Sport for employability charity's far-reaching impact underlined by MBE for CEO

The founder and Chief Executive of Sport 4 Life UK has insisted “recognition and awards were never the purpose” behind his organisation after he was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

Tom Clarke-Forrest received the honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to supporting young people through sport.

The West Midlands-based sport for employability charity supported 3875 young people aged 11 to 29 for the 12-month period covered by its 2024-25 Impact Report, at a critical time when the number of young people who are NEET (Not in education, employment or training) has risen by 300,000 since 2021.

RESILIENCE

In August 2025, ConnectSport reported on research published by Sport 4 Life UK which showed increasing concern and anxiety amongst young people about their future job prospects. Read more here.

The charity's impact reaches beyond the jobs market too, for example with regards to positive mental health and wellbeing (in 2024-25, 48% of young people reported improved coping skills and resilience when facing challenges), and crime and anti-social behaviour (1,097 young people demonstrated positive changes in behaviour).

Commenting on the recognition, Tom said: “I’m deeply honoured to be receiving an MBE in the 2026 New Year’s Honours list. Recognition and awards were never the purpose behind Sport 4 Life UK, and there’s certainly never been any expectation – but it’s incredibly humbling when they come our way.

“Almost 20 years ago, S4L started with a simple idea: an unwavering belief in the power of sport, a love for the West Midlands, and a passion for supporting young people. From that spark, we’ve been on an incredible journey culminating in over 25,000 young people meaningfully supported and £14million invested into the communities we serve.

PASSION

“I couldn’t have done this alone. This award is as much for the incredible colleagues – past and present – who have shared our vision and given so much skill, energy and passion to the cause.

“To all the funders, partners, trustees, staff and young people who have backed our mission, believed in our work, and joined our movement – thank you.”