Morning: Courage, conviction, and compassion - Insights on ‘Leading Well’ from Baroness Sue Campbell DBE

Sue Campbell DBE started her career as a physical education teacher in Whalley Range in Manchester. It was there that, in her own words, Sue recognised the ‘power of sport to change lives’.   

She later became the founding Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust (1995), Chair of UK Sport (2005), and Director of Women’s Football at The FA (2018). Notably, she led the Lionesses to victory at the 2022 UEFA Women’s EURO and oversaw Team GB’s and Paralympics GB’s incredible performance at the London 2012 games. 

A recipient of numerous honours, including an OBE and a Lifetime Contribution to Education Award (2021), Sue champions the transformative value of sport.  

In her opening keynote address, Sue will: 

• Share key lessons from her leadership journey. 

• Highlight the importance of leading with courage, conviction, and compassion. 

• Offer strategies to inspire colleagues and students to reach their full potential. 

Afternoon: The Active Advantage - Building better brains through movement from Dr. James Hewitt

Dr. James Hewitt is a performance scientist, speaker and author, with over 15 years of experience in human high performance. James is an active researcher at Loughborough University (#1 globally in Sport, Exercise, and Health Science). He specialises in human high performance, without compromising health in the process.  

In this keynote on the Move Well pillar, James will blend cutting-edge science with practical strategies to show how physical activity enhances brain development, cognitive performance, and academic achievement. 

During the session, James will:  

• Empower educators with evidence-based insights about physical activity's role in brain development and learning. 

• Provide practical, cost-effective solutions that work within existing educational constraints. 

• Foster a ‘movement culture’ that aligns with academic priorities. 

• Provide actionable takeaways that can be implemented the next school day. 

The Youth Sport Trust Awards 2025 celebrates schools, settings, trusts and individuals who, working alongside the Youth Sport Trust over the past year, have made a real and impactful change to the lives of young people. 

The Awards will be presented at the Youth Sport Trust Awards Dinner 2025 on Tuesday 25 March at Telford International Centre, on the eve of the our Conference.

Last year, a highlight of the event was the presence of double world and Commonwealth champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson as the special guest. Her participation added a special dimension to the celebration, emphasising the significance of the achievements and contributions being honoured.

More than 120 nominations poured in across seven categories, with expert judging panels carefully reviewing the shortlisted entries to select finalists in each category.

Nominations for this year's awards are now closed, but if you would like to find out more about the evening, please click the button below.

Pictured: YST Inspirational Inclusive Leader Award winner – Eden Hays, double world and commonwealth champion heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and special recognition award 2024 recipient Baroness Estelle Morris of Yardley.

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