Northampton Saints Foundation’s annual Foundation Awards, took centre stage on Wednesday 2nd July, honouring the exceptional journeys and achievements of our young people throughout the academic year.
Held at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, the evening was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do, to celebrate progress, resilience, and the positive futures being built every day through the Foundation’s programmes. While the spotlight was on our award winners, the celebration extended to every young person whose journey this year demonstrated growth, determination and potential.
“This day is primarily about our young people,” opened Ethan Waller, the Foundation’s Ambassador and evening's host. “While some receive awards tonight, there are many others not on stage who have shown incredible progress and commitment. They too are part of this celebration.”
The event celebrated achievements across four of the Foundation’s key departments: Education, Social Inclusion and Employability. Each programme presented three awards Foundation Values, Progression, and Student Achievement honouring standout performances, transformation, and consistent commitment.
Education Awards
- School of the Year: Park Junior School, Wellingborough
- Class of the Year: Year 2 Otters Class, Denfield
- Primary Student of the Year: Noah (East Hunsbury Primary)
- Secondary Student of the Year: John-J (Refocus)
Social Inclusion Awards (Engage programme)
- Foundation Values: AJ, Cordelia
- Progression: Paige, Chester
- Student Achievement: Daniel and Kaiden
Craig Phillips, Employability Skills Manager, reflected on an incredible year of expansion. “In 2021, we supported 30 young people. This year, we're on course to reach 120 across West and North Northamptonshire.” He highlighted the power of partnerships with Northampton College, West Northamptonshire Council, and Tresham College that are helping to reduce NEET (Not in education, employment or training) figures and close local and national skills gaps.
Across Employability programmes, young people completed over 780 work hours, gained accredited qualifications, and built key life and work skills.
Engage+ & Aspire Awards (Northampton College)
- Foundation Values: Alicia, Scarlet
- Progression: Marco
- Student Achievement: Alicia, Lashonee
WNC 12-Week Programme (West Northamptonshire Council)
- Foundation Values: Millie
- Progression: Cleo
- Student Achievement: Alfie
Tresham College Partnership
- Foundation Values: Lacey
- Progression: Aismena
- Student Achievement: Deividas
Dawn Bere, the Foundation’s Youth Counsellor and Wellbeing Lead, marked her third year with the Foundation by sharing reflections on the year’s wellbeing impact. Through programmes like CHAMPS, Teammates, Maddie’s Mark, and the Memory Cafe, the Foundation provided mental health and emotional support to hundreds of young people.
“These aren’t just programmes,” she said. “They’re lifelines. Safe spaces where students are empowered, listened to, and equipped with strategies for life.”
With staff training expanding in 2025/26, the Foundation is committed to placing wellbeing at the core of its mission.
Volunteers play a pivotal role in every success story. From classroom support to heritage preservation, to Saints match-day fundraising and memory cafe companionship, volunteers have been a cornerstone of the Foundation’s growth.
“To all our volunteers, thank you,” the Foundation shared. “Your generosity builds a future where every young person has a chance to thrive.”
The Foundation’s CEO Jordan Letts took the opportunity to reflect on the Foundation’s continued expansion. “We’re on track to support over 8,000 individuals this academic year,” he announced. A new Social Return on Investment project will soon put measurable value to the Foundation’s impact, further strengthening its position for future growth.
He emphasised the need to scale responsibly, maintaining quality as reach grows. “As we approach a new strategic plan in September 2025, we remain firmly committed to deep, meaningful impact.”
The last awards of the evening recognised the Foundation’s Education Manager, Sam Chambers who was honoured as Employee of the Year for his outstanding commitment beyond expectations, delivering transformative change through his work.
Tom James, long-time supporter and Saints Inside programme ambassador, received the Foundation’s highest honour for individuals or businesses who go above and beyond. While Tom couldn’t attend, Paul Shields accepted on his behalf.
“It’s been a joy and a privilege to work alongside the Foundation,” Tom said “To play even a small part in such life-changing work is something I cherish deeply.”
While not part of the evening’s formal award presentations, the Special Services team received a special mention. With only 7% of participants reoffending, the Saints Inside prison-based programme is transforming lives in the most challenging environments. By restoring dignity and teaching employability and personal development, the programme is helping individuals rewrite their futures.
As the emotional evening drew to a close, it was clear that the Foundation is creating a last impact on so many from the classroom to the community, from prison cells to professional pathways and have an exciting year ahead.
Congratulations to all this year’s winners and thank you to everyone who makes this vital work possible.
