2025 Report from the London Youth Games Foundation showing the positive impact of sport for young people

Today, we are pleased to announce the launch of our 2025 Impact Report. The report details the impact we have had through the Open Games, and our strategic programmes, the School Games, LYG33, Inclusive Coaches and our GamesForce volunteering programme.

Our objectives are to, improve youth and community social integration, ensuring sport is a fundamental right for all, and to deliver sport experiences that improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. Our report sets out our progress for these objectives.

Through our Open Games programme, we supported:

• 7,798 young people to take part in London Youth Games events this year
• 46% of Open Games participants were from the 1st – 5th most deprived areas of London (IMD 1-5)
• 5,130 participants and spectators engaged with the LYG Finals Festival weekend on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Through our other strategic programmes, we supported:

• 36 members through our LYG33 youth engagement and leadership programme, empowering young Londoners
• 91% of LYG33 members said LYG33 developed their leadership skills.
• 24 coaches were trained to work with young disabled people, through our Inclusive Coaches programme
• 165,169 young people took part in local and London wide activities and events as part of the School Games this year
• 43% ethnically diverse young people took part in London Youth Games events this year, as part of the School Games

Redbridge Netball Player Divine said: “Playing at the London Youth Games Finals Festival was honestly amazing and it brought everyone together. Seeing people who I aspire to be like playing in the Copper Box and the fact that I was playing there too, it meant a lot to me, and it gave me a big opportunity and a great experience.”

LYG Chair, Prof. Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL QP JM, said: “For 48 years, the London Youth Games has united young Londoners, using sport and physical activity to foster community inclusion, and empowerment. As we approach our 50th anniversary, we are committed to continuing this legacy, creating an opportunity for young people and communities to thrive.”

Sport is a fundamental human right, yet those who face the greatest inequalities are most likely to be inactive with the social and societal issues that can result. The London Youth Games plays a crucial role in empowering young people to become healthier, safer, and more successful. We’re committed to creating the world’s largest and most inclusive city-based multi activity youth experience. As we look forward to our 50th anniversary in 2027, we’re excited and committed to providing more opportunities for more young people through the power of sport, enrichment and physical activity.

Discover more in the interactive report.