Council worker makes 'Biggest Impact' at national awards

A City of Wolverhampton Council worker has scooped the Biggest Impact Award at this year's National Children & Young People Awards for his efforts in spearheading a football tournament for care leavers.

Young Persons Advisor Sam Neath was the driving force behind the National Championship Cup football tournament, which took place at Molineux Stadium this summer.

Meanwhile, there were also celebrations for the council's Reach Leaving Care Team, which was shortlisted for Employer of the Year and a Partnership award for its work with Wolves Foundation and Little Earth, at Friday night’s ceremony (3 October, 2025).

Over 200 young care leavers from across England gathered for the highly anticipated National Championship Cup 25 in June – with the event receiving praise in the House of Commons.

Organised by Sam, the Reach Leaving Care Team and Wolves Foundation, the inspiring six-a-side football tournament offered care experienced young people aged 16-24 the opportunity to compete, connect, and showcase their skills on Molineux's hallowed turf.

The tournament was born out of a conversation between Sam and a young person who was no longer involved in football because he lacked the support network to take him to games and training.

A group of young people with care experience came together to form Wolverhampton Warriors and competed against teams from three other local authorities for the first National Championship Cup in 2022. The tournament doubled in size in 2023 and was held at Molineux for the first time in 2024.

Sam said: "I am honoured and humbled to receive this national award; this recognition stands as a reflection of the power of sport can bring to young people with care experience.

"We started the idea in the care leaver's garden, and it goes to show that, from garden fence post to stadium goal post, anything is possible!"

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "Sam and his colleagues within the Reach Leaving Care Team have collaborated closely with the Wolves Foundation and other external partners to create an unforgettable experience for care leavers, inspiring local authorities nationwide to form teams, train together, and foster a sense of community and belonging, which can often be lost for some when leaving care.

"Sam’s ambition and his mantra, ‘anything is possible,’ reflect his commitment to the tournament’s growth, and it is brilliant that his efforts have been recognised by the National Children & Young People Awards."

Meanwhile, the Reach Leaving Care Team was recognised for its outstanding partnership work with Wolves Foundation and Little Earth, which has significantly improved outcomes for care-experienced young people in Wolverhampton.

Through co-designed Nurturing You Retreats with Little Earth, the team has created safe spaces to support young people in exploring healing, self-care, and personal growth. Three retreats have been held so far, helping young people reconnect with themselves, build confidence, and reflect on their journeys in a positive and affirming way.

In another outstanding collaboration, the team partnered with the Wolves Foundation to support the Wolverhampton Warriors. Through this partnership, young people received professional coaching and training in preparation for the National Championship Cup.

Councillor Coogan added: “Our Reach Leaving Care team has demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving outcomes for care-experienced young people in Wolverhampton through innovative and meaningful partnership working. Their collaborative efforts have not only enhanced service delivery but have also created transformative experiences that promote healing, empowerment, and aspiration.”

The National Children & Young People Awards celebrates excellence in care for children, young people and families, showcases innovation and best practice and pays tribute to individuals or organisations who excel in quality care provision. For more information, visit https://www.cypawards.co.uk/.