Leeds Sports Awards Celebrate Local Sporting Achievements

Leeds honours athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs at annual ceremony

The 2026 Leeds Sports Awards took place on 14 May at the Carriageworks Theatre, recognising the city’s diverse sporting community. The event brought together elite athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs and community leaders to celebrate their contributions to sport across Leeds.

Winners across multiple categories

The awards highlighted achievements in performance sport, grassroots impact, education, volunteering and community leadership. Notable winners included:

• Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Paralympic champion Hannah Cockroft CBE DL
• Sportsperson of the Year: Luke Whitehouse, Jake Connor and Samuel Lawman (shared)
• Young Sportsperson of the Year: Gabriel Shepherd
• Young Disability Sportsperson of the Year: Oliver Porter
• Community Club of the Year: Drighlington A.R.L.F.C.
• Community Coach of the Year: Liam Stanhope
• Outstanding Sports Volunteers: David Saul and Laura Love
• Performance Coach of the Year: Paul Moseley
• Performance Team/Club of the Year: Leeds Knights
• Sporting Pride of Leeds: Leeds United Football Club

Lifetime and special awards

Two prominent Leeds sporting figures, Lizzie Deignan MBE and Danny Care, received Lifetime Achievement Awards recognising their careers and contributions to sport. Special Contribution Awards were presented to Brian and Jill Wallwork, and Mike Tobin for their significant behind-the-scenes impact.

Additional category winners and commendations

• School Achievement of the Year: Pete McQuillen-Strong
• Student Sport Champion of the Year: Leeds Beckett University Rugby League 1st Team and Abigail Hallam
• Inspirational Community Champion: Clarrie Ramsden
• Sustainability Champion of the Year: Hunslet Club

Several nominees received “highly commended” mentions across categories, reflecting the breadth of talent and dedication within Leeds’ sporting community.

Event significance and background

The Leeds Sports Awards are organised by Sport Leeds and Leeds City Council. The event aims to recognise achievement at all levels of sport, from international success to grassroots contributions. Sport Leeds, established in 2002, is a strategic partnership supporting sport and active recreation across the city.

The awards evening serves as a platform to bring together organisations, clubs, and individuals involved in promoting sport, participation, and wellbeing in Leeds.

For further information on the awards and Sport Leeds, visit the Leeds City Council website.