Broxtowe lad wins countywide Outstanding Achievement Award for 2025
Archie Matthews is one of eight inspirational young people who have recognised at a prestigious award ceremony for their outstanding achievements at this year’s 4Uth Awards.
And on a memorable night, Archie was crowned the overall countywide winner at the Nottinghamshire Council event.
The 4Uth Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in the county with a winner nominated from each district.
From there, one district winner is named overall countywide winner and this year it is Broxtowe champion Archie who has taken that honour.
Archie was nominated for his extensive volunteering, both at his youth club and with St John’s Ambulance.
Archie is always on hand to represent the youth club, and present it as a welcoming, safe place for other young people – including painting the youth club during half-term, dismantling old furniture, setting up game consoles and activities and always volunteering his help.
Archie is also an active volunteer for the Derbyshire St Johns Ambulance, training other young people in first aid, and working at local events.
He’s a regional representative on the East Midlands St Johns young persons’ board, and the Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet representative for Derbyshire.
He even got to meet the Princess Royal whilst representing the service.
In his nomination, Archie was praised for the time he gives to his local community, and the impact he has made.
He said: “It feels absolutely incredible, not just to win, but to be able to come and be a part of the competition and see what other people in my community have achieved, adds it all up and makes it such an amazing experience.”
Paul Bailey, youth service senior practitioner, who runs the youth club Archie attends and nominated him for the award, said: “It’s a great feeling to see Archie get recognition and it’s well deserved.
"The amount of work he’s put in and the length of time that he’s committed to working in both the community and the youth club – it’s come to fruition. I’m really pleased.
"It means a lot to me – I’ve worked at the centre for 21 years, and I probably haven’t had anyone else as deserving as Archie in that time.”
Coun Rory Green (Ref), county council cabinet member for children and families said: “This event shows us how adversity can spark greatness and it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the resilience and compassion of Nottinghamshire’s young people.
"The winners tonight are role models and forces for change, in both their own lives and those around them.
"All of the young people nominated have shown great personal achievement, and we are also celebrating them as they have faced challenges that many adults can only imagine.
"Every young person in our county and beyond has the ability to overcome barriers.
"We need to believe in them, uplift them, and support them, and invest in their future.”
The event was attended by around 100 guests, including members of the youth service and Coun Jan Goold (Ref), county council chair and Coun Mick Barton (Ref), council leader.