During a recent team away day, we ran our very own ‘Active Essex Wrapped’ – a playful nod to Spotify Wrapped, but with a deeper purpose: to acknowledge the moments, achievements and motivations that have shaped our year, and to look ahead to the impact we want to make in 2026. All team members, from the Project Management Team and Marketing, to Relationship teams and Senior Leadership, submitted their reflections, and it was inspiring to see such a breadth of thought and perspective.
Across the room, one thing was clear. 2025 has been a year defined by collaboration, change, and a shared commitment to creating a more active and healthier Essex.
Our Best Teamwork Moments: Where Collaboration Sparked Impact
Looking back over 2025, one theme kept bubbling up in our team reflections, which was the power of doing things together.
Colleagues spoke proudly about shaping the full award submission and securing £9.8 million of Sport England Place Partnership funding to further support communities across Essex, while others highlighted key events throughout the year such as the relaunch of the Daily Mile initiative and the Invincible Games, which ensure that all children and young people have the opportunity to be active.
Behind the scenes, there were quieter but equally meaningful moments of collaboration. Launching the 2024/25 impact report, setting clear outcomes, and shaping a concise implementation plan has allowed us to move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
There were also standout days that showcased collaboration at its best, including the intern assessment day, Essex ActivAte onboarding, the Active Essex Foundation Power of Sport Conference, as well as joint efforts with partners to deliver the HAF Thurrock Big Lunches.
And finally, there was pride in the way we’ve strengthened as a team and within the sector, by integrating new colleagues, building stronger structures, deepening our work with the Voluntary Community Sector, hosting mental health networking events, and developing SMART courses for young people.
Together, these moments have enabled us as a team to unlock new opportunities, deepened our capacity to influence systems, shape partnerships and drive long term impact.
Personal Achievements: Growth That Fuels Our Mission
2025 was also a year of individual growth in ways we didn’t always anticipate. Stepping into new roles brought fresh perspectives, and for some, with them came deeper strategic and political understanding.
Our place‑based work evolved as partnerships matured, and local insight has sharpened our sense of what communities truly need. We learnt to negotiate, to listen, and to align, whether that be through securing match funding, supporting Pride in Place, or strengthening relationships with local athletes whose stories and impact have resonated far beyond our expectations.
Alongside this, we found ourselves contributing to meaningful initiatives: from walk‑and‑talk sessions and expanding opportunities for children with SEND, to safeguarding training that reached more than 500 people.
We shared our learning more widely too, presenting at leadership courses, contributing to core huddle work, championing neurodiversity, and supporting networks like Maldon Livewell. We even mastered new systems to refine our planning approach and embracing tools like Monday.com, has become part of a broader shift toward more intentional, outcomes‑focused work.
Looking Ahead: Our Goals for 2026
When the team reflected on what they hope to achieve in 2026, a clear theme emerged. There was a collective desire to stretch further, think bigger, and deepen our impact. Many spoke about stepping beyond their comfort zones, either by embracing challenge, growing as leaders, or continuing to develop the confidence and skills that help them thrive.
Alongside personal ambitions, there was also a strong commitment to system‑wide progress. Colleagues highlighted their determination to ensure every place partnership becomes fully mobilised and thriving, to strengthen alignment across system leads, to drive equal access in girls’ school football, and to champion the role of sport and physical activity across Essex’s wider system. Together, these ambitions signal a year ahead defined by bolder thinking, deeper collaboration, and a shared desire to create meaningful, lasting impact.
Carrying This Momentum Into 2026
Reflecting on the year, it’s clear that 2025 wasn’t just about delivering programmes, it was about strengthening our foundations, deepening our partnerships, and growing both individually and collectively. As we step into 2026, we carry with us a stronger sense of who we are, a clearer vision of the system we want to influence, and a renewed commitment to supporting every resident in Essex to live a more active, healthier lifestyle.
