Hoci Cymru is thrilled to announce that Lily Morgan, a former Young Ambassador (YA) and Steering Group Member, has been honoured with the Youth Sport Trust’s Young Activist of the Year Award. This recognition celebrates her exceptional commitment to advocating for and raising awareness about neurodiversity in sport.
Lily joined the Hoci Cymru Young Ambassador programme at just 13 years old and quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a Platinum Young Ambassador and a key member of the programme’s Steering Group.
Her journey within the programme not only equipped her with skills specific to hockey but also empowered her with lifelong tools to inspire and lead others.
Reflecting on her experience, Lily said:
“My five years within the programme were the best and most valuable. It allowed me to not only gain skills within the hockey space but also provided me with life skills. The programme is a massive part of my journey, and I would recommend to anyone who may be considering. It will be the best decision you will ever make!”
As a Platinum YA, Lily had the honour of representing Wales at the EuroHockey Youth Leadership Festival in Mönchengladbach, Germany, in 2023.
There, she presented her impactful work on neurodiversity in sport to the General Assembly.
A Passion for Change
Lily’s advocacy stems from her personal journey. After receiving a late diagnosis of Autism at 17, she began researching to better understand herself.
“Following my late diagnosis at 17 years old, I did loads of research in hopes to better understand myself and learn what works best for me. However, it became apparent that as a collective society, there is more of a focus on the struggles we face as neurodiverse individuals, rather than the positives that come with being neurodiverse.
"I decided that I wanted change and to encourage others to recognise that our differences make us stronger as a society. Being neurodiverse has so many benefits and it’s something to be proud of!”
Lily’s work has included creating educational tools, resources, and support systems to foster inclusion and empowerment in sport.
A Remarkable Achievement
Alice Gregory, Hoci Cymru’s Governance and Compliance Manager and YA Programme Lead, praised Lily’s incredible journey:
“Lily’s growth within the programme has been nothing short of inspiring. Watching her confidence flourish and seeing the positive impact she’s made, not just in Wales but globally, is extraordinary. Her dedication to raising awareness and fostering inclusion is truly remarkable.
"While this award is a fantastic recognition, what drives Lily is her genuine passion for change. This award amplifies her platform, and I’m excited to see how she continues to shape the future of neurodiversity in sport.”
Looking Ahead
When asked about receiving the award, Lily shared her gratitude and determination:
“It means so much and I could not be more thankful to Hoci Cymru for the nomination. I am so passionate in what I do and am motivated to continue to strive for change.
"Growing up I never understood myself and struggled for many years, always believing I was different. This means a lot to me and my younger self who never got the support she needed. I am dedicated to striving for change and pushing for acceptance.
"I want to finish by saying thank you to Hoci Cymru for the nomination, to the Youth Sport Trust, and most of all, to my parents for always encouraging me to be proud of who I am and supporting me throughout my journey!”
Lily also emphasized her optimism for the future of neurodiversity in sport:
“The future is bright for neurodiversity in sport. There’s still work to be done, but I’ve seen first-hand how sport can unite communities and empower individuals. I’m proud to be part of a movement that creates positive change.”
Her advice for others is simple yet powerful:
“Be proud of who you are and never be afraid to speak up for something you believe in. The best time to start is now.”
Hoci Cymru celebrates Lily’s outstanding achievements and wishes her continued success in her journey as a leader, advocate, and role model for neurodiversity in sport.
