Ward Hadaway help shine a light on Sport Newcastle’s Unsung Hero Awards
12th June, 2026
Ward Hadaway has again helped recognise and celebrate the people at the heart of grassroots sport from across the North East region.
Ward Hadaway were main award sponsors of the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero 2026 awards held at the home of Newcastle Redbulls, Kingston Park – where volunteers, coaches, officials and individuals from the region came together and were presented with their special recognition awards.
The Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero Awards help to shine a light on the people who tirelessly dedicate their time and energy to grassroots sport and are the lifeblood of local sport, often working quietly behind the scenes to create opportunities for others to participate, compete and succeed.
Hosted by the Sport Newcastle volunteer committee, the special awards evening was attended by a wide range of athletes, volunteers, businesses and supporters from across the region to recognise those who have gone above and beyond for sport in our community.
The awards ceremony honoured people from different sports and communities for their dedication, passion and impact of those who inspire others through sport.
For almost 60 years the charity has supported local athletes, clubs and initiatives through funding which helps clubs increase participations and rising stars achieve their sporting potential.
Underlining the company’s commitment to contributing to the local community and encouraging involvement, Business Development Director Alistair McDonald presented Jenny O’Neill from Newcastle Eagles Community Foundation and South Tyneside Basketball with her Unsung Hero award.
Alistair said “We are so proud to continue our long-term support for Sport Newcastle and the inspiring work they do to champion the next generation of local sporting heroes.
“As a business deeply rooted in the North East and with a team of active sports enthusiasts we are thrilled to continue our long running support of Sport Newcastle.
“The Unsung Hero awards typify what Sport Newcastle stand for and the awards really showcase what grassroots sport and the many dedicated people who give up their time to help young sports people achieve their dreams.”
Mathew Squires, Sport Newcastle Trustee and Head of Fundraising, said, “The Unsung Hero awards honour and celebrate the remarkable individuals who are the lifeblood of local sport.
“The continued support we receive from our partners like Ward Hadaway enables us not only to recognise and honour outstanding achievements, but allows us to back aspiring athletes, proactive community projects, ambitious clubs and forward-thinking coaches.
“It also allows us to showcase the very best of sport across the North East, from rising stars to the local heroes who inspire us all.
“Our sponsors help us to support the ongoing work of Sport Newcastle and distribute grants to promising athletes and grassroots sports organisations across the region.
“This is an evening to celebrate people that make it happen.” he added.
The overall winners of the Unsung Hero awards were Danielle Dickinson, Little Swimming Company; Jonathan Poulter, Serenity BJJ; Andrew Clark, Blyth Cricket Club; Hayden MacDonald, Sunderland Rowing Club; Jenny O’Neil, Eagles Community Foundation and South Tyneside Basketball Club; Harriet Lee, Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club; Emily Betham, Tynemouth Swimming Club; Steve Beaty Snr, Cramlington Rockets RLFC; Will Maddison, Cramlington Rockets RLFC and Rockets Community Foundation and Steve Abbot, Northumberland Badminton and Tyneside Badminton Centre.
The sponsors and also long term supporters of Sport Newcastle on the night were Tier One Capital, SOS Group Ltd, GLL Sports Foundation, JC Events and Central Employment.
Sport Newcastle is 100% voluntary charity and has raised and awarded more than £3million in grants across many different grassroots sports for almost 60 years – and has played a vital role in nurturing talent, strengthening communities and celebrating the individuals who make the North East region proud.
Sport Newcastle has helped support young people to progress, clubs and organisations to grow participation and volunteer coaches to thrive. Many athletes who have received early support from Sport Newcastle have gone on to enjoy outstanding careers, achieve their sporting dreams and representing the region and country on some of the worlds biggest stages.
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