Sporting stars, rising talent and unsung heroes were celebrated as the Leeds Sports Awards returned to the Carriageworks Theatre for an evening honouring the people who make a lasting contribution to sport across the city.
Organised by Sport Leeds and Leeds City Council, the annual awards recognise achievements at every level, from elite competition to grassroots participation. Alongside leading athletes, the ceremony celebrated the coaches, volunteers, clubs, schools and community champions whose dedication helps sport thrive in neighbourhoods throughout Leeds.
Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE DL was crowned Disability Sportsperson of the Year, while the Sportsperson of the Year title was jointly awarded to Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor and Samuel Lawman following outstanding seasons in their respective sports. The city’s emerging talent was also recognised, with Gabriel Shepherd named Young Sportsperson of the Year and Oliver Porter receiving the Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year award.
At grassroots level, Drighlington A.R.L.F.C. were named Community Club of the Year, while Liam Stanhope was honoured as Community Coach of the Year for his commitment to encouraging participation and supporting player development.
Rob Wadsworth, Chair of the Leeds Sports Awards said:
“The Leeds Sports Awards is always a special night because it brings the whole sporting community together in one room.
“It’s about recognising achievement at every level, from international success to the people giving their time week in, week out to support others.
“Every winner and nominee should be incredibly proud of what they’ve contributed to sport in Leeds over the past year.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“One of the highlights of the sporting calendar, it is a real pleasure to celebrate the achievements of our sporting community from across the city, from Leeds United and elite professional athletes to the incredible community heroes, all recognised together on the same stage.”
Volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting sport across the city were also firmly in the spotlight. David Saul and Laura Love received Outstanding Sports Volunteer awards in recognition of the time, energy and commitment they give throughout the year. In the performance categories, Paul Moseley was named Performance Coach of the Year, while the Leeds Knights secured the Performance Team or Club of the Year award following another impressive campaign.
Leeds United Football Club received the Sporting Pride of Leeds award, recognising the club’s continued role in representing the city both on and off the pitch. Two of the city’s most respected sporting figures, Lizzie Deignan MBE and Danny Care, were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their distinguished careers and enduring contributions to sport. Brian and Jill Wallwork and Mike Tobin were also honoured with Special Contribution Awards, celebrating the lasting impact of their work behind the scenes.
Founded in 2002, Sport Leeds has grown into a well-established network bringing together organisations involved in the promotion and development of sport and active recreation across the city. The strategic partnership includes professional and amateur clubs, universities, colleges, school clusters and other sporting organisations from Leeds and the wider region.
FULL LIST OF WINNERS AND ‘HIGHLY COMMENDED’ RECIPIENTS
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Winner: Gabriel Shepherd
Highly commended: Daniel Ransom, Gina Bene-Hamill, Felix Wheeler
Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year
Winner: Oliver Porter
Highly commended: Oliver Burrows
Sportsperson of the Year
Winners: Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor, Samuel Lawman
Disability Sportsperson of the Year
Winner: Hannah Cockroft CBE DL
Highly commended: Charlie Welsh, Dan Bell
School Achievement of the Year
Winner: Pete McQuillen-Strong
Highly commended: Shakespeare Primary School, Freya Bignell
Community Coach of the Year
Winner: Liam Stanhope
Highly commended: Mark Ramskill, Jordan Gabbidon
Community Club of the Year
Winner: Drighlington A.R.L.F.C.
Highly commended: Leeds ParkyPING!, Rodley Cricket Club
Student Sport Champion of the Year
Winners: Leeds Beckett University Rugby League 1st Team, Abigail Hallam
Outstanding Sports Volunteer
Winners: David Saul, Laura Love
Inspirational Community Champion
Winner: Clarrie Ramsden
Highly commended: Cross Flatts FC, Ubaid Hussain
Performance Coach of the Year
Winner: Paul Moseley
Highly commended: Jamie Fowler, Rob Mackenzie
Performance Team/Club of the Year
Winner: Leeds Knights
Highly commended: New Farnley CC, Leeds Gymnastics Display Team
Sustainability Champion of the Year
Winner: Hunslet Club
Highly commended: University of Leeds Surf Club, Chevin Chase
Sporting Pride of Leeds
Leeds United Football Club
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lizzie Deignan MBE, Danny Care
Special Contribution Award
Brian & Jill Wallwork, Mike Tobin
Working alongside partners across the city, Sport Leeds supports participation at every level, helps develop pathways for emerging talent and promotes the role of sport and physical activity in improving health and wellbeing. The 2026 awards reflected the depth and diversity of the city’s sporting community, celebrating not only major achievements but also the dedication of those whose work helps create opportunities for people to take part, compete and succeed.
Warmest congratulations to every individual, club and organisation honoured at the 2026 Leeds Sports Awards. Each award reflects far more than a single moment of success. It represents years of hard work, resilience, teamwork and an unwavering commitment to making sport a powerful and positive force across our city.
