NORTH EAST FOOTBALL UNITES AT AWARDS NIGHT

This year’s North East Football Writers’ Association Awards brought together all of the region’s clubs to celebrate the very best of football.

Attendees included Sunderland’s Regis Le Bris, Dan Ballard, Melanie Reay and Katy Watson, Middlesbrough’s Joe Lillie, and Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe and Lewis Miley.

Held at the Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, the event once again raised funds to support our work and was sponsored by H. Malone and Sons as part of their centenary celebrations.

This year, all the money raised will go towards construction of the £30m Sir Bobby Robson Institute, a world-leading cancer trials hub for the region at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

With over £20 million raised so far thanks to the generosity of our supporters, support is now crucial to raise the final funds to complete and fully equip the Institute by 2027.

The North East Football Writers’ Association Awards are voted for by football writers across the region and reflect achievements during 2025.

A definite highlight of the night was the Personality of the Year Award, which is given in association with our Foundation, and was received, to rapturous applause, by Tony Mowbray.

It is given in recognition of someone who uses their position in football to benefit the wider community.

Receiving the award from Mark Robson, Tony said he felt honoured and very lucky to have been born into the North East.

Other award winners included Dan Ballard (Sunderland) Men’s Player of the Year, Katie Kitching (Sunderland) Women’s Player of the Year, Lewis Miley (Newcastle United) Young Men’s Player of the Year and Katy Watson (Sunderland) Young Women’s Player of the Year.

Special recognition awards were presented to Spennymoor Town after their FA Trophy Final journey last season and Middlesbrough FC Women, who won promotion to the National League North and are currently chasing a second successive promotion to the WSL2.

Ever present and hugely talented football photographer, Ian Horrocks, was honoured with the Bob Cass award, while renowned broadcaster, Roger Tames, received the John Fotheringham award, both given for outstanding service to North East football.

Our heartfelt thanks to Colin Young and everyone involved in making the night so special.