Leeds honors local sporting heroes and elite champions at Carriageworks
The Carriageworks Theatre hosted the return of the Leeds Sports Awards on May 14, bringing together professional athletes and grassroots contributors to celebrate the city’s sporting achievements. Organised by Sport Leeds and Leeds City Council, the ceremony recognized individuals and organizations across performance sport, education, and community leadership.
Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE DL received the Disability Sportsperson of the Year award, while the Sportsperson of the Year title was shared by Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor, and Samuel Lawman. The triple-award for the top honor reflected exceptional seasons across their respective disciplines. The event also highlighted the next generation of talent, with Gabriel Shepherd named Young Sportsperson of the Year and Oliver Porter taking the Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year accolade.
Grassroots impact and community club honors
Beyond elite performance, the ceremony focused heavily on the infrastructure that supports participation across the region. Drighlington A.R.L.F.C. was named Community Club of the Year, a recognition of its role in local rugby league development. Liam Stanhope was awarded Community Coach of the Year for his ongoing work in supporting athlete progression at the local level.
Volunteers, who form the backbone of the city’s sporting network, were also highlighted. David Saul and Laura Love both received Outstanding Sports Volunteer awards, acknowledging the significant time and energy they contribute to local sport throughout the year. The Inspirational Community Champion award went to Clarrie Ramsden, with Cross Flatts FC and Ubaid Hussain receiving highly commended status for their local impact.
Professional excellence and lifetime achievements
In the performance categories, the Leeds Knights secured the Performance Team/Club of the Year award following a successful campaign. Paul Moseley was named Performance Coach of the Year. The Sporting Pride of Leeds award was presented to Leeds United Football Club, recognizing the club’s ongoing role in representing the city on a national and international stage.
Two of the city’s most prominent sporting figures, cyclist Lizzie Deignan MBE and rugby union’s Danny Care, were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards mark their long-standing contributions to their sports and their roles as ambassadors for the region. Special Contribution Awards were also presented to Brian and Jill Wallwork and Mike Tobin for their sustained work behind the scenes of the city’s sporting institutions.
Strategic role of Sport Leeds in the regional network
Sport Leeds, established in 2002, serves as the strategic partnership for organizations involved in promoting active recreation across the city. The network encompasses professional clubs, universities, and school clusters, working alongside Leeds City Council to strengthen talent pathways and improve public health through physical activity.
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, noted that the event serves as a rare occasion where elite professional athletes and community heroes share the same stage. Rob Wadsworth, Chair of the Leeds Sports Awards, emphasized that the evening is designed to recognize achievement at every level, from international podiums to those who facilitate local sport on a weekly basis.
Full list of winners and highly commended recipients
- Young Sportsperson of the Year: Gabriel Shepherd (Winner); Daniel Ransom, Gina Bene-Hamill, Felix Wheeler (Highly Commended)
- Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Oliver Porter (Winner); Oliver Burrows (Highly Commended)
- Sportsperson of the Year: Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor, Samuel Lawman
- Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Hannah Cockroft CBE DL (Winner); Charlie Welsh, Dan Bell (Highly Commended)
- School Achievement of the Year: Pete McQuillen-Strong (Winner); Shakespeare Primary School, Freya Bignell (Highly Commended)
- Community Coach of the Year: Liam Stanhope (Winner); Mark Ramskill, Jordan Gabbidon (Highly Commended)
- Community Club of the Year: Drighlington A.R.L.F.C. (Winner); Leeds ParkyPING!, Rodley Cricket Club (Highly Commended)
- Student Sport Champion of the Year: Leeds Beckett University Rugby League 1st Team, Abigail Hallam
- Outstanding Sports Volunteer: David Saul, Laura Love
- Inspirational Community Champion: Clarrie Ramsden (Winner); Cross Flatts FC, Ubaid Hussain (Highly Commended)
- Performance Coach of the Year: Paul Moseley (Winner); Jamie Fowler, Rob Mackenzie (Highly Commended)
- Performance Team/Club of the Year: Leeds Knights (Winner); New Farnley CC, Leeds Gymnastics Display Team (Highly Commended)
- Sustainability Champion of the Year: Hunslet Club (Winner); University of Leeds Surf Club, Chevin Chase (Highly Commended)
- Sporting Pride of Leeds: Leeds United Football Club
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lizzie Deignan MBE, Danny Care
- Special Contribution Award: Brian & Jill Wallwork, Mike Tobin
Source: Leeds City Council
