The Search is on for the 2016 Fields in Trust 'Young Champion’ outdoor space volunteer

UK charity Fields in Trust, in partnership with Groundwork is launching a nationwide search for a “Young Champion” to celebrate the amazing work that young people (aged 16-24), are doing to make their communities a greener and happier place to live.

Nominations are open to recognise young people who have volunteered to improve a green space, undertaken conservation work or encouraged others through sports coaching. The Fields In Trust Young Champion Award will celebrate recognise the exemplary work and dedication of a young person working to make their community better by helping people get outside, get active and love where they live.

The winner will be announced at the Fields in Trust Awards at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday 30^th November and will be following the footsteps of last year’s winner, George Friend who was recognised for his commitment to campaigning for the refurbishment of Aubrey Meads Play Area, Bristol; a space that is now a fun and safe play-area the whole community can enjoy.

Environmental volunteering charity Groundwork are supporting the Award, Sarah Reece-Mills, Groundwork’s Director of Partnerships and Programmes said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring this award to recognise and celebrate the work young people are doing to help preserve their local greenspace. We look forward to seeing all the applications come through and are excited to crown this year’s winner in November."

Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths said: "Overall our awards celebrate the important role played by many organisations and individuals in protecting and improving outdoor space but hearing the stories of our Young Champions is particularly heart-warming. If all parts of the country had young champions our outdoor spaces would be better protected and always there be enjoyed by communities in the towns and villages that they serve."

The deadline for nominations is Sunday 23 October 2016 If you know a young person that’s worthy of winning the award, nominate them online at http://www.fieldsintrust.org/youngchampion .

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CONTACT

For media enquiries, please contact

Richard McKeever richard.mckeever@fieldsintrust.org t: 020 7427 2117 m: 07940 072832

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Fields in Trust

Fields in Trust is a national charity that operates throughout the UK to safeguard recreational spaces and campaign for better statutory protection for all kinds of outdoor sites.

Founded in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association by King George V, their mission is the same now and as it was then: to ensure that everyone – young or old, able-bodied or disabled and wherever they live – should have access to free, local outdoor space for sport, play and recreation. These spaces are vital to building happy and healthy communities and sadly continue to be threatened by all kinds of development.

www.fieldsintrust.org