Champions of movement celebrated at the Abbeycroft Move More Awards

21 Oct 2025

On a vibrant evening at Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre, the Move More Awards, organised by Abbeycroft, brought together community sports stars, volunteers, schools and partner organisations to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening across West Suffolk and Babergh to help people be more active, connect and live better. The event comes as the centre marks its 50th anniversary and Abbeycroft celebrates 20 years of community impact.

Abbeycroft organised the Move More Awards on behalf of West Suffolk Council and Babergh District Council, two local authorities recognised for their commitment to health and wellbeing.

Councils are true champions of sport, leisure and community wellbeing — investing in facilities, programmes and partnerships that keep people healthy, active and connected.

From shifts in local authority responsibilities to evolving health and community needs, the importance of sport, physical activity and movement has never been greater.

The ceremony was expertly compered by Dave Richardson, a local broadcaster with a career spanning over forty years in the high-octane world of motorsport. His warmth and professionalism brought extra energy and polish to an already memorable night.

The award winners were:

• Performance of the Year – Isabel Moore
• Club of the Year – Football Fun Factory
• Unsung Hero – Richard Horrex
• Active Community of the Year – Moreton Men Sports Group
• School of the Year – Wells Hall Primary
• Innovator in Health and Physical Activity – Sudbury Sporting Memories
• Triumph Over Adversity – Lialia Kearney
• Partnership in Action – Fit Village
• Movement Partner of the Year – Forest Heath Sports Partnership
   

A very popular, special guest of the awards was Cambridge United’s 2023-2024 player of the year, Liam Bennett, known for his tireless energy, commitment, and passion on and off the pitch. He made headlines on the BBC last year for his 30-day challenge, inspiring kids to stay active during the school holidays and spoke about his ambition to run his own academy one day.

Speaking after the event, Warren Smyth, Chief Executive of Abbeycroft, said: “The Move More Awards celebrate the people who make a difference — the teachers, volunteers, coaches and community champions who make it possible for others to be active.

At Abbeycroft, we believe that movement should be for everyone, regardless of age, ability or background. Being active isn’t just about sport — it’s about health, happiness and belonging. Tonight’s winners remind us what’s possible when communities come together to support one another.”

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: “We are fortunate to have a diverse range of physical activity opportunities available for residents to participate in, thanks to passionate and dedicated individuals, communities, and organisations. The Move More Awards night was a fantastic celebration of those who have a positive influence on our residents’ health and wellbeing and contribute to our thriving communities.”  

Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council cabinet member for sustainable economy, said: “It was a privilege to attend Abbeycroft’s Move More Awards on behalf of Babergh District Council and I’d like to congratulate all of the winners for their inspiring dedication to their communities and healthy living.

“Everyone knows the benefits of keeping active, but without the work of these special individuals and organisations, so many people would miss out on the opportunity to make a positive change in their lives. Thank you all for the work you do.

“Partnership working is vital for Babergh and, in Abbeycroft, we have the perfect relationship, which works superbly for both organisations, but more importantly for our residents too."

The awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of Abbeycroft’s partners and sponsors: Alliance Leisure, Gallaghers, West Suffolk Council, Active Suffolk, Saunders Boston Architects, EGYM, Pulse Fitness, Babergh District Council, and Allied Health Professionals Suffolk CIC. 

Their continued commitment underscores the importance of partnership in creating sustainable opportunities for active, connected communities.

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