Businesses from across the North East helped to raise more than £7,000 as the annual Sport Newcastle Golf Day took centre stage.

Thirty teams enjoyed glorious weather at a typically welcoming Ponteland Golf Club with joint winners Tier One Capital and Root Cause Consultancy pipping a slew of competitive rivals.

And there was even a memorable hole-in-one as in-form Ian Crawford (pictured above) set the standard — sinking a deadeye tee shot at the second.

Firms from across the region raised the vital funds that will support emerging sports stars, their coaches and clubs to strive for success in the future.

And Mike Booth, Sport Newcastle’s Vice Chair and driving force behind the charity’s annual golf day, said: “We are delighted to have raised more than £7,000 and we are eternally grateful to the businesses and golfers who attended.

“The day was a tremendous success and was played in great spirit at one of the North East's finest golf courses.

“The support we receive from businesses is crucial to our long-standing charity's efforts when it comes to promoting and nurturing young sporting talent in the region.

“We are immensely grateful for the continued support from Tier One and SOS Group — generous sponsors who share our values and enable emerging sports talent to realise its full potential.”

Tier One entered two teams captained by Chief Executive Ian McElroy and Fund Manager Brendan O’Grady.

Ian said: "The Sport Newcastle Golf Day is always a highlight of the year and we all enjoyed a great day's golf.

“The event was well organised, well attended and, at the same time, raised vital funds for grassroots sport.

“As a business deeply rooted in the North East, and with a team of active sports enthusiasts, we are thrilled to support Sport Newcastle.

“I was delighted to have a fantastic round of golf supported by our guest team members — former NUFC footballer Shola Ameobi, Steve Hart from Central Employment and Anthony Guest.

“Running out joint winners with Root Cause Consultancy was the perfect end to a brilliant day.”

Ian also added the ‘nearest to the pin’ accolade on the 15^th on a day when the Root Cause Consultancy team — featuring Kevin Maddison, Oliver Morgan, Pete Hall and Malcolm Thorniley — fully deserved their joint overall win.

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. 

Sport Newcastle-supported duo Luke Pichler and Lucy Dodd are targeting major gains in 2026 as two of the North East’s most exciting talents juggle studies with sporting success.

A Level student Luke heads to the US later this year after winning a place on the prestigious track and field athletics programme at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

And badminton star Lucy is working around the clock to overcome a persistent foot injury after bagging a bronze medal in the women’s doubles at this year’s BUCS Championship — the top level for student sport.

Budding decathlete Luke put the revision on hold to clinch gold in both the discus and pole vault at May’s North East Athletics Championships.

And the North Tyneside-based athlete added a silver to his medal haul after finishing runner-up in the 110m hurdles.

“I managed to get a PB in the discus in some terrible weather,” he told Sport Newcastle. “It was tough to compete in those conditions but I was really happy with how the weekend went. I’m looking forward to the outdoor season.”

A Levels meant Luke was forced to turn down an invitation to represent England in Spain later this month but by mid June it will be all systems go for one of the UK’s most exciting multi-discipline prospects.

Meanwhile fellow Platinum Athlete Lucy is building on a strong comeback at the 2026 English National Badminton Championships.

Her first event since suffering a foot injury was pain free and positive — but the problem resurfaced following an encouraging run at the BUCS Championships.

“Injury is part and parcel of sport and it’s just one of those things,” she said. “I’m working with a physio, feeling stronger and back on court again.

“It’s exam time at university now anyway so I’m going to focus on my studies for a few weeks and hopefully return better and stronger.”

Sport Newcastle supports North East-based athletes at every level — for more information click here.

When Gary Wilson received Sport Newcastle’s coveted Wilkinson Sword in 2024 he insisted there was still plenty more to come. Ahead of Tuesday’s World Championship showdown with top ranked Judd Trump, we checked in with one of snooker’s top talents.

Sport Newcastle: You've been through two qualifying rounds to reach this year’s Crucible main draw in Sheffield — is that the best preparation for the game’s biggest tournament?

Gary Wilson: Probably. As long as you win your matches — and as long as you're playing OK — then the qualifiers are great match practice. You go into the main draw sharper and you might come up against a seed who hasn’t had as many competitive frames under their belt in the last few weeks. It doesn’t make too much difference when you’re playing the best in the world but snooker is a game of fine margins and you’re always looking for some kind of edge. I'm happy that I've had a couple of games going into Tuesday’s first round against Judd [Trump] even though I didn't feel like I was playing great in the qualifiers. I realise I have a few things to work on but I’ll be ready.

