For three decades, the National Lottery has supported projects across the UK, raising over £48 billion for good causes and funding more than 685,000 initiatives. These efforts have transformed countless lives and communities, inspiring positive change across the nation. This year, as we mark the National Lottery’s 30th birthday, we celebrate the ‘Game Changers’—programmes that have made a meaningful difference.

School Games: Inspiring health and wellbeing through Physical Activity

Funded by Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, the School Games is a framework delivered locally by a national network of 450 School Games Organisers who aspire to make a positive and meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people through sport and physical activity.

The School Games programme places physical activity at the heart of schools, providing young people with opportunities to participate in sport and competition, regardless of ability. Funded by Sport England through the National Lottery, the programme brings together a network of 450 School Games Organisers, working locally to empower children and teens through sport.

In 2022-23, over 2.2 million young people participated in more than 26,000 School Games events, with nearly 20,000 schools registered. The programme addresses inequalities and encourages children from all backgrounds to stay active, fostering resilience, mental health, and social connections.

Oliver, a wheelchair user and recipient of the Youth Sport Trust, Young Changemaker Activist Award 2023, helped introduce wheelchair basketball to the School Games and demonstrate how inclusivity in sport can change lives.

Watch Oliver’s story.

School Games National Finals: Beyond the podium to lifelong achievement

Thanks to Sport England and National Lottery funding, the School Games National Finals—delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and National Governing Bodies saw more than 1,500 athletes compete across 11 sporting events, creating environments where young people with the most potential can thrive, no matter their starting point.

The School Games National Finals go beyond just competition by building an “achievement mindset” in young people, supporting their development in sport and life. This programme, backed by the National Lottery, identifies and nurtures young talent from diverse backgrounds, helping them thrive both on and off the field.

This initiative focuses on creating positive, inclusive experiences for young people and breaking down barriers in talent pathways. It’s about inspiring future role models who promote broader participation and inclusion in sport.

Relive the highlights of the 2024 School Games National Finals.

Watch the wrap-up video.

Girls Active: Building confidence and redefining PE for girls

It’s been a total game changer for girls! Since 2015, through Sport England and National Lottery funding, the Youth Sport Trust's Girls Active programme has empowered thousands of girls through leadership and peer influence, helping them feel more confident and motivated to participate in sport.

Girls Active is dedicated to empowering girls to take an active role in PE and physical activity. Since 2015, this programme has reached over a thousand schools, increasing girls’ engagement and enjoyment of sport. Girls Active addresses the barriers to participation, helping girls feel more confident and motivated, especially those taking on leadership roles within the programme.

With nearly all Girls Active leaders reporting increased confidence and a stronger sense of school engagement, the programme is helping to shape a generation of self-assured, active young women.

Hear from Girls Active leaders in Nottingham and Derby on how their roles have grown their confidence and inspired their peers.

See the Impact.

Active in Mind: Addressing mental health through Physical Activity

Mental health is a pressing issue in today’s schools, and Active in Mind, created with Sport England and supported by National Lottery funding, is helping address this through physical activity and peer mentoring. Since 2016, Active in Mind has trained over 4,000 mentors and reached more than 16,000 young people, equipping them with personal resilience strategies and improving their mental well-being.

Led by Athlete Mentors and peer mentors, the programme emphasises a trauma-informed approach to using physical activity as a tool to foster mental health.

Amy’s story highlights how Active in Mind has helped young people manage stress, anxiety, and build resilience through supportive peer connections.

Watch Amy’s story.

Young Ambassadors Wales: Shaping future leaders in sport and play

The Young Ambassadors programme in Wales, funded by Sport Wales and the National Lottery, develops young leaders through sport, play, and physical activity. This year, more than 700 schools across Wales participated, with Young Ambassadors delivering activities in both English and Welsh.

The programme encourages young people to volunteer in their communities, building leadership skills and championing the importance of sport and inclusion across Wales.

Discover how the Young Ambassadors programme is inspiring the next generation of leaders in Wales.

See the programme in action.

As we celebrate 30 years of the National Lottery, we’re proud to showcase the life-changing impact that National Lottery funding has made possible. Each of these programmes is a testament to the power of sport and physical activity to uplift communities, promote wellbeing, and empower the next generation. Here’s to continuing the legacy of positive change, with many more ‘Game Changers’ to come.

Happy 30th birthday, National Lottery!

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