Recognising sporting achievements at annual ceremony

The sporting achievements of students across the University have been recognised at Teesside Sport's annual awards dinner.

Teesside Sport's celebration dinner, this year held at Wynyard Hall, recognise the efforts and achievements of students and staff across sport this academic year.

The event was 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.

Students from each sports club were recognised as a Most Valuable Player MVP to their team as voted by their teammates, recognising not just sporting performance, but their input and effort to their club on and off the pitch.

Both the male and female first teams in football collected prizes on the night following promotion for both teams this season.

The women’s first team took the Club of the Year award, while the men’s first team received the Team Performance award for 2025.

The men’s football team’s head coach, Liam Cox, received Sports Coach of the Year, following his contribution to this team’s success and the ETC Programme that he leads at the university.

Along with sporting performance and successes, there were also awards recognising other aspects of sport crucial to the service delivery within Teesside Sport.

The Just Play Football Programme was awarded the Participation Programme of the Year award, recognising the positive engagement it has seen this year with strong and consistent numbers of students taking part in the free sessions aimed at allowing attendees to meet others, benefit their health and access free and fun football sessions regardless of experience or skill level.

Teesside Sports student workforce, who hold positions within the Olympia gym and reception, deliver personal training or contribute to the likes of rock climbing and campus league activity, were all thanked for their efforts this year, with Sally Roach named as Student Staff Member of the Year.

Tom Horrocks, Sports Club Development Coordinator had the pleasure of congratulating a number of this year’s Sports Leaders, students who volunteer within the sports club clocking up hours through VolunTees whilst developing their own skills and experiences.

Female athlete of the year went to Shauna Gatley, while Dylan Parish picked up the Male Athlete of the Year award. Both awards a reflection of their contribution on and off the pitch to their respective football teams and their success this season.

Performance Scholar of the Year was awarded to Erin Quinn for her national performances in weightlifting after achieving the gold medal at the 2024 British University & College Sport (BUCS) Championships.

Will Jones, Head of Sport at Teesside University, said: “These evenings are always a great way to celebrate so much of the sporting year. It is a pleasure to recognise these students who have achieved so much and a great example of how diverse our sporting activity is.

“We are celebrating international level athletes who are representing their country, as well as those who are medalling in BUCS competition against all UK institutions. But we are just as proud of others who are recognised for their significant efforts and skills as student staff and volunteers within sport, or those who are key component to their sports club or participation programme, regardless of on-field outcomes. Recognition of this contribution is just as important to us, demonstrating what sport is all about.”

Award Winners 20205

MVP Club winners

Basketball Toby Scully

Cricket Thomas Cross

Dance Sophie Bryden

Women’s Football Ellen Atkinson

Men’s Football 1 Oliver Puckrin

Men’s Football 2 Joshua Adeleye

Men’s Football 3 Eugene Lau

Netball 1 Sophie Ball

Netball 2 Emily Curtis

Volleyball 1s James Marshall

Volleyball 2s YahYah Keita

Women’s Volleyball Samantha Soto

Participation Programme of the Year Just Play Football Programme

Student Staff Member of the Year Sally Roach

Performance Scholar of the Year Erin Quinn

Sports Leader of the Year Tony Allen

Sports Club Coach of the Year Liam Cox

Team Performance of the Year Men’s Football 1st Team

Sports Club of the Year Women’s Football

Female Athlete of the Year Shauna Gatley

Male Athlete of the Year Dylan Parish

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