A ‘HUMBLED’ Bromsgrove man who has helped thousands of youngsters towards better futures through an ‘unwavering belief in the power of sport’ has been made an MBE.
Tom Clarke-Forrest, the founder of Sport 4 Life UK, was one of 11 people from across the county recognised in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.
Tom, who moved to Bromsgrove in 2014, was awarded his accolade for services to young people.
His passion for sport and the West Midlands inspired him to launch Sport 4 Life UK in 2007.
Tom started his project with no staff or funding and has grown it to become the leading sport-for-employability organisation in the region.
More than 25,000 young people have been supported through Sport 4 Life’s work, which provides youngsters with sports sessions, accredited qualifications, functional skills, mentoring and employability workshops to help them make meaningful progress in their education and employment.
Tom, previously selected as a baton bearer ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, said he was ‘deeply honoured’ to have been chosen.
“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, Sport 4 Life 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.
“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.”
Tom is among five people across Worcestershire who have been awarded an MBE in the latest honours list. There has also been one CBE, one OBE, and five BEM’s handed out to deserving people across the county.
Others honoured
In Bromsgrove, Victoria Wells, director of sport at the Youth Sport Trust in Loughborough, was made an OBE for services to special educational needs and disabilities.
Fellow Bromsgrovian Sabhijinder Hayer, manager at Sam’s Gym, was awarded a BEM for services to weightlifting and the community in the West Midlands.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, said: “I am so pleased to see 11 members of our community recognised for their achievements in public life and for their exceptional commitment to helping others.
“I would like to send my heartfelt congratulations and thank them all for their contribution to society and to our county.”
