Young people, schools and corporate supporters were recognised at the Foundations annual awards, on Tuesday evening, for their achievements over the past 2022/2023 academic year.
Held at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the event, sponsored by Always a Chance, was attended by young people from the Foundation’s Education and Social Inclusion programmes plus schools, fundraisers, supporters, volunteers and partners.
Hosted by Graham Mckechnie and Northampton Saints Prop Ethan Waller, the event shared latest Foundation news, statistics and success stories from each programme.
With over 6,000 young people supported across 12 programmes during this academic year, Catherine Deans, Managing Director at Northampton Saints Foundation shared her gratitude and well wishes saying “Today is about our young people and celebrating their successes this year. It is a delight to see and hear their achievements, and whilst some are receiving awards today there are many, many more who have made incredible progress, developing essential skills to make a positive change who are not here today. My congratulations to each and every one of them.”
Catherine kicked off the evening with a brand-new award recognising Shirley Lynch, the Foundation’s HITZ Officer, for being the epitome of going above and beyond, for the young people and always looking for ways to develop the programme she works on to ensure the young people have the very best experiences to shape their future journey.
One of the young people to win an award was Mason who picked up Student of the Year. Liam Welch, the Foundation’s Education Lead said “Mason is the first to recall the five values of rugby, as well as our additional value of ‘understanding’ that we instil within the Foundation. He regularly demonstrates each value and showcases his awareness and ability to include these as part of his everyday life.”
Foundation ambassadors James Grayson and Tom Wood praised the Foundation for its hard work with Tom saying “It didn’t even cross my mind to disengage with the Foundation (since retiring from rugby), I feel incredibly privileged to be involved. they do amazing work”.
WHP Creative, a long-term partner of the Foundation, scooped the contribution award for giving their time, skills and knowledge to help grow and evolve the Foundations brand with film and marketing materials.
A big thank you also went to Always a Chance for sponsoring the awards. Supporting the Foundation since it started in 2015, the charity have donated funds, allowing the Foundation to develop and enhance our delivery programmes.
The Foundation would also like to thank Video Inn Productions who provided sound and staging for the event.
2022/23 award winners, sponsored by Always a Chance
Employee of the year
Shirley Lynch – HITZ Officer
Engage programme
Foundation Values award - Natalia
Progression award - Logan
Student Achievement award - Alfie
HITZ Programme
in partnership with Premiership Rugby and YMCA
Foundation Values award - Reginald
Progression award - Bayleigh
Student Achievement award - Vicky
Engage+ and Aspire Programme
in partnership with Northampton College
Foundation Values award - Filip
Progression award - Angel
Student Achievement award - Chelsie-Lily
Education Programme
School of the Year - Rowan Gate Primary School
Class of the Year - CAMHS Activate Group
Student of the year - Mason
Thank you award – Heledd
Contribution Award
WHP Creative
