The 2017 Sport Newcastle Rising Stars

The Sport Newcastle Rising Stars Awards is an annual showcase for the young men and women who are making an impact at national level and often higher.

Over the next few weeks we will be introducing all sixteen of our 2017 Sport Newcastle Rising Stars and will keep you up to date with their progress during the year.

These awards have changed dramatically over the years - more nominations, more sports - and very noticeably far more girls. The Rising Stars are at the very heart of what Sport Newcastle is all about, providing support at grass roots level and encouraging the next generation.

This year's awards are being backed for the first time by a major national company with an important role in sports participation throughout Newcastle.

GLL is the country’s biggest leisure services operator. It’s a not-for-profit organisation with the responsibility for running Newcastle City Council’s leisure facilities including Eldon Leisure Centre, the Walker Activity Dome and the new look West Denton Pool and Fitness Centre. GLL have a great track record in supporting sport through their own Foundation. And we look forward to a long term partnership.

Our thanks must also go to our friends at Nike who have been long term supporters of our rising stars and again have donated sportswear and vouchers to our winners.

We were delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Stephenson to present the awards as we continue to receive great support from Newcastle City Council in this the 800th year of the mayoralty in the city.