The charity was a finalist in the ‘Most innovative Business Response To Covid-19’ at this year’s Sports Business Awards. Held at The Kia Oval on 18 November, the awards recognise the teams behind the scenes across the sector.

The winner was PDC ‘Home Tour’ following its introduction in response to lockdown.

Jenny Rouse, Head of Commercial Development at the Youth Sport Trust, said:

“Every single employee behind the Youth Sport Trust has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to improve young lives. Making the shortlist this year is a huge tribute to their passion, drive and creativity during what has been one of the most difficult years for the charity sector.

“We hope to be back next year and would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners.”

Part of the charity’s response to the pandemic saw it embrace digital technology to create a virtual after school sport club for young people when there were school closures and sports clubs were cancelled.

It also supported more than 300 children across the UK with laptops and tablets so they could access a virtual PE offer and learn online, and the charity campaigned Government for clearer guidance for schools and championed the importance of school sport and physical activity for young people during lockdowns, appearing in 74 national news titles in November 2020 alone to change perceptions on the importance of PE and sport.