SN: How do you feel about the World Championships staying in Sheffield?

GW: Overall, it's a great thing. Keeping the World Championships at the Crucible is brilliant and deep down I think that’s what we all wanted. Nobody is saying that they’d rather it was somewhere else just for the money — that’s not the case at all. But I do look at it from both sides. For a few years now there has been talk of a new Crucible — perhaps built on the same site — that could accommodate 2,500 or even 3,000 fans. I think everyone would agree that would be the dream. It would be the sweet spot in terms of satisfying demand for tickets, increasing revenue for the game and, of course, generating greater prize money. So exactly the same as we have now — just bigger and better! I think what’s been announced is the best that could be achieved to keep the worlds in Sheffield. Is it a compromise? Maybe. But I wouldn’t want the World Championships to move to Saudi or China because the Crucible is where it belongs. If it was a choice between moving away or making the best of the situation in Sheffield I’d have chosen the second option every time, all day long.

SN: How do you assess your season?

GW: Not great but not bad! I was disappointed to lose the Wuhan Open final 10-9. It was a match I felt I should have won. Then in the next Chinese tournament I was playing well against Shaun Murphy in the semi-final before he came out of nowhere and just went berserk! I felt a little bit hard done by and it did feel like a missed opportunity. There have been good moments but in and around those moments there have been a lot of bad days. In terms of the level I’ve been playing at for some time now it hasn’t been good enough but I’m still inside the world’s top 20 on the one-year list and I’ve qualified for the World Championships. As a professional snooker player that’s always how you want to end your season — playing at the biggest tournament of all.

SN: At this stage of your career do you feel like you’ve settled into a rhythm?

GW: No. I don't think I'll ever feel settled until I'm performing more consistently. I know the level I can play at but for the last few years there have only been flashes of my very best snooker. And flashes just aren’t good enough. I never expect to play well all of the time — nobody does — but there are plenty of other players in the top 20 who stay at a pretty good level most of the time. Their dips in form are nowhere near as bad as mine are. I’ve said this many times in the last few years but I’m just searching for that consistency and that next level. I feel like I need to up my level to really get the heart pounding and that doesn’t happen as often as it should. I want to get to the point where I’m excited to be part of the tour, excited to be playing in the big games and excited for what’s to come. I need to play better to enjoy the game more. It’s as simple as that.

SN: How do you make that step up and guarantee that enjoyment?

GW: I don't know. In one sense, I'm honestly a bit lost. It feels like sometimes you're turning up day after day to the club, doing your job, practising and just wondering what you're actually trying to achieve here. As much as I've said I know there's more there — because I know what I'm capable of and I know how I can play — if it's not happening in matches then I wonder why. You can sit and analyse the situation and sometimes and you go ‘well is that because my opponents are just making it difficult or is that because I'm making it difficult for myself because of the pressures, knowing that my opponents are good and if you miss they're going to make it difficult for me’? You're working all of this out and you're wondering why you're not playing to the level that you know you can. I don't really know how or what it is that I can do, other than what I've already tried over the years.

SN: Are you trying new approaches and listening to fresh advice?

GW: I'm speaking to people here and there. I'm trying to take on other perspectives. I'm trying to look at other players and see what they're doing. I'm trying to look at it from an objective point of view and not just be so blindsided by what I do and what I think is right. At the same time I’m not going to be silly, try everything and be bamboozled by the amount of advice that’s out there. I've got a strong sense of what I feel is right for me but I'm trying to take on board bits of other things. I'm 40 now and, over the next two or three years, I think, deep down, I just want more than anything to try and find my way, if that makes sense. But my way isn't always clear to me. I'm trying different things from month to month and tournament to tournament and maybe that's why my consistency isn't there. I'm chopping and changing things — whether that’s looking at my cue action or whether it’s trying to play a certain way or trying to relax more or try more.

SN: Is playing Judd Trump in round one at the Crucible a positive?

