LONDON YOUTH GAMES FOUNDATION IMPACT REPORT 2026
The Games was first introduced to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee – 49 years later, this is the only event from that celebration to still exist.
Prof. Geoff Thompson
MBE FRSA DL QP JM
Chair, London Youth Games
"At London Youth Games, we believe that sport is not a privilege, but a right for every young person. Since our founding to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, we’ve given over 2 million young Londoners transformative opportunities, often for the very first time.
With our 50th anniversary happening next year in 2027, we'll reach even more young people, break down barriers and ensure that sport is a right enjoyed by all."
London Youth Games Foundation exists to make sure every young Londoner has the chance to discover physical activity and sport in a city where opportunity isn’t equal.
THROUGH OUR PROGRAMMES, WE:
Strengthen communities across the capital
Help young people become more physically active and healthier
Develop inclusive sports coaches who put every young person first
Provide skills, workshops and projects that support future employment
WHAT
WE DELIVER
98,134
hours of youth, volunteer and coach engagement
in 2025/26
WHO WE
SUPPORT
12,287
young people, coaches and volunteers
in 2025/26
Social Value generated in 2025/26 across all programmes
Coaches
Social Value Generated Across London
Hover over each borough to view the Social Value generated.
This figure represents both primary value - the wellbeing benefits that individuals experience from being active - and secondary value, which reflects the cost savings to public services like healthcare.
Figures are calculated based on Sport England's "Social value and return on investment of sport and physical activity" 2025 report
Residents of all 33 boroughs benefit from the Foundation's work - CLICK THE MAP TO HEAR FROM RESIDENTS FROM YOUR BOROUGH
11,331
young people, coaches and volunteers
in 2025/26 across our programmes
THROUGH OUR PROGRAMMES, WE:
Strengthen communities across the capital
Help young people become more physically active and healthier
Develop inclusive sports coaches who put every young person first
Provide skills, workshops and projects that support future employment
London Youth Games Foundation exists to make sure every young Londoner has the chance to discover physical activity and sport in a city where opportunity isn’t equal.
Open Games
YOUTH SPORT IN THE COMMUNITY
Number of unique open games participants at London-wide events and finals
Hours of open games delivery
Our longest-standing community youth sporting competition is the Open Games - enabling young Londoners from all backgrounds to compete for their borough in 27 sports.
The Games delivered social value to 7,245 young Londoners last season - uniting all 32 boroughs and the City of London.
It has provided more than two million young people over the last 49 years with opportunities to develop confidence, build friendships and discover their potential through sport.
The Games has inspired Olympic and Paralympic champions and created pathways that have transformed lives both on and off the field of play.
Every borough competing in the London Youth Games dreams of lifting the Jubilee Trophy – one of the most prestigious awards in London's sporting landscape which title brings pride and recognition to the winning borough.
Mikeighla, Richmond girls volleyball player
"I really like that there’s a community, and all the London boroughs can come together and enjoy sport, which I find amazing."
Gil, Haringey boys cricket player
“I wasn't so confident in my game before this, but now I feel a lot more confident when I go out and play for my club or LYG.”
87% of Inclusion Leads agreed that their SEND young people increased in confidence by participating for their borough.
Our proud partnership with Chaotic
Every young person deserves the chance to take part in sport and physical activity. There's a real need for more inclusive opportunities in London, especially for children with additional needs.
By collaborating with Chaotic Community, we are increasing meaningful opportunities for more young people to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and feel less alone through the power of sport and physical activity.
Together, we are opening doors for over 1,100 young people each year who are too often left out, and giving every child the chance to feel included, to shine and to experience the joy of sport and belonging.
9 out of 10 young people agree that London Youth Games has made them healthier
44% participants are from the most deprived neighborhoods in England (IMD 1-5)
45% identify as ethnically diverse
8 out of 10 young people feel their confidence has improved after taking part in the London Youth Games
50% identify as female
When it comes to young people in the Open Games 2025/26:
ethnically diverse young people took part
female participants took part
young disabled Londoners took part
sports were taken part in, across XXX events
sCHOOL Games
YOUTH SPORT FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN
Number of unique school games participants at London-wide events and finals
Hours of school games delivery
Our delivery of the School Games programme, funded through Sport England, reached 4,452 pupils last season, plus over 160,000 more through inter-borough competition, in preparation for the London Youth Games' London wide festivals and finals.
The School Games provides access to sports and physical activity for young students, especially those young people facing significant barriers to activity.
These events are focused on inclusion to ensure all young people participate and reach 60 active minutes - creating incredible social value. They are centred on personal development through youth engagement and aligned with the Spirit of the Games values to provide a positive, meaningful experience.
During the School Games 2025/26:
52%
ethnically diverse young people took part
58%
female participants took part
LYG33
IMPROVING YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIFE SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY
Number of unique participants
Hours of delivery
LYG33 is our flagship youth voice and leadership programme for young Londoners aged 14–24.
Group workshops are delivered to empower young people to shape the future of youth sport in the capital. By involving young Londoners directly, LYG Foundation ensures that initiatives remain relevant and accessible and by consulting with senior leaders, the young participants actively embed their influence at the heart of London Youth Games to drive meaningful change.
