empathy, and self-confidence. Over two years, 29 students have participated, gaining valuable life skills and unique opportunities. The inaugural group coached cricket skills to primary students during the Women’s Ashes Series at Trent Bridge, profoundly impacting their self-confidence and showcasing how sport opens doors to positive experiences.
This year, the second cohort applied their skills by officiating and scoring at the local primary school 8-a-side Dynamos Cricket Festival. They interacted with primary students, teachers, and parents, demonstrating remarkable confidence and capability. The success of the Giles Academy Cricket Leadership Programme contributed to the school being named ‘Chance to Shine Secondary School of the Year’ for its promotion of girls in cricket.
