Winners of North Northamptonshire Active Communities Awards 2024 announced

21 November 2024

The North Northamptonshire Active Communities Awards is North Northamptonshire Council’s annual celebration event for physical activity, health and wellbeing, and sport.

This year the North Northamptonshire Active Communities Awards were held yesterday evening, Wednesday 20 November, at Sywell Aerodrome.

The event is both an opportunity to recognise and commemorate the past year’s sporting success at a local, national and international level. But is also a celebration of the individuals, groups, clubs, organisations and projects that have supported residents to get active, or improved the lives of our communities in North Northamptonshire.

These awards are a wonderful celebration of the sporting talent in North Northamptonshire, and also recognise local residents who give their time on a voluntary basis to nurture others in their sporting ambitions or to help people be more active in their everyday lives. 
It is wonderful that we can come together and recognise these many and varied achievements in North Northamptonshire. Whether representing our local area on a wider stage in the sporting world, or enabling our residents to be as fit and healthy as they can, we are proud to recognise and celebrate their success in this way.
I am delighted to share the winners with you and congratulate them again.Councillor Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

It's fantastic to be at these awards!
A huge congratulations to all our incredible winners tonight!  Your dedication and achievements are truly inspiring.  I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to the residents of North Northamptonshire who took the time to nominate these outstanding individuals. Your participation is what makes these awards possible, and while you may not be here to celebrate with us in person, please know that your contribution is invaluable.
Finally, a big thank you to the amazing staff in our North Northamptonshire Council Leisure team.  Your hard work and commitment make this event the truly special celebration it is for everyone.Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

Community Club 
FTT Performance Centre 
FTT Performance Centre are highly dedicated to improving physical and mental wellness, inclusivity, and community service. Offering high-quality martial arts training, FTT promotes diversity, environmental responsibility, and sustainability. Highlights include eight medals at the ADCC National Championships and significant community impact through youth classes, women’s self-defence workshops, and local school outreach. FTT empowers participants, fostering resilience, discipline, and social connections that enrich the community. FTT transforms lives, instilling confidence and creating lasting bonds, making it an invaluable asset to North Northamptonshire. 

Community Group/Organisation  
Shudan CIC 
The Fit and Fed project addresses critical needs for children and young people in one of Wellingborough's most deprived areas. Operating during school holidays, it provides nutritious meals, physical activities, and emotional support, engaging 25-35 children daily and serving up to 80 meals. The initiative empowers young leaders and fosters community pride through collaborations with local organisations. The project has significantly improved well-being, reduced anti-social behaviour, and strengthened community ties, making a lasting impact on the prospects of local youth. 

Community Team
TCA Diamond Elite 
Diamond Elite from TCA has had an extraordinary season in cheerleading, remaining undefeated in the UK and winning the U19 Level 3 World Championship in 2024. Their sport, which requires immense physical skill and dedication, showcases the true athleticism of the team. The club is also fostering the growth of the sport in the community, with strong retention rates among female athletes aged 11-18. Diamond Elite's achievements deserve recognition for raising the bar in such a complex sport and for inspiring future generations of athletes.

Community Activator
Robert Churcher-Upton 
Robert is a dedicated volunteer and community activator who founded Diamond Runners in 2019. As an England Athletics Run Leader Mentor, he inspires newcomers to running and supports local clubs. Robert also volunteers at events like local 10Ks, aids in combating knife crime through a boxing club, and participates in clean-ups with the Wellie Wombles. His achievements include successfully running a Couch to 5K programme and initiating a walking course for the inactive. Robert's initiatives have significantly increased local engagement in sports and fostered a sense of community in North Northamptonshire, earning him excellent feedback for his efforts. 

Young Community Champion 
Mathew Edward 
Matthew is nominated for his exceptional dedication to water sports, particularly windsurfing, as he represented Great Britain at the European Championships in Greece in October. He has earned numerous coaching qualifications, including instructor certifications in windsurfing, dinghy sailing, powerboating, and rowing. Matthew has won multiple gold medals with the British youth team, most recently securing gold in Wales. He actively shares his skills by coaching children and adults at various local venues and volunteering his time selflessly. His enthusiasm for teaching and commitment to fostering a love for water sports makes him a true inspiration in the North Northamptonshire community. 

Community Champion
Robert Lovegrove 
Robert is nominated for his exceptional work as a Youth Sports Coordinator, where he has significantly shaped the vision of its partners and engaged the Kingswood community. Over the past year, he has actively connected families and youth in Corby, ensuring inclusive and equitable activities. His initiatives include a youth steering group, a summer program engaging over 180 children, and diverse weekly activities like skateboarding and DJing. Rob's efforts have raised awareness of the community centre, and connected resources, and positively impacted hundreds of young people. His innovative approach has created new opportunities, making him a deserving candidate for recognition. 

