Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix programme wins prestigious `Supporting Young Londoners Award’

Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix programme has been named the winner of the ‘Supporting Young Londoners’ award at the London Sport Awards 2025.

The ceremony, held on Thursday 27 March, celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and organisations using sport and physical activity to transform lives across London.

The Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix programme has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to engaging young Londoners, particularly those from underserved communities, in physical activity. By offering an affordable and dynamic range of activities that seamlessly integrate physical, educational, and cultural experiences, the programme has successfully reached over 9,400 children. In Easter 2024 alone, 266 sessions were delivered, with an impressive 758 sessions running throughout Summer 2024.

A key highlight of the programme’s success is its impact on diverse communities, with 67-74% of participants coming from BAME backgrounds. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 95% of children reporting they learned something new and 98% of parents expressing satisfaction with their children’s experiences. Through engaging activities, the programme has created lasting memories, strengthened community spirit, and encouraged lifelong participation in physical activity.

First introduced in Summer 2022 and funded by the London Borough of Redbridge, the Mega Mix programme embodies the values of inclusivity, accessibility, and community well-being. By fostering positive attitudes toward sport and physical activity at an early age, it aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to a healthy and active lifestyle among young people.

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: "Creating the Mega Mix programme was important for me, as I wanted to introduce children to sports and activities they may not normally be able to access. By offering very low-cost sessions for kids aged 5-16, including specific SEN access activities, we've made a real difference to families in our community. I am incredibly proud that we have received this award, and we owe this success to the dedication and hard work of the staff who deliver this programme.

We know how important it is to provide fun, healthy and creative activities for young people in their free time, and that's why, despite huge financial pressures, we've continued to fund the Mega Mix programme. It ensures that young people make the most of their school holiday time by engaging in stimulating sports activities, learning new skills to shape their future, and even forming lifelong friendships. This programme is not just about fun but about inspiring and shaping the future of our young people."

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solder, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for the Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix programme. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the support from the London Borough of Redbridge. It reaffirms our commitment to providing opportunities for young people to engage in sport, develop new skills, and build lasting social connections.

We look forward to continuing to expand and enhance the programme, ensuring that even more children can benefit from these valuable experiences.”

Developing Redbridge's much-loved Megamix has been part of our work towards recognition from UNICEF UK as a child-friendly borough. We're putting children at the heart of our community and creating a place and activities that give them what they need to thrive.

Find out more about the Redbridge Holiday Mega Mix programme.