London Youth Games Foundation launches new 2021/22 impact report

Our 2021/22 Impact Report sets out how the London Youth Games Foundation has improved the life chances of young people, particularly those from historically disadvantaged and disaffected backgrounds.

The charity’s annual Impact Report also demonstrates the positive impact it had on more diverse participants, positively engaging 44% of young people from ethnically diverse communities.

In 2021/22:

• 142,069 young Londoners were given life-changing opportunities through the power of sport, through our Open and School Games programmes
• 1,300 young people got the chance to compete at incredible, world-class London 2012 legacy venues
• Young people reported feeling less lonely as a result of taking part in events run by London Youth Games last year.
• 34 young Londoners shaped the future of the Games through the LYG 33 programme
• 24 coaches developed their confidence and competence to deliver to young disabled people as part of our Inclusive Coaches programme
• 1,130 volunteers engaged with the programme from across London

At the London Youth Games Foundation we know most of the biggest health and social inequalities can be improved by sport and physical activity.  We’re proud to have built a Games at the Foundation that has engaged young people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with 44% of young people coming from ethnically diverse communities. What’s more, we have reached 1,100 young disabled people and those with additional needs through our evolving ParaGames and inclusive sports programme, improving their physical health and mental well-being.

London Youth Games Foundation CEO, Andy Dalby-Welsh said:

“This report demonstrates the positive impact that we are proud to have made over the last 2 years, especially through, and as we rebuild following the challenging pandemic.

We believe ‘Sport is a right for all’. I am hugely proud of the progress we are making but, we cannot do this alone. We are committed to developing further partnerships and working collaboratively in 2023 to ensure we can achieve our potential to improve the lives of all young Londoners, no matter their background.

We have an exciting 45 year history, boosting the life chances of young people in every borough of London. We thank our members, partners, and funders for supporting our efforts creating life-changing opportunities through the power of competitive sport. Joining our existing members and partners; Sport England and Nike, we are excited to welcome 3 new funders to support our 2022-23 programme. The Greater London Authority (GLA), People’s Postcode Lottery and Garfield Weston will be supporting our commitment to creating life-changing opportunities through the power of competitive sport.

London Youth Games Chair, Prof. Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA DL said:

“The challenges resulting from the pandemic, the Youth Games used the power of participation and competitive sport motivate and inspire young people to become more mentally, physically and emotionally healthy and active.

The Youth Games believe that sport is a powerful medium in providing an equitably diverse and inclusive participation experience to all, in particular those from disadvantaged and disaffected backgrounds.

In the last 2 years, we have reached 142,000 young Londoners, building on the positive momentum of the Commonwealth Games 2022 and its legacy.

I would like to thank our members, partners, funders, volunteers, and Board, who assist our ongoing commitment in providing a sustainable, credible and impactful legacy opportunity for all.”

London Youth Games’ 2021-22 Impact Report is available to read and download here and on Our Impact page.