Leeds’ sporting talent and commitment celebrated at the 2026 Leeds Sports Awards

Famous names and everyday heroes came together last night (14 May) as the Leeds Sports Awards returned to the Carriageworks Theatre for another standout evening celebrating the city’s sporting community.

Organised by Sport Leeds and Leeds City Council, the awards shine a light on the people who make sport happen across Leeds, from elite athletes to the coaches, volunteers, clubs and community champions who keep participation thriving at every level.

This year’s ceremony reflected that mix perfectly, with winners recognised across performance sport, grassroots impact, education, volunteering and community leadership.

Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE DL was named Disability Sportsperson of the Year, while the Sportsperson of the Year accolade was shared by Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor and Samuel Lawman, all recognised for exceptional seasons in their respective sports.

There was also celebration for the next generation of talent, with Gabriel Shepherd taking Young Sportsperson of the Year and Oliver Porter awarded Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year.

At community level, Drighlington A.R.L.F.C. were named Community Club of the Year, with Liam Stanhope recognised as Community Coach of the Year for his work supporting participation and development.

Volunteers were also firmly in the spotlight, with Outstanding Sports Volunteer awards going to David Saul and Laura Love, acknowledging the time, energy and commitment they give to sport in Leeds year-round.

In the performance categories, Paul Moseley was named Performance Coach of the Year, while the Leeds Knights secured Performance Team/Club of the Year following another impressive campaign.

The Sporting Pride of Leeds award went to Leeds United Football Club, recognising their continued role in representing the city on and off the pitch.

Two of Leeds’ most respected sporting figures, Lizzie Deignan MBE and Danny Care, were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for outstanding careers and long-standing contribution to sport.

Special recognition was also given to Brian & Jill Wallwork and Mike Tobin, who each received Special Contribution Awards for their lasting impact behind the scenes.

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.”

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

________________________________________________________________

NOTE TO EDITORS

Sport Leeds was established in 2002 and has since become a dynamic sports network with a strong reputation in the city and region. It serves as the strategic partnership for organisations involved in promoting and developing sport and active recreation in Leeds. The network includes professional and amateur sports clubs, universities, colleges, school clusters and other important sporting organisations from within the city, region and beyond.

Sport Leeds also works closely with partners across the city to support participation, develop talent pathways, and strengthen the role of sport and physical activity in improving health and wellbeing across Leeds.