The unseen work that sparks sporting success, provides unique opportunities and galvanises communities underpinned the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero 2026 awards.

Volunteers, coaches and officials from across the North East descended on Newcastle Red Bulls’ Kingston Park to share experiences and celebrate successes.

And special recognition awards were presented to some of the region’s most inspirational and passionate drivers of participation and ambition.

The Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero awards shine a light on the people who dedicate their time to giving grassroots sport a much-needed boost.

And Matthew 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 enables us to not only to recognise and honour outstanding achievements, but allows us to back aspiring athletes, proactive community projects, ambitious clubs and forward-thinking coaches.”

During the last 60 years the volunteer-led Sport Newcastle team has raised and awarded more than £3 million in grants covering a multitude of different sports.

That support has helped young people to progress, clubs to grow participation and volunteer coaches to thrive.

The Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero 2026 awards heard from two of the region’s rising stars and two beneficiaries of Platinum Award funding from the charity — an annual £1,500 bursary recognising elite performance on the international stage.

Multi-disciplinary athlete Luke Pichler and judo star Anya Hassan updated a packed room on their stunning progress with both North East stars recognising Sport Newcastle’s longstanding support.

But the night belonged to those fuelling ambition behind the scenes so let’s find out more about the Unsung Heroes class of 2026:

Danielle Dickinson (Little Swimming Company/Coalwave) has dedicated years of her life to making swimming more inclusive and accessible for children with additional needs across the North East.

Jonathan Poulter (Serenity BJJ) has a passion for developing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the North East and creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds through sport.

Andrew Clark (Blyth Cricket Club) has been at the heart of Blyth Cricket Club for more than 20 years, dedicating an enormous amount of time and energy to supporting the club both on and off the field.

Hayden MacDonald (Sunderland Rowing Club) is autistic and he’s a rower. Sport, and the leadership opportunities it gave him, began to build his confidence and provide him with a greater sense of purpose. Hayden has gone on to support younger students and even to increase participation through his school’s sports leadership programme.

Jenny O'Neill (Eagles Community Foundation/South Tyneside Basketball Club) has dedicated countless hours to supporting grassroots basketball across the North East, becoming an essential figure within both South Tyneside Basketball Club and the wider Newcastle Eagles pathway.

Harriet Lee (Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club) has been a major force in the development of Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club where she’s been doing outstanding work in the club’s Learn to Swim programme. She works with children from as young as four and has helped countless young swimmers overcome nerves and build confidence in the water.

Emily Betham (Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club) is another hugely influential figure at the Tynemouth club, combining technical coaching expertise with exceptional leadership, energy and mentorship. She’s done it all - from club swimmer to professional coach and now to volunteer coach.

Steve Beaty Snr (Cramlington Rockets RLFC) has dedicated more than 25 years to transforming lives through Rugby League and community work across Northumberland. What began as an effort to provide opportunities for his own children grew into the creation of a club and community organisation that has positively impacted thousands of young people and families.

Will Maddison (Cramlington Rockets RLFC/Rockets Community Foundation) is an inspirational young leader whose journey through Rugby League demonstrates the incredibly positive impact sport can have on young people. He’s been a part of Cramlington Rockets since the age of eight and he quickly became known for his energy, leadership and selfless attitude.

Steve Abbott (Northumberland Badminton/Tyneside Badminton Centre) has dedicated more than 40 years to badminton across the North East, making an extraordinary contribution to the development and growth of the sport within Northumberland and beyond.