Celebrating Excellence: Swim England North West Regional Awards 2025

20th September 2025 – Not even torrential rain could dampen the spirits of our incredible swimming and aquatic community as the Swim England North West Regional Awards Ceremony took place at the Banqueting Suite, Leigh Sports Village, Leigh.

This annual celebration brought together the region’s most dedicated volunteers, coaches, officials, and club representatives to honour the outstanding achievements and contributions made across all disciplines over the past year.

Despite the wild weather, the room was filled with excitement, pride, and plenty of smiles as shortlisted nominees arrived with their guests, ready for a night to remember.

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

Medals and awards were presented by some of the region’s most inspirational figures, including Dan Paddon (Water Polo), rising star Amelie Blocksidge (Swimming), and 2025 SENW President Tom Rock. Their presence added extra sparkle to an already uplifting evening, and their words of encouragement resonated with everyone in attendance.

Each award recognised the passion, dedication, and tireless efforts of individuals and clubs who have gone above and beyond to support aquatics in the North West – from grassroots heroes to elite-level performers.

Our Swim England North West Regional Awards Winners were as follows:

Technical Official of the Year

• Gold – Matthew Lyons (City of Liverpool SC)
• Silver – Reece Kirby (Hoylake SC)
• Bronze – Marie Sullivan (Barrow ASC)

Young Volunteer of the Year

• Gold – Harry Elson (ORCA)
• Silver – Amelia Crompton (City of Liverpool SC)
• Bronze – Julia Pyszny (ORCA)

Volunteer of the Year

• Gold – Nikki Rowney (Denton Artistic SC)
• Silver – Patricia Birch (Hoylake SC)
• Bronze – Fiona Haworth (City of Preston Aquatics)

Artistic Swimming Club of the Year

• Gold – Denton Artistic Swimming Club
• Silver – City of Salford Synchronised Swimming Club
• Bronze – Stockport Metro Swimming Club

Diving Club of the Year 

• Gold – Burscough Diving Club

Swimming Club of the Year

• Gold – Winsford SC
• Silver – City of Salford SC
• Bronze – City of Liverpool SC

Water Polo Club of the Year

• Gold – City of Manchester WPC
• Silver – Tyldesley S&WPC

Participation & Community Coach of the Year

• Gold – Nikki Rowney (Denton Artistic SC)
• Silver – Sebastian Long (City of Manchester WPC)
• Bronze – Matthew Lyons (Liverpool Penguins)

Children & Age Group Coach of the Year

• Gold – Liam Selby (Stockport Metro SC)
• Silver – Philippa Molloy (Lancaster City SC)
• Bronze – Nikki Rowney (Denton Artistic SC)
• Highly Commended – Megan Pendleton (Wirral Metro SC)

Talent Development Coach of the Year

• Gold – Benjamin Cleaveley (Satellites of Macclesfield)
• Silver – Sebasitan Long (City of Manchester WPC)
• Bronze – Andrea Clavis (Liverpool Penguins)
• Highly Commended – Charlotte Hughes (Southport SC)

Regional Club Recognition & Achievement Award (SENW Region only Award)

• Gold – David Cattel (Crewe Flyers SC)
• Silver – Jean Taylor (Woodchurch SC)
• Bronze – Margaret Monks (Trafford Artistic SC)

First-Class Entertainment and Hosting

The entertainment throughout the evening matched the excitement in the room. Live music from the incredibly talented Lewis Barron and upbeat sets from DJ Barry Wedding and Event Entertainment kept spirit levels high.

A huge thank you must go to Chris Gerrard, who expertly compered the evening with warmth, humour, and professionalism. His energy and enthusiasm tied the event together perfectly.

Also to Tom from Steven Smith Photography who captured the true excitement of the whole event through his lens!

A Heartfelt Thank You

The 2025 Swim England North West Regional Awards was a true celebration of community, resilience, and excellence. A huge thank you to everyone who attended, braved the weather, and helped make the night a memorable success.

Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and winners, you are the beating heart of aquatics in the North West, and your impact is truly inspiring.  The Region wish you the very best of luck to those winners who will progress onto the Swim England National Awards that take place at the Great Hall, Birmingham University on Saturday 29th November.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to make a nomination this year – we look forward to receiving even more next year!