Ethan Ampadu's proud message as Leeds United and city's stars are honoured at Leeds Sports Awards
The 23rd Leeds Sports Awards were held at Carriageworks Theatre on Thursday night.
Leeds United took one of the top honours at the 2026 Leeds Sports Awards - where ex-Whites star Tony Dorigo saluted the city's sporting talent along with a message from proud club captain Ethan Ampadu.
Hosted by Tanya Arnold and Jamie Jones-Buchanan, awards in 16 categories were presented at Thursday night's 23rd annual event at the city's Carriageworks Theatre where ex-Leeds United and England left back Dorigo was in attendance representing the Whites.
In a year that saw the club bounce back to the Premier League with a bang, Leeds United took the Sporting Pride of Leeds award, organisers saluting 'a year that went beyond results on the pitch, helping to bring the city together through shared pride, passion and belief.'
Hailing the growing connection between the club, the city, the team and their fans, a delighted Dorigo received the award as Whites captain Ampadu treated the audience with a video message saluting the city's support.
“A massive thank you for this award. It's a great honour”
Ampadu beamed: "I just want to say a massive thank you for this award. It's a great honour. Obviously it was a great year for us last year and I think what topped it off was seeing everyone and how they came together for that bus parade! Thanks again."
Other big winners at the event organised by Leeds City Council and Sport Leeds included thriving ice hockey champions Leeds Knights who took the performance team/club of the year award.
Leeds Rhinos ace Jake Connor, Olympic gymnast Luke Whitehouse and Great Britain lifesaving swimming star Samuel Lawman shared the sportsperson of the year award, while swimmer Gabe Shepherd took the young sportsperson of the year accolade, fresh from his selection for the Commonwealth Games.
Two sporting stars now very busy as young mums were also saluted, Hannah Cockroft named disability sportsperson of the year following her incredible success at the World Para Athletics Championships after which she discovered she was pregnant and retired former world champion and Olympic medallist cyclist Lizzie Deignan taking a Special Recognition Award, of which there was also one for ex-rugby union ace Danny Care.
Mike Tobin, who set up Armley-based Tobin's Gym, also somewhat stole the show with an emotional speech as he took a Special Contribution Award along with badminton coaches Brian and Jill Wallwork.
“Whether it's cycling, football - you name it, you can do it here”
Hailing the city's sporting scene, Dorigo told the YEP: "It's amazing. I come to these events, I see these people and see what they do.
“They are huge stars and there's a grit and determination about Yorkshire folk.
“But they seem quite approachable as well. It's a lovely balance and that's why I have chosen to live back here.
“But you also need opportunities at the highest level of sport and clearly now we have got the facilities for people to be able to do that. Whether it's cycling, football - you name it, you can do it here. And look what we are producing."
Rob Wadsworth, chair the Leeds Sports Awards beamed: "What a night. It's been incredible and incredible to see so many deserved award winners and nominations with incredible people in the room. It's so unbelievable to see so much talent, commitment and determination in one place and congratulations to everyone who has been recognised.
"As a city, we are truly grateful for all that you contribute to sport in Leeds and really proud of all the unity as well."
Councillor Salma Arif, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Active Lifestyles & Culture for Leeds City Council, added: “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.”
2026 Leeds Sports Awards 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 ARLFC
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.