THE Chronicle is proud to be bringing back the Young Champions awards for another year following a successful relaunch that highlighted Barnsley’s brightest youngsters in 2024.

It is often the case that young people, especially teens, face a lot of criticism for not achieving enough or engaging in antisocial behaviour that causes a nuisance for the community.

However, this results in the many spectacular things that people in this age bracket can and do achieve being forgotten.

At the Chronicle, we are hoping to help champion Barnsley’s next generation, celebrating the brilliant work done daily by people in the middle of exam revision or battling through university applications.

As of this week, we are reopening nominations for the Young Champions awards, where we celebrate the great achievements made by young people.

The categories for this year’s awards are:

Student of the Year

Young Apprentice

Young Fundraiser

Young Carer

Young Sportsperson

Young Volunteer

Young Conqueror

Young Community Hero

Young Entertainer

Young Entrepreneur

Special Achievement

Young Team of the Year (Sport)

Young Team of the Year (Community)

Young Team of the Year (Entertainment)

Nominees will be featured in the paper, before our panel of judges pull together a shortlist.

A combination of judges’ votes and a public vote which we introduced in November’s Proud of Barnsley awards will then be used to decide the final winners.

We will also be handing out the Outstanding Young Champion award on the night for one youngster whose achievements have wowed judges and earned them some additional, special recognition.

Last year’s popular host, the famed children’s entertainer and radio personality Sam Nixon, will be returning once more to help hand out awards at the Metrodome on June 13.

If you know anyone who you believe is worthy of one of these awards, send their details and a brief description to youngchampions@barnsley-chronicle.co.uk.