Whitehall Park School former pupil wins Award sponsored by Nike and Sports Direct
Former pupil Zoë, now in Year 7, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Monster Kickabout Positive Impact Award 2026, a national honour sponsored by sportswear leaders Nike and Sports Direct through their outreach programme.
The award celebrates extraordinary young individuals across the UK who demonstrate exceptional leadership, initiative, and dedication to inspiring their school communities to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
Zoë earned this top accolade by identifying the barriers to girls participation in football activities in school, and working with Jack Briley, our sports coach, to implement a new scheme. Recognising that several classmates felt hesitant to join football sessions dominated by boys, Zoë established an inclusive project at our school, introducing girls-only sessions, and actively promoting participation among girls and children of all confidence levels.
Her initiative aligned directly with the mission of Nike and Sports Direct's youth sports programs, which seek to champion inclusivity, build self-belief, and make sport accessible to every child regardless of ability.
"Zoë made a real difference at the school. She inspired the next generation of girls to get involved, challenged stereotypes through the belief that sport is for everyone. Massive congratulations to Zoë on this incredible achievement, I couldn't be any prouder.” said Coach Jack.
As part of the award ceremony held at the Flannels flagship store on Oxford Street, Zoë was presented with a commemorative trophy. “We are all equals, girls and boys, it doesn't matter who you are, you should always have the opportunity to join in" Zoë said in her interview, which you can find on Youtube.
The national award highlights the school's ongoing commitment to fostering physical well-being, peer leadership, and inclusive education across all year groups.
Executive Headteacher Toby Mills-Bishop said: “We are so proud of Zoë, her enthusiasm, vision and leadership have made a huge impact in the school. In addition to a lunchtime girls session, we now offer a girls football after school club, and we take part in girls football tournaments. This award is truly deserved.”
Monster Kickabout shared on their social media accounts: “Zoë has shown just how powerful football can be when young people are given the confidence to lead. She has played a huge role in encouraging more girls to get involved in football at her school, helping to organise a girls’ football day, supporting lunchtime sessions and championing a girls-only after-school club. As a captain and sports leader, Zoë leads by example, encouraging others to join in, have fun and believe in themselves. Her enthusiasm, leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for others make her a truly deserving winner of our Positive Impact Award.”
Zoë awards ceremony
