Celebrating sporting excellence at the Team Sunderland Sports Ball

Team Sunderland held its annual Sports Ball on Friday evening at Ramside Hall, recognising the outstanding achievements of students and clubs throughout the season.

The event celebrates the success of Team Sunderland’s clubs and individuals throughout the season with a meal and an awards ceremony.

Goalkeeper Aaron Steavens was named Sports Person of the Year, following a standout season that saw him selected for the English Universities Football Team and competing in the Baller League, broadcast live on Sky Sports.

Men’s Rugby took home Team of the Year after an exceptional season, securing both league and cup victories. Their achievements also earned Graeme Edmundson Coach of the Year, for the second year running.

Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell, awarded Club of the Year jointly to Men’s Rugby and Netball, recognising the strength, spirit and commitment shown by both.

Men’s Football picked up a number of awards, including Vice-Chancellor’s Charity Club of the Year and Committee of the Year. Their third team was presented with the Special Recognition Award after securing a league title.

Dance were awarded Performance of the Year for their showstopping routine at Clash of the Minsters. Meanwhile, American Football were named Most Improved Team, following a strong resurgence this season.

Danny Jackson-Brown (Men’s Football President) and Georgia Turnbull (Netball President) were joint winners of the Individual Who Achieved the Most for Their Club award, both recognised for their outstanding leadership.

There was also a moment of recognition for Zak Chowdhury, who sadly passed away this year, who was posthumously awarded the Ainsley Charles Award for the Most Improved Individual.

Finally, the Unsung Hero Award went to Harry Warnock, in recognition of his ongoing charity work and commitment behind the scenes.

Ollie Barnett, Student Engagement Officer for Team Sunderland, said: “It was a fantastic evening celebrating the amazing achievements of our students this season. It’s been an honour to serve as their Student Engagement Officer this year and I can’t wait to see how our teams continue to develop next year.”