Sport School of the year - Primary  
Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School 
Our Lady's School in Corby serves around 380 students in a deprived area and has achieved a Platinum School Games Mark for two consecutive years. The school ensures every child receives two hours of PE weekly through collaborations with local providers. Initiatives include active maths, a sports crew for after-school clubs, and a comprehensive health and wellbeing program, including an Eco club. Recent partnerships with Chance to Shine and Sporty Scholars have enhanced cricket participation and provided on-site swimming lessons, empowering students and significantly increasing their engagement in physical activities, contributing to improved health and confidence in the community.  

Sport School of the year - Secondary
Lodge Park Academy 
Over the past year, Lodge Park Academy has shown its dedication to inclusive sports initiatives and student development. The academy organises Sports Development Days with elite coaching, major events like the Rounders Cup, and annual competitions such as 'Rovember' rowing, fostering community spirit. The successful 'LPA Leadership Academy' builds leadership skills, enabling students to lead local sporting events. With a record participation of 7,835 visits to after-school sports clubs, Lodge Park offers diverse extracurricular activities, ensuring all students engage in sports. Their achievements underscore their role in promoting personal growth and community involvement in North Northamptonshire. 

Get Active
Jennifer Cartwright 
Jennifer has had an incredible transformation through her hard work and dedication to the Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation program at Lodge Park Sports Centre. Initially struggling with low self-esteem and anxiety after experiencing angina, Jennifer faced multiple health challenges. However, her dedication and positive attitude have led to remarkable improvements in her health and well-being. She now regularly participates in the Good Boost Programme, inspiring others with her story and encouraging them to embrace activity. Jennifer has achieved increased mental well-being, improved mobility, and even swam her first length in the pool since her cardiac episode. She exemplifies how being active can change lives. 

Health and Wellbeing Initiative
Active In Motion 
Active In Motion, launched in September 2023, provides an exercise centre for individuals with long-term illnesses and disabilities. With over 500 members and 6,000 sessions delivered, it significantly improves physical and mental well-being. The dedicated coaching staff provide personalised support and implements accessibility features, encouraging independence and community engagement. Active In Motion has seen its participants excel by achieving their goal of being more mobile, demonstrating their enhanced capabilities and improved quality of life. The outcomes of their initiatives are profound, showcasing not just physical improvements but also increased confidence and social engagement among participants. 

Disability Sports Performer
Bruce Dee 
Bruce, at just 17, competed in his first Paralympics in Paris, placing 4th in the individual medley and 5th in breaststroke, breaking his British record. Born with achondroplasia, Bruce's determination and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. His achievements include competing in the 2023 World Championships and consistently setting personal bests. As a member of Northampton Swim Club's para programme, Bruce has raised awareness of para-sport within Northamptonshire and among his peers. 

Young Sports Performer
Tys Lacatusu 
Tys, a dedicated gymnast at Eclipse Gymnastics in Rushden, has shown resilience and talent, overcoming a collarbone injury in early 2024 to achieve remarkable success. In May and July, he placed 3rd in Acrobatics at the British NDP and became English Champion in Tumbling. He leads a display team that performed at the British Gymnastics Championships. Despite training challenges, including limited access to a full tumbling track, Tys adapts and excels. He also coaches younger gymnasts and serves as a Young Leader at school, inspiring others and contributing to sporting events across North Northamptonshire. 

Sports Performer
Kieran Reilly 
Kieran is an exceptional BMX freestyle athlete and Paris 2024 silver Olympic medallist, who dedicates time to support Adrenaline Alley by coaching young riders, creating media content, and mentoring aspiring Olympians. He has achieved major milestones, including winning gold at the 2023 UCI World Championships and European Games, landing the world's first "Triple Flair," and securing a silver medal at the 2024 Olympics. His involvement with Adrenaline Alley has enhanced its global reputation, attracting top teams and riders, while his social media presence significantly boosts the charity's reach. 

Outstanding Recognition Award
Stephen Legg 
Stephen, known as Steve or Leggy, has dedicated 32 years to volunteering at Corby Kingswood Juniors Football Club (CKJFC). Balancing full-time work and family life, Steve's passion for junior football has shaped CKJFC into a beloved community club. His contributions include spearheading Junior Disability Football with the Northamptonshire FA, securing FA Charter Standard status, and supporting families across generations. A leader in the Weetabix League and Corby Football Forum, Steve's tireless efforts provide a safe, welcoming space for children and families. His dedication has made him the heart and soul of CKJFC and an essential figure in the local football community.