GW: When you're at the Crucible you don't care who you play. They're all great players at that stage and, honestly, I don't mind who I get drawn against. You can pick out names who are maybe in the bottom end of the top 16, who you wouldn't necessarily associate with being household names but, like me, they have a great opportunity. Get drawn against one of the bigger names and it might spur you on to raise your game. The draw, for me, is great. I played Judd in the semi-final in 2019 and I’m looking at this week as a rematch. I'll try to treat it like that, try to get my own back and see if I can use that match seven years ago as a bit of inspiration. I've known Judd since we were kids so I'm sure he knows it shouldn't be an easy game if I turn up and play as well as I can. If, as the lower seed, you can get through the first round then you pick up your opponent’s side of the draw and you can see a clear route through to the later stages. It’s an added incentive. Round one and the rest of the tournament are almost like two separate competitions. Get over the first hurdle and there’s a real chance to go deep into the worlds.

Watch Gary live on the BBC and TNT Sports from 10am on Tuesday.

Multi-sport star Luke’s our latest Platinum Award winner and if you’re wondering just what he’s done to deserve our most prestigious package of support then here are the headlines:

·      In 2025 decathlete Luke won gold at the University of Birmingham Combined Events Festival with a new personal best.

·      That brilliant display in Brum was a new North East Under 20 record… for 18-year-old Luke!

·      A few weeks after making an impression in the Midlands, Luke was at it again — bettering his own record and finishing second in his age group at the England Athletics Combined Events Championship.

·      After a breakout year on the national stage it’s no surprise that his country came calling. After winning an England vest, Luke’s set his sights on running, jumping and throwing for GB as an 8,000-point decathlete!

So who is this generational talent? Here’s all you need to know:

·      Luke’s North Tyneside-based and a member of Blyth Running Club.

·      This summer he’ll sit his A Level exams in Geography, Psychology and PE.

·      Luke’s a Newcastle United fan and loves to relax on family walks with his dog.

·      He’s a big fan of indie rockers Radiohead and Tame Impala.

·      Luke’s favourite films are Back To The Future and Dune.

With 10 events to choose from which are Luke’s favourites:

·      He loves the 110m hurdles best of all and is ranked #1 in the event for his age group indoors and out.

·      Luke likes the pole vault — the hardest discipline to master but the most rewarding.

·      He’s trying to enjoy the 400m and the discus… watch this space.

And what do we have to say about Luke Pichler:

·      “He’s a dedicated athlete, who has amazing resilience and talent. Luke’s well supported by a committed coaching team at Blyth Running Club and is undoubtedly one of the best young athletes to emerge from the region in the last few years.” (Mike Booth, vice chair, Sport Newcastle)

 So there’s the lowdown on Luke! Our Platinum Award winners receive £1,500 annually for three years. We’ll keep you posted on their progress…

Platinum-approved Sport Newcastle star Anya Hassan is targeting a breakout 2026 after bagging a deserved bronze at judo’s British Championships.

The 20-year-old secured her place in a competitive seniors squad with a standout display against a talented field.

And Anya proved her injury worries are firmly in the rearview mirror after ankle surgery seriously curtailed her progress last year.

“I came up against the British number one and put up a strong performance,” revealed Anya. “Once I’m back to my best I’ll be able to surpass her.

“I’m preparing to compete in Scotland this month [January] and I’ll be taking part in my first GB training camp since the ankle operation.

“There are plenty of high profile international competitions this year and I’m looking forward to representing Sport Newcastle across the globe.”

Anya is one of three emerging stars selected as Sport Newcastle Platinum athletes — the highest level of support we offer.

And Mike Booth, the charity’s vice chair, said: “We choose our platinum athletes very carefully but one thing they all have in common is the potential to achieve world class success.

“Given the injury problems Anya suffered last year it’s exciting to see her mixing it again with the best that British judo has to offer. 

“She’s a fantastic ambassador for her sport and the North East and we’re proud to be able to support Anya as she aims to make her mark on the world stage.”

Newcastle United’s Dan Burn has urged the next generation of local heroes to dig in and chase their dreams after scooping one of the most prestigious awards in North East sport.

The England international, former Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards and Great Britain basketball coach Marc Steutel were the big-name winners at this year’s Sport Newcastle Annual Awards Dinner.

And world class potential was in focus at a packed Newcastle Civic Centre as the Rising Stars of cricket, athletics, Rugby Union and more were recognised for outstanding success on the global stage.

