First ever sports awards

Guest speaker was Howard Webb MBE, the 2010 World Cup final referee, and he handed out the awards and school colours.

A school spokesman said: “Students were presented with a number of awards to acknowledge their performance and recognise their contribution to school sports. Howard Webb gave an entertaining insight into the world of refereeing, presented students with awards and signed autographs after the event.”

The Male Sports Personality award went to Devon Stead, while Libby Barlow picked up the female equivalent.

“Since starting at Maltby Academy, Libby has shown a huge commitment to school sport life, and has represented our school in netball, rounders, football, athletics and cross country,” said PE teacher Richard McNabb.

“Her dedication has been second to none and it is proof that hard work, commitment, dedication and enthusiasm can get you recognised and take you as far as you want to go.”

“Devon Stead is extremely talented and has shown dedication to many sports at the academy including football, athletics and cross country.”

“His drive and determination are so intense and he is so focused on winning that he almost looks disappointed when he wins competitions if it isn’t the best performance he has ever done.”

“He has represented his school, his town and also his county and is a real talent for the future.”