GLL, the charitable social enterprise and worker-owned co-operative behind Better leisure centres across the North East, has once again played a key role in recognising and celebrating the individuals who make grassroots sport thrive throughout the region.
GLL was the main award sponsor of the Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero 2026 awards held at the home of Newcastle Redbulls, Kingston Park – where volunteers, coaches, officials and individuals from the region came together and were presented with their special recognition awards.
The Sport Newcastle Unsung Hero Awards help to showcase the people who tirelessly dedicate their time and energy to grassroots sport and are the lifeblood of local sport, often working quietly behind the scenes to create opportunities for others to participate, compete and succeed.
Hosted by the Sport Newcastle volunteer committee, the special awards evening was attended by a wide range of athletes, volunteers, businesses and supporters to recognise those who have gone above and beyond for community sport.
For almost 60 years the charity has supported local athletes, clubs and initiatives through funding which helps clubs increase participation and support rising stars to achieve their sporting potential.
Underlining the company’s commitment to contributing to the local community and encouraging involvement, GLL’s Gary Hays presented Emily Betham, Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club with her Unsung Hero Award.
Gary Hays, General Manager at East End Pool & Walker Activity Dome, said
“We are so proud to continue our long-term support for Sport Newcastle and the inspiring work they do to champion the next generation of local sporting heroes.
“As a business deeply rooted in the North East and with a team of active sports enthusiasts, we are thrilled to continue our long running support of Sport Newcastle. The Unsung Hero awards typify what Sport Newcastle stands for and the awards really showcase what grassroots sport and the many dedicated people who give up their time to help young sports people achieve their dreams.”
Mathew Squires, Sport Newcastle Trustee and Head of Fundraising, added,
“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 like GLL enables us to not only recognise and honour outstanding achievements, but allows us to back aspiring athletes, proactive community projects, ambitious clubs and forward-thinking coaches. It also provides the opportunity to champion the very best of sport across the North East, from rising stars to the local heroes who inspire us all.
“Our sponsors help us to support the ongoing work of Sport Newcastle and distribute grants to promising athletes and grassroots sports organisations across the region. This is an evening to celebrate people that make it happen.”
The overall winners of the Unsung Hero awards were Danielle Dickinson, Little Swimming Company; Jonathan Poulter, Serenity BJJ; Andrew Clark, Blyth Cricket Club; Hayden MacDonald, Sunderland Rowing Club; Jenny O’Neil, Eagles Community Foundation and South Tyneside Basketball Club; Harriet Lee, Tynemouth Amateur Swimming Club; Emily Betham, Tynemouth Swimming Club; Steve Beaty Snr, Cramlington Rockets RLFC; Will Maddison, Cramlington Rockets RLFC and Rockets Community Foundation and Steve Abbot, Northumberland Badminton and Tyneside Badminton Centre.
The sponsors and also long-term supporters of Sport Newcastle on the night were Tier One Capital, Ward Hadaway, Central Employment, SOS Group and JC Events.
Sport Newcastle is a 100% voluntary charity and has raised and awarded more than £3million in grants across many different grassroots sports for almost 60 years – and has played a vital role in nurturing talent, strengthening communities and celebrating the individuals who make the North East region proud.
Sport Newcastle has helped support young people to progress, clubs and organisations to grow participation and volunteer coaches to thrive. Many athletes who have received early support from Sport Newcastle have gone on to enjoy outstanding careers, achieve their sporting dreams and represent the region and country on some of the world’s biggest stages.
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