Celebrating sporting success at Teesside University

The sporting achievements of students across the University were recognised at Teesside Sport's annual end of season awards.

Hosted in the University’s Digital Life building, the Teesside Sports Awards 2026 celebrated the sporting success and achievements of students during this academic year as the university sports season draws to a close for 2025/6.

Benas Maldutis was recognised as Male Athlete of the Year following his influence in the Men’s Basketball teams’ successful season, as well as establishing himself as a regular for the Teesside Lions in the National League competition.

Amelia Hyndman was named as Female Athlete of the Year award, recognising her consistency in appearing for Sale Sharks Rugby team in the highest level of female rugby, following on from her selection for the England U20’s squad last summer.

Performance Scholar of the Year was awarded to Michel Archange Obiang-Oyono, recognising not just his dedication to the scholarship, but his performance in judo throughout the season. A silver medal for Michel at the BUCS national judo championships this year has guaranteed qualification to the European University Games this summer to represent UK Universities.

There was further success for the Men’s Basketball team following their league title win this year in an undefeated league campaign. James Thompson, men’s basketball coach, was named Coach of the Year and the men’s team was awarded Team Performance of the Year in recognition of their fantastic on-court achievements.

There was also success for the Club of the Year winners the badminton club, which saw the men’s first team clinch a league title and the men’s second team missing out on the same achievement by a single point. The club also received the Participation Programme of the Year Award in recognition of the consistently popular and growing sessions on campus for all students to get involved in.

The evening was also an opportunity to recognise those contributing to sport at the university in other ways. The winners of each semesters intermural football campus league tournaments were presented with their trophies following their success in the weekly on-campus fixtures that offer students a chance to play friendly competition with their friends.

Georgia Wright and Toby Scully both took home awards for their contribution to sports delivery on campus. Georgia, a PhD student and Senior Sports Assistant at Teesside Sport, was rewarded for her continued commitment and work within the team and using her experience to help new student staff integrate into their facility roles this year. Georgia was named Student Staff Member of the Year for 2026.

Toby was named Sports Leader of the Year for his voluntary position this year within the Basketball Team. The voluntary opportunities for students to embed themselves in a sports club, gives them the opportunity to develop key sports development and administration skills and plays a supportive role for Teesside Sport staff.

Will Jones, Head of Sport, said: “It’s always a great night being able to bring so many students together to celebrate the year of sport at Teesside University. Special recognition should go to students and teams who were nominated in all award categories, along with those crowned winners.

"There have been some fantastic sporting achievements this year with teams winning their respective leagues, and others coming very close. We also have students selected to represent the English University Sports teams, along with a number of athletes who continue to succeed and perform at high levels within their sports.”

Sports Awards Winners 2026

• Participation Programme of the Year – Badminton

• Football Campus League Winners – Jantro Rangers and Cesc Pistols

• Student Sports Staff Member of the Year – Georgia Wright

• Sports Leader of the Year – Toby Scully

• Team Performance of the Year – Men’s Basketball

• Sports Club of the Year – Badminton

• Sports Coach of the Year – James Thompson (Basketball)

• Female Athlete of the Year – Amelia Hyndman (Rugby)

• Male Athlete of the Year – Benas Maldutis (Basketball)

• Performance Scholar of the Year – Michel Archange Obiang-Oyono (Judo)

The event was once again hosted by broadcast journalist Matty Nixon, who has worked for BBC Tees Sport, 5live and the BBC World Service and is a keen advocate of local sport.

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