Local sporting stars honoured at University-sponsored Northamptonshire Sports Awards

Local sporting stars, including coaches, volunteers and athletes, came together to celebrate the ninth annual Northamptonshire Sports Awards on Thursday 7 November.

Northamptonshire Sport is a partnership of organisations – including the University of Northampton – who work together to provide opportunities for everyone to be able to access and participate in sport.

Held at the Kettering Conference Centre, the Awards are an accumulation of a great year of sporting achievements in the county. The University of Northampton’s School of Health sponsored the Volunteer of the Year award at the event, which was won by Steve Mackie from Great Harrowden.

Winner Steve Mackie is a professional Head Groundsman at a prestigious county golf club, but is also a volunteer coach at Wellingborough Rugby Club, where he coaches the club’s Colts team. The Colts have had a great season winning two regional competitions. Steve is also responsible for maintaining the club’s pitches, which he does every morning before heading off to work. Steve Mackie ensures the facilities are immaculately maintained come rain or shine.

Kettering golfer Charley Hull, Northants cricket coach David Ripley and Moulton Magpies Football Club were also amongst the winners at the ceremony hosted by sports broadcaster Mike Sewell.

Chris Holmes, Director of Northamptonshire Sport opened the evening and commented: “Looking back on a fabulous year of sport, the Sports Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our most talented sportsmen and women, young and old, as well as the invaluable contributions of the volunteers who are helping to create the Olympic Legacy in Northamptonshire”.