NEWLY-CROWNED European boxing champion Callum Simpson gave his support to our own Young Champions finalists by sending them a video message to open Friday night’s spectacular presentation night at the Metrodome Arena.
Callum – still nursing black eyes from his victory over Italian Ivan Zucco – urged them to be proud of their home town.
And he encouraged them to work hard and never give up on achieving their dreams – just like he had done.
There was also a good luck message from Oliver Rowland – the Barnsley-born motor racing driver who is expected to be crowned Formula E World Champion this summer.
As well as the 13 awards, there was also an emotional surprise award for Taliyah Whitworth, a 12-year-old from Silkstone who is battling a second brain tumour.
Sam Nixon returned to present the awards for the second year in a row.
Almost 500 people attended the event and were entertained by local singers Angel Simon and Jake EB Music ahead of the awards being handed out.
Chronicle editor Andrew Harrod said: “Young Champions 2025 was another successful event, with almost 20,000 people visiting the public voting pages on our website so they could have a say in picking the winner.
“As always, we are grateful to Barnsley College and all the other sponsors as without them, events like this wouldn’t happen.”
Here are the winners of the 2025 Young Champion Awards
Tommy Dengel – Special Achievement
BORN without part of his right arm, ten-year-old Tommy Dengel has transformed his challenge into a powerful platform. He’s now a proud ambassador for the LimbBo foundation, a charity his family started to support children with limb differences. Tommy inspires others by sharing his experiences, boosting his confidence, and actively participating in fundraising and awareness efforts.
The Special Achievement award sponsored by Keswick Care
Freddie Davies - Young Carer
FREDDIE Davies, 14, was one of only 20 Scouts in the UK to receive the Unsung Hero award. He selflessly shaved his head, raising over £2,500 for his mum’s chemotherapy ward while she battled cancer. Now that she is cancer-free, Freddie continues his charity work, embodying the highest Scouting values and inspiring others with his courage and dedication.
The Young Carer award sponsored by Barnsley Hospital
Ethan Hadfield - Charity fundraiser
ETHAN Hadfield, 13, from Smithies is making big dreams a reality by launching Declan’s Dream, a charitable organisation named in honour of his late brother. Despite being shy, Ethan is raising money through eBay and Vinted, aiming to open a charity shop to support children with autism, mental health struggles, and birth defects – causes close to his heart as two of his brothers have autism.
The Charity Fundraiser award was sponsored by Whites Bakery
Grace O’Kane - Sporting Achievement
SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD Grace O’Kane from Jump has been selected to represent the Great Britain under-18s’ team at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Germany.
Grace, who only started the sport 18 months ago, now captains the British under-18s’ team.
She has shown immense dedication, balancing rigorous training with schoolwork and football.
The Sporting Achievement award sponsored by Barnsley Council
Louie George Wood – Young Conqueror
LOUIE George Wood, nine, was born with cerebral palsy, and has defied expectations, thriving as a happy little soul. Supported by his loving family, Louie tackles challenges head-on, enjoying activities like rock climbing despite his condition. An online sensation, his Facebook page ‘Louie’s Pace’ has raised awareness and garnered a devoted following, even leading to a CBeebies appearance.
The Young Conqueror award sponsored by Rapid Response
Tom Ashforth - Community Hero
BARNSLEY College’s Tom Ashforth, a partially-sighted student and national award finalist, recently championed accessibility for students with disabilities at Parliament. Balancing his studies with volunteering for the Thomas Pocklington Trust and his role as a Students’ Union disabilities officer, Tom is a dedicated advocate. His efforts extend to being a paracycling GB Development Squad member, proving his commitment to both his campaigns and personal pursuits.
The Community Hero award sponsored by Barnsley Football Club
Theo Hills – Young Entertainer
THEO Hills, 11, from Penistone is living his dream, performing across Europe in Les Misérables alongside stars like Michael Ball and Alfie Boe. This musical prodigy, who was the youngest contestant on The Voice Kids, simply aims to bring joy to people through his singing. His journey began with holiday karaoke, leading to national tours and a bright future focused on music.
The Young Entertainer award sponsored by Barnsley Council - Brighter Future Project
Caitlin Coles - Young Entrepreneur
AFTER six years of planning, Caitlin Coles has realised her childhood dream by opening Griffin Boxing Club in Royston. Supported by her father, Caitlin aims to inspire more people, especially women and girls, to engage in combat sports. Despite facing challenges as a young female head coach, this former Barnsley College student is dedicated to empowering everyone through her new club.
The Young Entrepremeur award sponsored by Amaze Labs
Eduard Cristea – Student of the Year
BARNSLEY College student, Eduard Cristea, 16, was a Young Champions award nominee for his fundraising efforts. Having survived acute myeloblastic leukaemia as a child thanks to care in Italy, he’s now walking 17 miles to raise £500 for Gli Amici del Sorriso at San Matteo Hospital. This follows his £200 fundraiser for Blood Cancer UK. Eduard’s inspiring journey highlights his resilience and gratitude.
The Student of the Year award sponsored by Barnsley College
Young Apprentice – Harry Clayton
HARRY Clayton’s trainer says that the achievements of the motor technician apprentice set a benchmark for excellence in the motor vehicle industry. His combination of technical expertise, leadership and commitment makes him a standout professional ready to make a significant impact in the field.
The Young Apprentice award sponsored by Barnsley College
The Combat Academy – Team Spirit
THE Combat Academy, based in Barugh Green, is sending fighters to Brisbane in October to compete in the World Championships and everyone at the gym has been showing their commitment to raising the funds needed. Last year’s event took place in Vienna and the academy had the largest contingent in Team England with their fighters absolutely shining, winning 33 medals.
The Team Spirit award sponsored by Balmoral Tanks
Jonathan Moore – Young Inspiration
RISING teen motorsport champion, Jonathan Moore, is one of the youngest drivers on Porsche’s tracks despite a challenging year. The 16-year-old faced setbacks, including a disqualified win and fastest lap, causing him to lose the Junior Saloon Club Championship by one point. Undeterred, Jonathan has moved up to the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB and his ambition is to make a career in motorsport.
The Young Inspiration award sponsored by Next
Trinity Juniors – Young Entertainment Team
AFTER spearheading the return of pantomimes to Trinity Hall in 2010, veteran amateur dramatics producer Dale Rivers ushered in a new generation of talent for the production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
With many adult regulars taking a break, the show featured 23 eager junior members stepping into the limelight alongside beloved returning performers.
This shift marks an exciting new chapter for the local pantomime tradition.
The Young Entertainment Team award sponsored by Rapid Response
Outstanding Young Champion – Taliyah Whitworth
MUM Sophie Whitworth is on a fundraising mission to save her daughter’s life – but she admits it’s a race against time.
Life has been incredibly hard over the last seven years for 12-year-old Taliyah Whitworth and her family.
Heartbreakingly, the young girl from Silkstone has recently been diagnosed with a brain tumour for a second time.
The first tumour was diagnosed when Taliyah was just five years old and the little girl faced a 14-hour surgery and the strongest radiotherapy and chemotherapy before having to learn to walk, talk and eat again. The family had just started to see light at the end of the tunnel when Taliyah started having problems and they received the horrific news that her tumour had returned.
Devastatingly, the tumour has spread into her brain and can’t be removed and Taliyah is having chemo to prolong her life.
Holistic healing believer Sophie is now raising money to try alternative treatments, vowing to do everything she possibly can to save her little girl.
This award was sponsord by Berneslai Homes
You can check out highlights from the evening here:
See our full gallery of photos from the night here
