The Civic Suite at Wandsworth Town Hall was alive with celebration on Friday night as residents, sports clubs, schools and volunteers gathered for the 2025 Wandsworth Moves Together Awards.
Hosted by Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton, the evening recognised those who have helped get the borough moving — not just through elite sport, but by making physical activity fun, accessible, and a part of everyday life.
Previously known as the Active Wandsworth Awards, this year’s event marked a new chapter, placing movement and wellbeing for all at the heart of Wandsworth’s vision for a healthier, more connected community.
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to live performances, inspiring stories, and local food, with British Paralympian Marcus Perrineau-Daley joining as special guest to present several awards.
Rising Stars and Community Champions
Leading the list of winners was Phoebe Anderson, named Sports Person of the Year after a remarkable 2024 season. A former Putney High School student and now studying and training at Birmingham University, Anderson claimed the European Under-23 Cross Country Championship title in Brussels. Her journey — from running laps of Wandsworth Park as a teenager to representing Great Britain — stood as a powerful reminder of the talent nurtured locally.
In another highlight of the night, Mel Capleton received the Coach or Instructor of the Year award. A former professional goalkeeper who played for clubs including Southend United, Capleton now runs outdoor fitness sessions on Wandsworth Common. His classes are known for welcoming people of all backgrounds and ages, emphasising enjoyment and building confidence in physical activity.
This year’s awards also introduced a new category: Access for All, created to honour initiatives that break down barriers to participation. The inaugural award went to Carol Bennett, founder of SW Ladies Boxing in Tooting. Bennett established the club to offer women a supportive, judgment-free space to learn boxing, focus on fitness, and improve their wellbeing — creating a unique and vital community for women of all abilities.
Six local heroes shared the Volunteer of the Year title, reflecting the extraordinary grassroots work taking place across Wandsworth. Among them, Karrie Hill-Hughes was recognised for launching Battersea’s first junior parkrun in 2024, giving hundreds of young people a free, weekly opportunity to run, have fun, and be active. Hina Hanif was also celebrated for founding the Wandsworth Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Volleyball Team, offering a new pathway into sport for women in her community.
Zoe Graham was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year for her dedication to coaching youth netball, balancing her commitment alongside her own studies. Meanwhile, Annabelle Hill took home Junior Sports Person of the Year after impressing in triathlon competitions nationally. Hill, who spoke about being inspired by her older siblings, has rapidly risen through junior rankings and looks set for a bright sporting future.
Schools, Clubs and Lifetime Contributors
In the group awards, Sacred Heart Primary School in Battersea was named Active School of the Year for their creative approach to integrating movement throughout the school day, from active learning sessions to after-school clubs. Spencer Netball Club, a thriving community club, took Sports Club or Organisation of the Year, recognising their expansion into grassroots coaching and development programmes across Wandsworth.
Longstanding contributions to community sport were also celebrated. Alan Thurlow, whose decades of voluntary work have supported generations of local athletes, received the Outstanding Contribution to Sports and Physical Activity award. His leadership, particularly in supporting accessible and inclusive football initiatives, has left a lasting legacy.
The Mayor’s Award was given to Disability Sports Coach, a London charity with a strong Wandsworth presence, known for their specialist programmes offering disabled people the chance to take part in regular physical activity in a supportive environment.
Building on Tradition
The Moves Together Awards continue a tradition that began over two decades ago with the Active Wandsworth Awards. Past winners have included international athletes like fencer Marcus Mepstead and Olympic rower Sophie Hosking, alongside local schools and grassroots coaches who have built Wandsworth’s rich sporting community.
This year’s refreshed event widened the focus beyond just competition — celebrating every effort, big and small, to make movement a part of daily life for everyone in the borough. From boxing gyms in Tooting to primary schools in Battersea, the 2025 winners showcased the creativity, resilience, and dedication driving Wandsworth forward.