“I've always said I'm very proud to be from Newcastle and to be a Geordie and associated with the city,” said Burn, who was presented with the Sporting Success of The Year prize after heading the Magpies to Carabao Cup success at Wembley earlier this year.

“It's something that I never, ever take for granted. And I’d say grit and resilience are key if you want to achieve your goals.

“I feel like I've had so many knockbacks but if you want to do anything in your life, you will have to be uncomfortable and take those knockbacks.

“It's how you react to that and I've always just wanted to put everything I possibly can into becoming a footballer. 

“I would just say that if you're passionate about something and you love something enough then never give up and keep moving forward.”

It was a night of double glory for Newcastle United after the club won Sport Newcastle’s Team of the Year award. The Magpies ended a 56-year wait for silverware and sealed Champions League football for the second time in three seasons.

And the future stars of St James’s Park weren’t forgotten with fast-rising striker Sean Neave picking up the Wor Jackie award and tough tackling Scotland Under 23 defender Charlotte Wardlaw receiving the Jack Hixon award. Newcastle United Academy Director and Sport Newcastle vice president Steve Harper presented both awards.

Olympic and double world champion Edwards has held the world record for the triple jump since 1995 and the Sport Newcastle patron was a popular recipient of this year’s Special Recognition award.

The charity supported a then unknown Gateshead Harrier in the formative years of what would become a stellar career at the highest level.

And former Tyne Tees Head of Sport Roger Tames, chair of Sport Newcastle and host for the night, added: “Jonathan’s journey has been a spectacular one and the fact that we’ve been alongside him every step of the way makes this award very special.

“We were proud to support him as he was making his way to the top. And once Jonathan reached the top he never forgot the backing he had from Sport Newcastle.

“He’s a valued patron and a fantastic ambassador for the charity.”

Adopted Geordie Steutel is no stranger to the Sport Newcastle Annual Awards Dinner and the talented playcaller pipped Eddie Howe for the Coach of the Year award.

The Newcastle Eagles talisman coached club and country to landmark successes throughout 2025 — and even found time to get married!

Steutel led the Eagles to SLB Trophy success before taking the club to a first European final and franchise boss Paul Blake admitted: “It was an amazing season and our supporters made some magical memories. Marc deserves immense credit for everything that he’s achieved at Newcastle.”

On the international stage Great Britain head coach Stetuel anchored this summer’s EuroBasket campaign and steered the rank outsiders to a first win at the tournament since 2013.

But the Eagles’ success at the 2025 Sport Newcastle Awards Dinner didn’t end with the club’s celebrated senior coach.

This year’s Sport Newcastle Community award was presented to the CEO of the Eagles Community Foundation, Sam Blake, in recognition of her 25-plus years driving transformative initiatives across the region.

Sam was instrumental in establishing Hoops 4 Health — a wellbeing programme adopted by basketball clubs across the UK. The former international swimmer was also key to getting the Vertu Motors Arena over the line and moved quickly to repurpose the community venue as a Covid hub at the height of the global pandemic.

On a night when seasoned campaigners mixed with wide-eyed wannabes, the Wilkinson Sword Lifetime Achievement award went to one of the best-loved names in North East sport.

Bryan Beeson lifted squash’s European Over 65 title earlier this year and, more than 40 years after bursting onto the scene, the 53-times capped former England international is still courting success at the highest level.

At the other end of the scale, hot prospect Joy Eze maintained her rapid rise to the top of UK athletics after the sprinter won a first senior call-up to the World Championships. This year’s Sport Newcastle Young Sporting Success of the Year picked up European gold earlier this summer as part of the GB Under 23 relay squad and looks set for another breakout season in 2026.

Hot on Eze’s heels is another North East athlete with the 2028 Olympics in his sights. Heptathlete Luke Pichler, based at Blyth Running Club, is ranked number one in the UK at Under 20 and Sport Newcastle will back the A Level student’s huge potential with annual Platinum Award funding of £1,500 for the next three years.

Both Pichler and Eze are former Sport Newcastle Rising Stars and this year’s list of emerging talent spans 11 sports from weightlifting to lawn green bowls. To date the charity has awarded grants of more than £3m — supporting thousands of young athletes, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs from across Tyneside.

