LONDON YOUTH GAMES

SMSC INVOLVEMENT

Sean McInnes Sports Coaching coordinates Merton’s involvement in the prestigious London Youth Games, preparing hundreds of young people each year to represent the borough (380 in 2026). Under our guidance, Merton was named “Most Improved Borough in London” in 2023, followed by a remarkable 22-medal performance in 2024, highlighting our ability to nurture talent and build pride across the community. In 2025, SMSC led Merton to 9th place in the Jubilee Trophy, the borough’s first ever top-10 finish, and in 2026 Merton finished 10th to stay in the top 10. SMSC has now been awarded a new three-year contract to lead Team Merton.

London Youth Games is Europe’s largest youth multi-sport event. SMSC prepares hundreds of local young people each year to proudly represent the borough, with 380 athletes taking part for Merton in 2026.

Momentum has grown year on year. Merton was named Most Improved Borough in 2023, achieved a historic 9th place in the Jubilee Trophy in 2025 (the borough’s first ever top-10 finish) and finished 10th in 2026 to stay in the top 10.

2026 highlights included gold for the U15 boys in Cross Country, gold and bronze in Paragames Swimming, silver medals in BMX, Indoor Rowing, Kayaking and Aquathlon, second place for the girls’ Judo team, and second-place finishes in Girls’ Volleyball and Tennis.

The Games themselves engage thousands of young Londoners across more than 30 sports each season, culminating in the Finals Festival at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Not only are they an incredible platform that builds confidence and pathways in sport for every participant, they bring communities together with pride and a united spirit.

Merton’s progress is part of a wider ambition to become London’s first Borough of Sport, removing barriers to participation and ensuring all young people can access a high-quality representative experience.

Find out more at https://www.londonyouthgames.org/

Official Team Merton sponsor 2026/27

Sean McInnes Sports Coaching and the London Borough of Merton are delighted to announce that Better Leisure is the official Team Merton sponsor for 2026/27.

Thanks to Better Leisure’s generous support, every Team Merton representative will receive a Team Merton hoodie, helping our young athletes feel part of the team and proudly represent the borough throughout the season.

We are incredibly grateful for Better Leisure’s partnership and commitment to supporting local young people on their sporting journey.