The extraordinary achievements of young people, who have been working with Northampton Saints Foundation, were recognised at an awards evening on Wednesday.
Held at cinch stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the event was attended by 120 guests, including young people from the Foundation’s Education and Social Inclusion programmes, the charities trustees, corporate partners, individual supporters, fundraisers, schools, parents and guardians.
Northampton Saints Foundation was founded in 2017 using the values of rugby to INSPIRE, SUPPORT and EDUCATE young people to build positive futures for themselves.
Managing Director of Northampton Saints Foundation, Catherine Deans said: “The awards ceremony was all about our remarkable young people, recognising their achievements from the 2021/2022 academic year and celebrating how far they have come – we are so proud of each and every one of them.
“It was also an opportunity to thank our supporters and our volunteers who have done so much to support our work throughout the past year.”
Among those students who were recognised at the event was Domi, who joined the Foundation’s Engage + programme, which runs in partnership with Northampton College, was presented with the Foundation Values Award.
“Since coming to Northampton Saints Foundation, everything has been better. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and everything the team has done for me. I wish that more young people could get involved with the Foundation so they could experience the same things that I have.”
Domi, Engage + student
Sidney, who also won a Foundation Values Award through his work with the Engage programme, said: “I am really happy to receive this award. Northampton Saints Foundation has really helped me to develop my confidence and I’ve had a blast in Engage.”
A special contribution award was presented to Marcel Binley of The Roastery, a coffee company based in Wellingborough, which has supported The Foundation by offering work experience placements, Barista qualifications to its students as well as developed a bespoke coffee blend, named ‘Marching In’ that a percentage of sales is donated to the Foundation. .
Accepting the award, he said: “Just having the opportunity to work with these students gives us so much joy. Watching them grow and learn about coffee has been a huge privilege. We will keep on doing everything we can.”
Following the ceremony, Foundation staff were able to relax and reflect on the year at a BBQ event, with food cooked by Northampton Saints Performance Head Chef, Nick Taylor. In 2020, Nick heard how charities all over the country were struggling with their fundraising capacities, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and wanted to help the Foundation by creating a cookbook. ‘Scrummy Feasts’ featuring recipes from past and present Saints players', management and coaching staff, which is still available to buy in the Saints store or online, has raised over £8000. To thank him, Nick was handed a Special Recognition award for his fundraising.
The Foundation would like to say a special thanks to WHP Creative for filming the event, Graham Mckechnie who compered the evening alongside Tom Wood, Foundation Ambassador, who spoke to the young people on stage.
Full list of winners:
Education Awards - Sponsored by The Training Space
School of the Year: Lumbertubs Primary School
Class of the Year: NIA Send Unite
Student of the Year: Elizabeth and Lincoln
Engage+ Awards - Sponsored by Approved Business Finance
Foundation Values Award: Domi
Progression Award: Shakira
Student Achievement Award: Ernis and Jamare
Hitz Awards - Sponsored by MPA, Always Moving
Foundation Values Award: Maisie
Progression Award: Nils
Student Achievement Award: Mia
Engage Awards - Sponsored by The Roastery
Foundation Values Award: Sidney
Progression Award: Annaleigh
Student Achievement Award: Cameron
Foundation Values Award: Kian
Contribution Award - Sponsored by Ewing Associates
Marcel Binley, The Roastery
