Northumbria Win Big In Newcastle

Northumbria University was one of the standout winners at last night’s Sport Newcastle annual dinner.

Many of the biggest names in Newcastle sport gathered at the city’s Civic Centre for a star-studded black-tie event.

And on a night when thousands of pounds was raised to support emerging athletes, coaches and clubs, Northumbria took its place at the heart of the action.

Will Muir, a member of Darren Fearn’s table-toping BUCS Super Rugby side, and Paralympic swimming star Matt Wylie picked up prestigious Rising Star awards.

And the university’s all-conquering Team Northumbria volleyball club narrowly missed out to the City of Newcastle Golf Club in the race to be crowned 2018 Team of the Year.

“I felt very proud to be at the Sport Newcastle annual dinner and recognise all the Rising Star awards - which included our own Team Northumbria athletes Will Muir and Matt Wylie,” said Director of Sport, Colin Stromsoy.

“I’d like to wish both of them – and everyone involved with Team Northumbria volleyball on and off the court - a personal congratulation for some richly deserved recognition.”

Northumbria University alumni played a pivotal role in proceedings with the North East’s most successful Paralympian, Stephen Miller, presenting Wylie’s award to the swimmer’s proud parents.

And world-renowned coach and Northumbria graduate Steve Black hosted the auction as thousands of pounds were poured into the Sport Newcastle coffers.

Ian Payne, presenter of ITV’s flagship North East Tonight news programme, and a peer of Black’s at the former Newcastle Polytechnic (which later became Northumbria University) proudly referenced his sporting education on Tyneside.

He said: “As a young lad from Ipswich I came up to Newcastle as a budding gymnast, encouraged by Northumbria’s former Director of Sport Ian Elvin.

“I studied here, stayed here and I’ve been privileged to report on sport across the North East ever since.”

Team Northumbria volleyball went up against the City of Newcastel club and national cricket champions South Northumberland in the Team of the Year category.

Watched by alumnus and Team GB 2012 Olympian Peter Bakare, Dave Goodchild’s squads were praised by host Roger Tames for setting the benchmark in British volleyball.

And guests were reminded that both of TN’s squads are back at the National Cup finals next month with the club talked about as perennial contenders for Sport Newcastle’s biggest prizes.