2025 has been a year of growth, movement, and connection for the entire United Through Sports family. As the organisation continued to expand its reach and strengthen its impact across 159 international organisations, each member of the dedicated team experienced their own journey shaped by shared challenges, powerful moments they experienced together and the sense of deep-rooted purpose that drives UTS forward. What unites all these reflections is the feeling that this year has not only changed the way we work, but the way we grow as people.
Below, team members take a look back at moments that shaped their year and the memories that will guide them into the next.
Aaliyan Khurram’s Reflection
Being part of United Through Sports this year opened my eyes to so much more. Through sport, I learned more about the world, met incredible people, and experienced opportunities I’ll never forget. I’m genuinely grateful for every moment. None of this would have been possible without our CEO, Julia, whose calm and supportive leadership made everything easier, and our fearless leader, Stephan, who guided us every step of the way. My journey with UTS has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m already looking forward to what next year will bring.
As Aaliyan’s experience shows, this year created space for discovery and a deeper understanding of how sport can shape lives far beyond the competition floor. His reflection sets the tone for the many ways UTS has influenced each of us and his access to incredible international opportunities has broadened his confidence, skill set and determination.
Suni Allen’s Reflection
My involvement with United Through Sports has been life changing, offering a truly unique window into the global community of sports. The exposure to different cultures and the chance to contribute to impactful initiatives have been profoundly rewarding. I’ve especially valued the structure and support provided by our leadership: Julia’s “open door”, “if you need anything, message me” mentality has made stressful situations not stressful, and Stephan’s high energy always provides motivation. Every project I work on has reinforced my belief in the power of sport for development, and I look forward to tackling even greater challenges and forging more unforgettable connections in the coming years.
Suni’s words remind us how global this work really is and how much meaning comes from seeing different communities unite through shared values. His experience shows how strong leadership and a supportive environment can turn demanding moments into empowering ones.
Belle Tucker’s Reflection
My time at UTS so far has been incredibly meaningful and transformative, especially over this past year. Throughout this journey, I’ve grown so much in confidence, particularly when it comes to public speaking and feeling comfortable using my voice. I’ve loved getting to know the young leaders and meeting so many amazing new people, and the diversity of the work has made the experience even more special, as no two days have ever felt the same. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in such varied projects and having the opportunity to travel to new places, which has broadened my perspective both personally and professionally. I love working within the UTS team, as it has shown me just how important teamwork really is and how much better everything becomes when you have people you can rely on. Feeling supported by the people around me has made challenges easier to navigate and successes even more rewarding. Some of my favourite moments have come from working closely together, sharing experiences, and celebrating achievements as a team. Looking ahead, I hope to have more opportunities to speak, present, and continue building my confidence, while getting to know the world of sport even more and contributing to the meaningful work UTS does.
Belle’s year reflects just how far personal growth and professional development can come when you are surrounded by a team that encourages you, trusts you, and challenges you in the best way. Her experience highlights the heart of UTS: a place where people evolve alongside the projects they work on.
Chey Sheard’s Reflection
Being a part of UTS has honestly been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. Looking back, I can see how much I’ve grown; not just in skills, but in confidence, responsibility, and the way I carry myself in different environments. From coordinating media, managing events, and supporting the education forum on Sexual Harassment, to travelling with the team and working behind the scenes, every experience has taught me something new. No two days ever felt the same, and that’s what I loved most. Some of my favourite moments were the simple ones: working late with the team to get things done, laughing through stressful moments, and seeing the impact of our work come alive. Especially when the youth truly engaged with our sessions like dancing, laughing or running around the room with our games. Also, meeting the young leaders and hearing all their amazing and unique stories were truly amazing. Being part of a team that genuinely supports one another has made everything feel lighter, and it’s shown me how powerful teamwork really is. I’m really grateful for the people UTS has brought into my life and the doors it has opened. Looking towards next year, I’m excited to keep building my voice, take on more leadership roles, and continue contributing to something that has real purpose. UTS has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing where the next year takes us. I’m so grateful to be a part of something so phenomenal.
Chey captures the energy and emotion of this year beautifully. Her reflection brings forward the teamwork, creativity, and shared resilience that shaped so many of our milestones. Her journey shows how UTS offers space to grow, try new experiences, and step into roles that once felt out of reach. This is exactly the mission of UTS to give meaningful opportunities for young people to grow and discover their true potential.
Julia Govinden’s Final Words
As the year came to a close, one thing is clear. Every person in the team has grown, contributed, and discovered something new about themselves and the world around them. Whether through international travel, late night work sessions, youth engagement, or moments of quiet leadership, the experiences shared this year have shaped a stronger, more connected UTS.
What brings these reflections together is a shared belief in the power of sport to unite people and create real change. The reflections show how meaningful this work becomes when it is carried by a team that supports one another with genuine care and purpose. The year ahead holds new opportunities, necessary challenges, new cities, new young leaders, and with the Olympic year, one that brings the best of humanity to the world stage. If this year was any indication, the journey forward is certainly one we embrace and look forward to.
UTS moves into the next chapter with gratitude for what we’ve achieved and excitement for all that is to come.
United Through Sports CEO Julia Govinden with UTS Young Leaders
