Jack Petchey

Inspiring Young People to Achieve Their Full Potential

For more than two decades, Redbridge Sports & Leisure has been proud to work alongside the Jack Petchey Foundation, recognising and celebrating the achievements of young people across our community.

Through the Jack Petchey Achievement Award Scheme, we celebrate young people aged 11–25 who demonstrate commitment, determination, resilience, leadership, teamwork and a positive attitude – not simply those who win competitions or achieve the highest results. The awards recognise the effort, progress and personal journeys that help individuals reach their full potential.

The Story of Sir Jack Petchey

Sir Jack Petchey CBE was born into a working-class family in London's East End in 1925. Leaving school at the age of 13, he later joined the Royal Navy during the Second World War before beginning work as a clerk in a solicitor's office.

When he applied for management training, he was told he would never succeed in business. Rather than accepting that judgement, Sir Jack invested the £39 he received on leaving the Navy into a second-hand car and started his own taxi business. Through determination, hard work and innovative thinking, he built a hugely successful business empire.

Having achieved extraordinary success, Sir Jack established the Jack Petchey Foundation in 1999 with one simple vision: to inspire and motivate young people across London and Essex to believe in themselves and achieve their potential. Since then, the Foundation has invested more than £180 million into programmes supporting hundreds of thousands of young people through schools, sports clubs and youth organisations. Today, more than 1,500 organisations deliver the Foundation's flagship Achievement Award Scheme across the region.

Sir Jack sadly passed away in June 2024 at the age of 98, leaving behind an incredible legacy that continues to transform the lives of young people through the work of the Foundation.

A Special Relationship with Redbridge Sports & Leisure

Sir Jack's connection with Redbridge Sports & Leisure was far more than simply philanthropic.

He became one of our earliest members when the Centre opened in 1972, holding Life Membership Number 361. Throughout the years, he remained a valued supporter of the Centre and our mission to provide sporting opportunities for the local community.

His generosity helped fund the Top Floor Table Tennis and Hospitality Suite, creating facilities that continue to benefit members, clubs and visitors today.

Our partnership with the Jack Petchey Foundation has also brought significant investment into youth sport at Redbridge Sports & Leisure. Since joining the Achievement Award Scheme, we have received well over £100,000 in funding to support sporting projects, equipment, coaching opportunities and experiences that directly benefit our young people.

How the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards Work

Throughout the year, young people involved in activities at Redbridge Sports & Leisure can be nominated for a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

Unlike traditional sporting awards, recipients are recognised for qualities such as:

• Commitment and perseverance
• Personal improvement
• Leadership and teamwork
• Helping and encouraging others
• Overcoming challenges
• Positive attitude and sportsmanship
• Making a difference within their club or community

Each award winner receives official recognition from the Jack Petchey Foundation, including a certificate and medallion, and is invited to celebrate their achievement with family, friends and fellow participants.

Perhaps most importantly, every winner is given the opportunity to decide how a £300 grant should be spent to benefit their club, activity or fellow participants. This means young people have a genuine voice in shaping the future of their sport and helping others enjoy the same opportunities they have received.

Creating Lasting Opportunities for Young People

The impact of the Jack Petchey Foundation extends far beyond awards ceremonies.

Funding received through the scheme has helped Redbridge Sports & Leisure invest in equipment, coaching resources, leadership opportunities, team-building activities and experiences that continue to benefit hundreds of young people every year.

By recognising effort as much as achievement, the programme helps build confidence, develop life skills and encourage young people to remain active, engaged and involved within sport and their local community.

Continuing Sir Jack's Legacy

At Redbridge Sports & Leisure, we are incredibly proud to continue Sir Jack Petchey's vision.

Every Achievement Award celebrates more than sporting success - it recognises resilience, kindness, dedication and the everyday efforts that inspire others.

As a registered charity committed to improving health, wellbeing and community participation, we are honoured to play our part in ensuring Sir Jack's legacy continues to inspire future generations across Redbridge, London and Essex.