Northampton Saints Foundation proudly celebrated the achievements of its young people, partners, volunteers and staff at its annual Foundation Awards, bringing together supporters from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes for an evening of recognition, inspiration and celebration.
Hosted by Foundation ambassador Ethan Waller, the event showcased the incredible impact of the Foundation's programmes over the past 12 months, while recognising those who have gone above and beyond in embodying the Foundation's values.
Opening the evening, Ethan reflected on what the awards represent. "Tonight is about people. It's about the young people who have rebuilt their confidence, young people who have re-engaged with education, young people who have developed new skills, and young people who have discovered belief in themselves. It's also about the staff, volunteers, families, schools, colleges, partners and supporters who have walked alongside them."
Northampton Saints Foundation CEO Jordan Letts welcomed guests before Craig Phillips, Head of Employability and Skills read out an inspiring speech from student Alicia about her journey on the Engage Plus Employability Programme, delivered in partnership with Northampton College. Alicia reflected on the opportunities the programme has given her and the positive impact it has had on her confidence and future aspirations.
“From my very first day, I was made to feel welcome. The staff have always been supportive, approachable, and willing to help whenever I needed it. They believed in me, even at times when I struggled to believe in myself. The atmosphere has always been positive, encouraging, and somewhere I felt comfortable being myself. It is a friendly atmosphere here and I have always felt included. I have always felt understood here at the Foundation and accepted. Lotte and Dom have always listened to me and I have felt heard during my time on the Engage Plus programme.”
Jordan also highlighted another landmark year for the charity.
"We're on track to supporting more than 7,000 individuals across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes this academic year. We're actively delivering more than 6,000 hours of programme activity, equating to over 650,000 contact hours. We've also expanded our Engage provision further across Northamptonshire with the opening of our Wellingborough hub in January 2026."
He added "The evening was about recognising and celebrating the achievements of the Foundation's young people, partners, volunteers and staff, while also taking the opportunity to thank everyone who supports the charity's work. Although not everyone received an award, every individual, organisation and volunteer plays a vital role in helping the Foundation transform lives across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes."
Jordan also recognised the impact of the Foundation's specialist services, Heritage department and memory cafe, highlighting the important role they play in strengthening communities and demonstrating what community truly means.
Head of Education and Inclusion Emilie Harbottle reflected on another successful year for the Foundation's education programmes, highlighting their impact across schools and communities.
"This academic year we have supported more than 5,000 pupils through a range of education and enrichment programmes. Whether through classroom-based learning, enrichment days, stadium visits, values workshops or targeted interventions, our aim has remained the same – to help young people realise their potential."
Speaking about the Foundation's Engage provision, Emilie highlighted another year of growth.
"This year we opened two new hubs in Wellingborough and CAMHS, while strengthening partnerships with schools, local authorities and wider agencies to ensure young people receive the right support at the right time. I'm proud of every young person's progression, no matter how big or small. For some it's improved attendance, for others it's emotional regulation, confidence, reduced exclusions, returning to education, or simply believing in themselves again."
The following awards were presented:
Education
- School of the Year: The CE Academy
- Class of the Year: Base 1, Hampton Bridge
- Students of the Year: Harvey and Keeley
Social Inclusion
- Foundation Values Award: Harry and Florence
- Progression Award: Reuben and Jacob
- Student Achievement Award: Tyler, Jack and Ashton
Employability and Skills
Head of Employability and Skills Craig Phillips reflected on another successful year, highlighting continued growth across all areas of the department and an increase in the number of young people supported.
"Through our partnerships with Northampton College, Tresham College, part of The Bedford College Group, West Northamptonshire Council, employers and local organisations, we've continued to grow opportunities for young people across the county."
Craig also celebrated the department's outcomes.
"This year's programmes have achieved a 97% positive progression rate for learners who completed a programme. With recent reports showing increasing numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training, alongside more than one million people nationally being economically inactive, our focus remains simple – to support young people into positive destinations and reduce barriers to education, employment and training so that we can help tackle these wider societal challenges."
Tresham College Partnership, part of the Bedford group
- Foundation Values Award: Freya, Charlie and Elliot
- Progression Award: Robert
- Student Achievement Award: Nana
Engage Plus & Aspire (in partnership with Northampton College)
- Foundation Values Award: Alicia and Adelina
- Progression Award: D'rell and Reuben
- Student Achievement Award: Summer and Max
Further awards included:
- Employability School of the Year: Campion School
- Contribution Award: Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service received the Contribution Award in recognition of its outstanding support for the Foundation's employability programmes. The team has delivered essential life skills sessions, helping equip young people with the knowledge, confidence and practical understanding they need to stay safe, make positive choices and prepare for the future.
The Foundation also recognised the incredible commitment of its volunteers, thanking them for the countless hours they dedicate to supporting programmes throughout the year.
Jordan said "Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication, passion and willingness to give their time make an incredible difference to the lives of the young people and communities we support."
The evening concluded by recognising two outstanding individuals for their exceptional contributions.
- Fundraiser of the Year: Claire Lammiman
- Employee of the Year: Lottee Dee-Belton
The annual Foundation Awards once again highlighted the positive difference Northampton Saints Foundation continues to make across the county, celebrating not only award winners but every young person, partner, volunteer and member of staff who contributes to the charity's mission of empowering young minds and enriching lives across generations.