2026 Brookes Sport and Active Wellness Awards

Last week, we celebrated an exceptional year of sport and active wellness at the 2026 Brookes Sport & Active Wellness Awards.

The evening brought together students, staff, coaches and supporters to recognise the achievements, dedication and community spirit that have defined sport at Oxford Brookes over the past year.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Keith Kelly Generosity of Spirit Award, delivered by Keith Kelly’s family in his memory. Keith played a key role in shaping the University’s sporting community. The award recognises an individual who goes above and beyond to support the wellbeing and sense of belonging of others, reflecting Keith’s belief that sport should be welcoming, inclusive and supportive for all.

We were also pleased to welcome Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Laville, who opened the ceremony and presented the Club of the Year award.

Alongside celebrating this year’s achievements, the event also marked an exciting moment for the future of Brookes Sport & Active Wellness, with the unveiling of our new logo, kit supplier and strategic tagline. Further details on this new direction will be shared in the coming weeks.

2026 Award Winners

This year’s awards recognised excellence across a wide range of categories:

• Social Media Award
  • Winner: Hockey
  • Shortlist: Cheer & Dance | Women's Football | Futsal | American Football
• Newcomer of the Year
  • Winner: Mac Collins (Rowing)
  • Shortlist: Vikram Singh (Golf) | James Trevithick (Swimming) | Muhammed Ayaz (Fencing)
• Brookes Applied Student of the Year
  • Winner: Benji Payne
  • Shortlist: Evelyn Watson | Caleb Rolfe | Selin Dikmen | Miles Denning
• Coach of the Year
  • Winner: Andy Charlton (Golf)
  • Shortlist: Tam Pascoe (Hockey) | Josh Mills (Touch Rugby) | Sam Green & Charlie Waller (Hockey)
• Keith Kelly Generosity of Spirit Award
  • Winner: Michal Loniewski (Volleyball)
  • Shortlist: Sofia Bernal (Rowing) | Ben Chaffey and Tom Welton (Men's Rugby Union) | Flori Smith (Hockey) 
• Event of the Year
  • Winner: Battle for the City (Men’s Rugby Union)
  • Shortlist: Super 6s (Hockey) | Kick Off (Cheer and Dance) | Derby Day (Rugby League)
• Sportsperson of the Year
  • Winner: Cara Gatiss (Tough Rugby)
  • Shortlist: Minagi Rupesinghe (Swimming), Charlotte Dunkley (Netball), Oscar Wellbelove (Handball), Necati Hassan (Boxing)
• Most Improved Club of the Year
  • Winner: Padel
  • Shortlist: Fencing | Judo | Sailing
• Club Member of the Year
  • Winner: Jack Goodwin (Tennis)
  • Shortlist: Agnes Morata Ruiz (Padel) | Emily Hearn (Hockey) | Sophie Hawkins (Women's Rugby Union)
• Rower of the Year
  • Winner: Richard Hawes
  • Shortlist: Olivia Hill | Kai Schlottman | Joey Mulligan
• Team of the Year
  • Winner: Golf Team
  • Shortlist: Fencing Mixed Team | Hockey Women's 4th Team | Rugby Union Men's 3rd Team 
• Club of the Year
  • Winner: Hockey
  • Shortlist: Men's Rugby Union | Tennis | American Football 

The awards reflect the breadth of talent and commitment across the Oxford Brookes sporting community, from high-performance athletes to those contributing behind the scenes.

A huge congratulations goes to all winners and shortlisted individuals, teams and clubs. Their achievements continue to shape a vibrant, inclusive and ambitious sporting environment at Oxford Brookes.

As the University looks ahead, this year’s awards not only celebrate success but also signal an exciting new chapter for sport and active wellness at Brookes.