Ethan Honoured with Youth Sport Trust Young Activist Award
Welsh basketball player recognised nationally for leadership and advocacy
Cardiff Met Archers player Ethan Benningwood has been named the Young Activist Award winner at the 2025 Youth Sport Trust Young Changemaker Awards, recognising his commitment to encouraging other young people to get active and his ongoing contribution to the sport in Wales.
Ethan, who represents the Archers U18 Men and St David’s College first team, has been involved in the Young Ambassadors Cymru pathway since the age of 10. Over the years, he has developed into a confident and inclusive leader, volunteering across various roles, supporting younger players, officiating, and helping to build community connections within basketball.
Earlier this year, Ethan played a key role in the Cardiff Met Archers’ 24-hour charity game, helping to raise funds for the Youth Sport Trust — a charity that has supported his own development throughout his sporting journey.
Proud recognition from the club
Sarah Wagstaff, Director of Basketball at Cardiff Met, reflected on Ethan’s development and the significance of the award:
“We’re so proud of Ethan at the club. I’ve personally loved watching him grow from an eager under-10 into the intelligent and caring under-18 he is today. His Young Ambassador journey has been incredibly impressive, especially the leadership he has shown through the work at the club and the 24-hour game in particular.
It was a real honour to be there with him and his family to see him receive this award. Ethan has a very bright future ahead, and I am excited to see what comes next for him.”
A memorable moment for Ethan
Receiving the award at Lord’s Cricket Ground was a moment Ethan says he will not forget:
“I was honoured to receive such an award and felt really special to have the Director of Basketball at Cardiff Met (Sarah Wagstaff) as part of the Archers family by my side.
It was a privilege to collect my award in such an iconic venue and to meet the other amazing winners, whose stories were truly inspiring.
I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the opportunities provided by Cardiff Met Archers and the Youth Sport Trust. I am incredibly grateful to the people who have supported me, and I will remember this day forever.”
Recognised for his impact across Welsh sport
Victoria Woods, Head of Education and Health at Sport Wales, who presented the award, said:
“It was an absolute privilege to listen to the inspiring stories of all the finalists and see how young people are using sport and physical activity to transform their lives and positively impact those around them.
Ethan’s story truly stands out – it’s one of community, connection, passion for the sport he loves and the value it brings. He has already achieved so much for basketball, inspiring the next generation, and I was honoured to present his award and celebrate his success.
Llongyfarchiadau Ethan!”
A young leader making a difference
Mae'r Young Ambassadors programme, delivered by the Youth Sport Trust and funded by Sport Wales, aims to empower young people to drive opportunity, engagement and change within their schools and communities. Ethan’s recognition highlights the positive impact young leaders are having across Welsh sport.
Basketball Wales sends its congratulations to Ethan on this achievement and looks forward to supporting his continued development both on and off the court.