Discover their experiences. Hover over a participant to read their quote.
Zoom in to view the faces, then click on a participant to read their quote.
“It’s helped me have the confidence to say yes to things.”Azura
“It’s increased the opportunities I will have in the future.”Ishaan
“It’s honestly changed me for the better as an individual.”Aliza
“LYG33 has moulded me into a leader.”Kether
“The environment enables everyone to hear your voice.”Noel
“LYG feels like a family”Waleed
“It’s been enjoyable”Demi
“LYG33 has helped me feel more confident in asking questions.”Omnini
"It feels motivating"Lara
“LYG feels like a community”Herbert
"Being part of LYG33 feels influential"Ruby
“It’s empowering”Amber
“It’s really inclusive"Kibdiyah
“It’s been such a valuable experience”Yussra
Noel
lyg33 member, Merton
"I wasn't able to speak up before joining LYG, but its supportive environment allows everyone to hear your voice."
Aliza
lyg33 member, Harrow
"A year ago, I’d have been so nervous in front of a crowd, but LYG has driven up my confidence and changed me for the better."
Ruby
lyg33 member, Havering
"I was proud to secure a partnership with JCDecaux, who shared London Youth Games across 757 London street panels, reaching 985,074 people. This delivered significant visibility and promotion for LYG across London. We hope to collaborate with JCDecaux again in the future on further campaigns."
said LYG33 increased their confidence to use their voice to make a positive difference.
report that they feel more confident in their work readiness in the future
Inclusive Coaches
EDUCATING AND DEVELOPING COACHES
Number of participants
Hours of open games delivery
LYG Foundation runs free coach development opportunities to help support coaches into deployment and employment.
This season included tailored inclusion workshops, CPD qualifications, mentoring and connecting with a network of like-minded coaches to help coaches create supportive environments where every young Londoner can thrive.
With coaching resources under strain, the programme was created to ensure all individuals, regardless of ability or background, can enjoy physical activity in a safe and supportive environment.
Nav
Tennis Coach
“I think inclusive coaches just broadens your whole perspective as a coach, and it’s transferable across any session you were to coach, whether it’s within SEND or not.”
– Nav
Georgie
Football Coach
“By volunteering, I love helping children get sports opportunities they wouldn’t normally.”
-Georgie
increased confidence in adapting sessions for people with physical, cognitive or developmental differences
feel motivated to continue championing inclusive coaching practice.
feel motivated to continue championing inclusive coaching practice.
have increased understanding and confidence in coaching individuals with a wide variety of needs.
have developed skills and gained experience in inclusive coaching practices.
have built a supportive network of peers and professionals.
GAMESFORCE
DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS OF VOLUNTEERS
Number of unique volunteers
Hours of delivery
The LYG's "GamesForce" volunteering programme supported 541 volunteers last season, helping to contribute to stronger, more connected communities across London.
Volunteers at LYG help create positive, welcoming experiences for every young Londoner taking part.
Phil
Photography volunteer, Barnet
“Even after thirty events volunteering, I’m constantly in awe of LYG’s impact, quality and passion.”
-Phil
Ferrett
Volunteer, Southwark
“By volunteering, I love helping children get sports opportunities they wouldn’t normally.”
-Ferrett
A special thank you to our Borough Team Organisers, School Games Organisers, Team Managers and Coaches. Your time, energy and dedication make these opportunities possible for young Londoners and help inspire the next generation through sport.
A heartfelt thank you to our our generous Sponsors and Funders.
Support from funders and sponsors make it possible to transform the lives of young people across the capital, harnessing the power of sport to create lasting impact for the next generation.
Spotlight on our partners
We're proud to work with organisations passionate about supporting young Londoners.
2027 will mark a monumental milestone as London Youth Games celebrates 50 years of empowering young people through sport.
in 2027
LONDON YOUTH GAMES CELEBRATES ITS
50TH
ANNIVERSARY
more ways to help
DONATE TO LYG
We rely on the support of individuals and corporate organisations to donate. Generous donations make a transformative difference in the lives of young people in London, to reach those young people who need it most.
RUN FOR CHARITY FOR LYG
Sign up to one of our charity run events and raise money for a good cause.
How you can support the Games
Does your company want to partner with LYG?
If you partner with LYG, you'll help transform the lives of young people across London - and create a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of the next generation of young people.
Email us to find out the impact you could make - for a nominal amount.
Donate to enable future generations to continue to benefit from free sports participation through London Youth Games
Every pound you donate helps break down barriers to participation in sport. Your donations will go directly towards the infrastructure to put on these empowering sports events and activities.
Scan the QR code to donate today.
Take on a Charity Run challenge and raise essential funds for disadvantaged young people
Take on a running challenge like a Half Marathon or Marathon for Team LYG and the funds you raise will transform the lives of thousands of young people across London.
Could your company be our next corporate partner?
Working together, we can create a powerful ripple effect for the next generation.
Partnering with London Youth Games puts your brand directly in front of 12,000 young Londoners each season, showing your commitment to youth sport and empowering disabled children and young people from lower socio-economic and ethnically diverse backgrounds.