THE WINNERS OF THE YO1 RADIO SPORTS AWARDS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!

WHAT A NIGHT!

We had a fantastic night at the YO1 Radio Sports Awards 2026 supported by York College & University Centre. Our awards ceremony took place in IMAX at Cineworld York on June 8th 2026

We recognised excellence across the sporting community – from athletes and teams to coaches and volunteers – in 12 exciting award categories.

YOUNG SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

KACEY LEE

 Kacey is a World Champion Kickboxer in her age range.

She is undefeated in her last three competitions and has a string of awards and medals to her name, including representing England at the highest level.

Kacey trains a minimum of four times each week, despite currently being in the middle of her GCSE exams – maintaining a great balance between school and her sporting achievements.

ACTIVE EDUCATION OF THE YEAR (PRIMARY)

COPMANTHORPE PRIMARY SCHOOL

This category was so difficult to judge as there is so much exceptional work taking place in primary schools across our whole area – but Copmanthorpe Primary stood out from the crowd in a VERY competitive category.

Physical activity is at the heart of the school’s daily life – led by specialist PE teachers Mr Simms and Mrs Coran.

Pupils take part in three active break times each day, alongside structured lunchtime sports including football, tennis, hockey and cricket.

A Playground Leaders scheme allows older pupils to lead activities for younger children.

Copmanthorpe was the first primary school in York to achieve the Silver Healthy Schools Award, actively promoting initiatives such as the twice-weekly ‘Morning Mile’ and the ‘WOW’ walk to school scheme.

SECONDARY & HIGHER TEAM OF THE YEAR

FULFORD SCHOOL FRISBEE

The Fulford School Ultimate Frisbee Team are the current National Champions in the Under 20 Division of both outdoor and indoor versions of the sport.

Starting in Year 10 or younger, the team – who are all now in Year 13 – have progressed through the sport to represent Great Britain at Junior, Under 17 and Under 20 age groups.

The team train at 7am before school, juggling lessons, part-time jobs, GCSE and A-Level exams and applying for university.

DISABILITY SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR

NATHAN CARRINGTON

Nathan is an accomplished swimmer and was part of the Great Britain Team in the Deaflympics held in Tokyo last December.

Nathan was born 13 weeks premature and has been deaf since birth.

He started competitive swimming at the age of 9 with York City Baths Club and joined the Great Britain Deaf Swimming Club at the same time.

Nathan is currently the fastest deaf breaststroker in Great Britain and is currently training to represent GB later this year.

Nathan trains 8 times a week and gives back to the sport as a qualified swimming teacher.

BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MILDA AMBRA

Milda was originally entered into the Disability Sportsperson Category – after losing her leg following an indoor bouldering accident in 2024.

Since then, Milda has excelled as a rower, in wheelchair rugby league, skitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Milda is a student at the University of York – and her success in all areas of sport prompted the judges to add Milda into the Breakthrough Athlete category.

THE CAIN NORTH COMMUNITY AWARD

LOUISE PRASHAD

Louise is a truly remarkable person – and a previous winner at the YO1 Radio Sports Awards

After a life-saving liver transplant and the heartbreaking loss of her twins, Louise decided to rebuild her life through sport.

As well as her own amazing sporting achievements, including well over 300 races, endurance events and ultra challenges, Louise has raised over £350,000 for charitable causes.

A few weeks ago she received a Lord Mayor’s Commendation Award and has had one of York’s fleet of electric buses named in her honour.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

LIZ HENLEY

Liz has played netball since the age of 8.

Based in Haxby Liz works for Nestle and her vision, leadership and determination has almost single-handedly transformed the future of grassroots sport in Haxby – including the creation of the new multi-sport facility at Ethel Ward Playing Fields.

Liz has raised tens of thousands in funding and, although many people have supported the project, there is no doubt it would not have happened without Liz’s involvement.

COMMUNITY TEAM OF THE YEAR

CITY OF YORK HOCKEY CLUB LADIES

The City of York Hockey Club Ladies first team are currently celebrating their historic promotion to the English Hockey League.

Unbeaten in 12 games, their promotion made them the first City of York hockey team – men’s or women’s – to achieve that level.

The team encourages teenage girls to take up the sport and to remain involved.

The team are inspirational role models to all of the youngsters

COACH OF THE YEAR

GHADA KHATTAB

Ghada is the under 18s women’s coach at York Eagles Basketball.

She is an exceptional coach, volunteering countless hours to the development of the team both on court and as confident young women.

Ghada has an ability to create a fun and energetic environment bringing out the best in players, uniting parents, and fostering a true sense of community.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY AWARD

HAUNTED CITY ROLLER DERBY

Haunted City Roller Derby is an independent, competitive roller derby team, noted for its inclusive and community driven approach to the sport.

Haunted City actively builds inclusivity into every level of the game.

The league is full gender inclusive and proudly champions trans and gender minority skaters – creating a safe and empowering space for everyone.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR

HONEYBALL UNITED WFC

Honeyball United is a welcoming women-led grassroots football club based in York.

The Club has created a welcoming community where women feel encouraged, supported and inspired to be active.

Honeyball has removed barriers around confidence, fitness and previous experience, making physical activity feel accessible and enjoyable.

The club is making a genuine difference in its community by helping more women move more, connect more and believe in themselves.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

AUDREY SMITH & PAM DRAKE