Môn Actif, Anglesey Council’s leisure service, is celebrating national success after being awarded the Building Belonging award at the 2026 Youth Sport Trust Awards.
The award recognises organisations that create inclusive environments where children and young people feel they truly belong.
It highlights programmes that use physical education, sport and play to engage and support young people – particularly those facing complex challenges – improving their happiness, health, attendance and engagement in learning.
Môn Actif has been recognised for its extensive work across the island to ensure every child and young person—regardless of background or ability—can access welcoming, confidence-building opportunities through sport and physical activity.
Working across early years settings, schools and communities, the service supports thousands of young people each year.
This work directly reflects the ambitions of the Môn Actif Strategic Plan 2024–2029, which prioritises reducing inequalities, increasing participation, and creating healthier, more active communities through inclusive, place-based approaches.
A key strength of Môn Actif’s approach is its targeted support for young people experiencing significant barriers, including mental health challenges, caring responsibilities, bereavement, trauma, homelessness risk and substance misuse.
One example is the Medrwn a Actif Môn Initiative, delivered in partnership with Medrwn Môn, which provides 12 months of free access to leisure facilities for young people aged 11–17. More than 60 referrals have already been made, helping some of Anglesey’s least active young people improve their wellbeing, confidence and motivation.
Partnership working lies at the heart of Môn Actif’s success. The service collaborates with a wide range of organisations including the Childcare & Play Team, Medrwn Môn, Menter Môn, StreetGames, Youth Service, Community Focused Schools, AONB, Tai Môn, Mencap Môn, Disability Sport Wales, Actif North Wales, Sport Wales, North Wales Police, and local Town and Community Councils.
Close collaboration with Canolfan Addysg y Bont ensures pupils regularly access inclusive activities such as swimming, gymnastics, fitness and soft play in safe, supportive environments. Inclusive sports camps further extend opportunities, supported by role models including Paralympic and World Champion Sabrina Fortune.
Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and Deaf sports camps, alongside staff training in British Sign Language, continue to strengthen accessibility and inclusion across all programmes.
Through its partnership with Disability Sport Wales and the Insport programme, Môn Actif supports 17 local sports clubs to develop inclusive participation pathways – helping young people transition from school sport into community activity.
Weekly Insport sessions take place across the island, complemented by investment in facilities and programmes to ensure long-term sustainability.
In 2025 alone, the team delivered over 500 hours of holiday activities, alongside an expanding outdoor programme including mountain biking, surfing, paddleboarding, canoeing and orienteering.
Despite the challenges of a rural island setting—including transport limitations, access to facilities, and the impact of poverty—Môn Actif continues to create safe, inclusive and inspiring environments where young people can thrive.
Barry Edwards, Active Localities and Sports Development Manager, said:
“This award reflects the passion, commitment and creativity of our team, our partners and the communities we serve. We are proud to help young people across Anglesey feel they belong – through sport, play and positive experiences that make a real difference to their lives.”
Leisure, Tourism, Maritime and Property Portfolio Holder, Councillor Alun Roberts added:
“This national recognition is a proud moment for Anglesey. Môn Actif’s work demonstrates how sport and physical activity can transform lives, particularly for young people facing challenges.
“The approach reflects our wider ambitions through the Council plan and Môn Actif Strategic Plan which is to build healthier, more inclusive communities and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to feel part of their community and reach their full potential.”
