Churchtown Primary in Southport has been given an award celebrating the new playground at the school following their huge fundraising campaign last year.
The Youth Sport Trust Awards celebrates schools, settings, trusts and individuals who, working alongside the Youth Sport Trust over the past year, had made a real and impactful change to the lives of young people.
The Churchtown Playground was recognised for inspiring play for its students. This award acknowledges approaches that have championed the power of play.
It celebrates those who have created imaginative and engaging opportunities for unstructured and student-led play, highlighting the importance of free play in developing creativity, social skills and a lifelong love of being active.
The playground was constructed last year following one of the biggest fundraising campaigns of 2025 which raised over £400,000 thanks to the huge generosity of the community.
. It was designed in memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar and Bebe King, Churchtown pupils who tragically lost their lives during the Southport attack in 2024.
The new playground was designed with the personalities of both girls in mind specifically, with quiet spaces for reflection as well as areas like the new performance stage, inspired by both girls’ love of the performing arts.
The playground, which was officially opened in September 2025 and has since been visited by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, now rings out with the sound of happy children playing.
It includes new play equipment; quiet areas; a new stage; and beautiful new murals painted for free by local artist Tony Wynne.
Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, said:
“When we set out to build this playground in collaboration with the parents of Alice and Bebe, we wanted it to be a symbol of hope in the face of adversity for a school that was beginning to try and heal.
“Now it’s complete, I’m delighted every time I see hundreds of children expressing themselves, enjoying themselves and showing the joy that Alice and Bebe always carried with them.
“We’re very pleased to accept this award and hope the impact of the playground will continue to be felt across decades at Churchtown.”
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