Nominations open for Leeds Sports Awards 2026 as the city celebrates the people behind another unforgettable year of sport

Nominations are now open for the Leeds Sports Awards 2026, calling on communities across the city to recognise the athletes, volunteers, clubs and organisations who made sport in Leeds shine throughout 2025.

Now in its 23rd year, the awards have become one of the city’s most anticipated sporting celebrations, spotlighting not only elite performers competing on national and international stages, but also the grassroots champions who make sport possible every day in local parks, schools and clubs.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Leeds continues to produce athletes competing with distinction at every level. The Leeds Sports Awards are a brilliant way to celebrate the talent, dedication and passion that makes Leeds such a great sporting city.”

2025 saw Leeds host major events including Ironman Leeds and the return of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon, alongside a year-round calendar of competitions, community initiatives and participation opportunities across a huge range of sports. Behind every finish line, fixture and training session are the people who give their time, talent and energy to keep Leeds moving.

Rob Wadsworth, Head of Sport Leeds, said: “The Leeds Sports Awards is about celebrating the people who make sport happen, from athletes achieving incredible things, to the volunteers, clubs and coaches who support others to take part. 2025 was a brilliant year for Leeds, and these awards give us the chance to recognise those at the heart of it.”

A total of 15 awards will be presented, with the public being invited to nominate in 13 categories, including the Sustainability Award, which recognises positive environmental impact through sport.

Organised by Sport Leeds and supported by Leeds City Council, the Leeds Sports Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday 14 May at the Carriageworks Theatre.

Nominations are open now via the Sport Leeds website (sportleeds.org/leedssportsawards) and close on Sunday 22 February 2026.

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2026 LEEDS SPORTS AWARDS CATEGORIES -

• Athletes of the City
• Young Disability Sportsperson (under 18)
• Disability Sportsperson
• Young Sportsperson (under 18)
• Sportsperson
• Beacons of the City
• School Achievement
• Sports Volunteer
• Community Coach
• Community Club
• Student Sport Champion(s)
• Champions of the City
• Inspirational Community Champion
• Sustainability Award
• Performance Coach
• Performance Team/Club
• Sporting Pride of Leeds sponsored

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NOTE TO EDITORS -

• Event: Leeds Sports Awards 2026
• Date: Thursday 14 May 2026
• Venue: Carriageworks Theatre, Leeds
• Organised by: Sport Leeds
• Supported by: Leeds City Council
• Nominations close: Sunday 22 February 2026
• Images - FILE