Celebrating Excellence: Northumberland and Durham Aquatics Awards

Northumberland and Durham Aquatics are proud to recognise the achievements of athletes and coaches across the county, recently celebrating their success with a series of awards.

Honourees include:

Sophie has been awarded the Gray Award for her services to Artistic Swimming. She has been involved in artistic swimming since the age of seven and has consistently shown passion, dedication and commitment to the sport. As a swimmer, she was appointed team captain, leading by example and motivating her teammates through her positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Alongside her own training and competition, Sophie began coaching in 2021 after achieving her Level 1 qualification, followed by Level 2 in 2023. By 2025, she was coaching full-time in a volunteer role, leading teams at major events including National Age Groups and the Scottish Nationals.

She is a graduate of the DiSE programme and continues to compete at a high level, representing the regional squad and participating in the GB Progression Squad in Bristol. Her achievements include success at National Championships, National Masters and Scottish Nationals, where she won the Jackie Bradshaw Trophy for a second consecutive year. She also secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Multiregional Championships.

Now stepping into the role of Head Coach, Sophie continues to inspire others while supporting the growth of the club and artistic swimming across the county. A truly committed and valued member of Gateshead Artistic Swimming Club, this recognition is thoroughly deserved.

Ben Alderson has been named Northumberland and Durham Athlete of the Year for 2024. Ben enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024, building on his role with the SWPC Senior Men’s team and Durham University’s 1st team. He progressed through the GB pathway, starting with the U19 European Qualifiers (where he was Vice-Captain), earning England Senior selection, and ultimately representing GB at the World Cup Qualifiers — contributing two goals in a historic win.

At club level, Ben played a key role in SWPC’s promotion to BWPL Division 2, finishing the season with 22 goals, and later helped the team push for Division 1 promotion. He also captained Durham University to an unbeaten BUCS title-winning season.

Alongside his playing success, Ben has given back to the club by coaching junior teams, supporting their development and success across competitions.

Ben Beale has been named Northumberland and Durham Athlete of the Year for 2025 following an outstanding year of achievement in the pool. Representing Derwentside and Gateshead Swim Team, as well as the county, Ben has consistently performed at the highest level.

He was selected to represent GB Aquatics internationally, competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival in North Macedonia. There, he reached the final of the 200m Butterfly and finished an impressive 5th against Europe’s top young swimmers.

Throughout the year, Ben broke multiple Northumberland and Durham junior records across the Butterfly and Individual Medley events, highlighting his versatility and strength across disciplines. His success continued into 2026, where he claimed the junior 200m Butterfly title at the British Championships, becoming the fastest 18-and-under swimmer in Britain in that event at just 16 years old.

Ben’s achievements reflect his exceptional talent, dedication and work ethic, and he remains a fantastic role model within the sport. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, and there is no doubt he has an exciting future ahead.