Do you know a young person who deserves to be celebrated? The Community Champion Awards 2025 are back - bigger, brighter and ready to shine a light on the incredible young people making a difference across the Newcastle area.
This time, Northern Leaders Trust is joined by the Association of Education Advisers (AoEA) (www.aoea.co.uk) as joint main sponsors of this inspiring celebration of young people making a real difference in their schools and communities.
Originally launched by Northern Leaders Trust and proudly hosted at Kenton School for the past two years, the awards have grown in popularity and impact, with individual award categories sponsored by a wide range of local businesses and organisations.
This year marks a new milestone as the event begins its journey toward becoming a regional awards programme, paving the way to recognise young changemakers right across the North East.
The spectacular awards ceremony will take place on the evening of Thursday 12 February 2026 at the Vertu Motors Arena on Scotswood Road, home to the Newcastle Eagles Basketball team. A line up of special guests, entertainment and inspirational stories promise to make it a night to remember.
Nominations are now open and anyone can make a nomination – from teachers and youth leaders to parents and friends – providing the nominee is under 18 years of age and attends a primary, secondary school or college in Newcastle – whether that is a local authority-maintained school, an independent school, a faith school, an academy or a school for children with special needs.
As in previous years, there will be eight award categories, celebrating qualities such as kindness, courage, community spirit, and environmental leadership.
Award winners will receive retail and book vouchers worth £250, thanks to the generous support of local businesses and sponsors, with further sponsorship opportunities now open to any local business that wants to get involved.
Lee Kirtley, CEO of Northern Leaders Trust and founder of the awards, said: “Every year, we are humbled by the stories of young people who go above and beyond to help others. Their energy, compassion and determination are what make our region so special. This year, with AoEA joining us as main sponsors, we’re delighted to see the awards continue to grow and inspire the local community throughout the Newcastle area.”
Les Walton, CEO, founder and chair of AoEA, added: “We have been involved in the awards for the last two years, so we were thrilled when the opportunity arose to become joint sponsor. As an organisation that is heavily involved in education, we are always keen to highlight some of the great things the region’s young people get up to and the kindness and generosity within our communities.”
Sam Blake, CEO of Newcastle Eagles Foundation, which is hosting the event this year, said: “At Newcastle Eagles, we’re passionate about helping young people build confidence, teamwork and ambition through sport, so it’s a privilege to be the venue partner for such an inspiring celebration that recognises the incredible things young people are achieving across our city.”
The awards will once again be supported by local media partners, helping to share nominees’ inspirational stories far and wide. A full digital/social media and press campaign will accompany the launch, encouraging schools, families and communities to get involved.
To nominate a remarkable young person you know and help us celebrate the kindness, creativity and courage that make our communities thrive visit northernleaderstrust.org – it will only take five minutes and could make a massive difference to someone.
If you are a local business and are interested in supporting the awards, please contact philippa.clothier@clothierlacey.co.uk
Together, we can make this year’s Community Champion Awards the biggest and most inspiring yet.