Each of this year’s Sport Newcastle Rising Stars receives £250 and the full list is as follows: Robbie Bowman (cricket, Durham CCC/Tynemouth CC); Henry Christer (athletics, Gateshead Harriers); Joe Davis (Rugby Union, Newcastle Red Bulls); Jakub Hepurker (gymnastics, City of Newcastle Gymnastics Academy); Joshua Hutton (weightlifting, North Tyneside Barbells CIC), Harriet Joll (hockey, Morpeth Hockey Club); Grace Rae (basketball, Newcastle Eagles Women); Cody Sullivan (netball - Seatonians, Grangetown and Leeds Rhinos); Kacee Sultman (lawn bowls, Forest Hall Bowling Club); Aidan Turner (swimming/triathlon, Newcastle Swim Team); Les Yeutembip (football, Newcastle United Academy).

The following businesses supported the 2025 Sport Newcastle Annual Awards Dinner: GLL, SOS Group Ltd and Tier One Capital (Headline Sponsors); Central Employment and Ward Hadaway (Main Award Sponsors); JC Events Ltd, Graphic Packaging International and Wonderstuff (Event Sponsors).

All images Ian Horrocks Photography

Deadeye Toby Aberdeen set the seal on a longstanding partnership with Sport Newcastle by reinforcing his reputation as England’s number one.

And as the proven pistol shooter fixes his sights on Los Angeles 2028, coach and father Iain Aberdeen has underlined the value of our vital funding.

Toby has been backed by Sport Newcastle for a number of years and was ultimately awarded Platinum status — support reserved for the North East’s highest achieving senior international stars.

That funding comes to an end this year and Iain said: “The support of Sport Newcastle has been fundamental in terms of Toby being able to attend GB trials and to secure selection for major international events.

“As the funding comes to an end we'd like to thank everyone at the charity — and its supporters — for their help over the years.”

Toby secured his senior title at the 2025 English Championships earlier this summer and followed up with an encouraging display at ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany.

Placed 21^st overall in the Rapid Fire Pistol event, he moved on to the 2025 European Shooting Championships — competing at the highest level in the junior pistol disciplines.

“Following Toby’s journey over the years has been fantastic,” said Sport Newcastle President Alan Younger.

“We’ve been proud to call him a Sport Newcastle Platinum athlete and he’s represented the city and the wider region with real professionalism.

“Toby’s future is bright and he’ll always be able to rely on our support.”

Badminton’s Lucy Dodd is braced for one of the biggest challenges of her fledgling career following a successful finish to a stop-start summer.

The Sport Newcastle Platinum Award-supported athlete bagged double silver at the Kent Under 19 gold event after completing her A Levels.

And a three-week stint with England’s senior squad provided the perfect opportunity for one of the country’s rising stars to hone her skills at the highest level.

But an ankle injury sidelined Lucy in August — ruling her out of the All England Juniors event.

That showcase competition was a big miss but better news followed. Lucy aced her A Levels to win a place at Nottingham University and was named in the England team due to head to India for next month’s Under 19 World Championships.

“Our Platinum Awards support talented athletes at the top of their game flying the flag for the North East on the international stage,” said Sport Newcastle Awards Committee member Chris Waugh.

“Lucy is a fantastic ambassador for the region and everyone at Sport Newcastle wishes her all the best as she starts university life and represents her country on the global stage.”

Former Sport Newcastle Rising Star Joy Eze has clinched a first senior international call up following a superb summer of sprinting.

After posting a new 100m PB of 11.14secs, the Gateshead Harrier is heading to Japan next month for athletics’ World Championships.

Eze, 21, has been named in a strong 4x100m squad after finishing fourth at the UK Championships.

And coach Mike Donnelly said: “Joy’s selection is fully deserved and as always we want to thank Sport Newcastle for helping to shape her early career.”

Eze was first recognised by the charity as a 13-year-old with huge potential and awarded a prestigious Rising Star award.

“We’ve been following Joy’s career for almost a decade and she continues to go from strength to strength,” said Sport Newcastle’s Mike Booth.

“All eyes will be on Tokyo next month and we can’t wait to witness the next stage of an exciting career.”

The 2025 World Championships take place from September 13-21.

Joy Eze missed out on a medal by one hundredth of a second as the North East star mixed it with the best of British sprinting.

The Sport Newcastle-backed pocket rocket finished fourth in the 100m at this month’s UK Athletics Championships.

And one of the country’s hottest prospects could well have pinched a podium place had a gruelling three-race series not taken its toll.

Coach Mike Donnelly explained: “Joy did remarkably well considering she had to run a morning heat as she wasn't one of the top eight who got a bye into the semi-finals.

“It made a long day for her and put her at a disadvantage but we all know she is a fighter.”

Joy added: “I really appreciate the ongoing support from Sport Newcastle.

“It has been difficult to balance training and academic work but thankfully I've had time off from university since May."

Elsewhere 2024 Sport Newcastle Rising Star Etienne Maughan must have believed she could bag a medal after clocking a personal best in the semi-finals of the 100m hurdles.

But the Gateshead Harrier was left cursing her luck after a dramatic race saw four finalists crash out before the finish line.

Sport Newcastle’s Mike Booth said: “The UK Championships summed up the unpredictability of sport but Joy and Etienne did our region proud.

“Once again they proved they can compete with the very best in British sprinting and it’s fantastic to see both of them flying the flag for the North East’s emerging talent on the national stage.”

Platinum powerhouse Toby Aberdeen is giving it his best shot in a bold bid to make 2025 his best year yet.

The Sport Newcastle favourite has set his sights on further success after cementing his position as the UK’s leading junior pistol shooter.

After finishing second in March’s British senior trials, a fired-up Toby went one better earlier this month.

And those back-to-back results secured top spot in the junior rankings and the number two berth on the senior ladder.

May sees Toby compete in the Junior World Cup in Germany ahead of the Junior World Championships in Paris.

“Toby has a long association with Sport Newcastle and he’s very much one of our own,” said Mike Booth, who chairs the Sport Newcastle Awards Committee.

“I’d like to say we’re right behind him every time he steps up to take a big shot — but then that might put him off!”

Sport Newcastle’s newest Platinum star is courting continued success after picking up where she left off last year.

Towards the end of 2024 Lucy Dodd defied the odds to land a national Under 19 doubles title — before heading to Ibiza for the European Championships.

Buoyed by a strong showing on the sunshine isle, the teenage talent made it three county titles on the bounce as she retained her Northumberland seniors mixed doubles crown.

Lucy celebrated her 18^th birthday in February by bringing home double silver from a fiercely competitive Under 19 gold event.

And last month she was back in Europe — stunning Spanish fans after taking silver in the junior mixed doubles and bronze in the women’s doubles.

With A-levels looming large, Lucy’s temporarily swapping badminton for books but expect a big finish to 2025. 

“It’s wonderful to see the athletes we support enjoying continued success on the international stage,” said Sport Newcastle Trustee Kingsley Hyland OBE. “Lucy is a fantastic example of the talent the North East continues to produce.”

Sport Newcastle Platinum trailblazer Anya Hassan continues to floor the opposition across Europe following a fabulous start to 2025.

The judo star heads into the summer ranked as Great Britain’s number one junior athlete.

And Anya is just one place away from hitting top spot in the senior rankings following a flurry of success at major tournaments.

An incredible three months saw the ambitious martial artist bag junior gold at the Scottish Open Championships in January before adding a senior silver medal to her haul.

Belgium’s prestigious Women’s International brough further success as Anya made the junior podium and finished fifth in the senior competition.

It was top five again at the Junior European Cup in Sarajevo before a hotly anticipated return home and double gold in the British Open Championship.

Bronze in the Portuguese leg of the Junior European Cup competition kept the pot boiling and last month saw Anya bag BUCS silver in a competitive British Universities’ field.

“Platinum grants are awarded to the very best that North East sport has to offer and Anya has shown time and time again that she deserves our continued support,” said Chris Waugh of Sport Newcastle’s Awards Committee.

“We can’t wait to see where 2025 takes her.”

Toby Aberdeen, one of Sport Newcastle's Platinum Award athletes, has received a big boost as he bids to make the cut for the Great Britain team set to compete in this year's Junior World Cup.

Toby was again named Pistol Pathway Athlete of the Year at British Shooting's latest Annual Awards Dinner.

The accolade rubber-stamps the rising reputation of one of the North East's most talented athletes and marks him out as one to watch in 2025.