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Leeds Sports Awards 2023 winners
It has been another excellent year for sport at Leeds Beckett University with many standout team and individual performances, with 10 winners celebrated at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.
Leeds Beckett University's sports clubs, teams, individuals, and volunteers’ successes were celebrated at the Leeds Beckett University Sports Awards.
The awards recognise the sporting performances of its Athletic Union members, as well as contributions individuals and clubs have made away from the action in a bid to support charities and their Athletic Union.
England Women’s Rugby League superstar Keara Bennett headlined a list of inspirational winners from this year’s awards, being crowned Leeds Beckett University Sportswoman of the Year after a stellar season for her club, Leeds Rhinos, and country in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
Ethan Hussey, from Leeds Beckett University’s Athletics club, was crowned Sportsman of the Year. In 2022, Ethan represented Team GB in the World Under 20’s Championships and became the first British middle distance runner since 1984 to medal at a Junior World Championship event.
Leeds Beckett Rugby Union player Joshua Sarsfield was named the Sports Personality of the Year by his peers, with 30.9% of the votes.
In the club categories, Leeds Beckett Women’s Rugby Union Club claimed the Performance Club of the Year award, while Leeds Beckett Dance were named Participation Club of the Year.
Leeds Beckett Rowing Club received the Most Improved award after ending their five year hiatus in BUCS competitions at the Outdoor Rowing Championships.
Leeds Beckett Rugby League’s first team were named Team of the Year for their unbeaten league season and narrow loss in the BUCS National Championship final.
Leadership Academy coach Zac Toes received the Student Development award for his support of the Squash junior programmes, while Peter Barry was named the Club Officer of the Year for his significant contributions to the Leeds Beckett Rugby Union club.
Leeds Beckett’s Head of Strength and Conditioning Dane Mitchell was the proud recipient of the John ‘Tats’ Harkins Unsung Hero award for his relentless dedication to the university’s Athletic Union clubs, commitment to supporting students in the Leadership Academy and growing the university’s fitness programme.
Leeds Beckett University Athletic Union Coordinator Harry Robinson said:
“It was great to host another evening of celebration and especially the illustrious Headingley Stadium.
“The event was a huge success and the students that attended the ceremony had a great time. All of the winners have shown great determination and commitment to their sport over the past season.
"Congratulations to all of our deserving winners."
Leeds Beckett University Sports Awards winners:
Individual Winners:
- Sportsman of the Year – Ethan Hussey, Leeds Beckett Athletics Club
- Sportswoman of the Year – Keara Bennett, England Rugby League
- Sports Personality of the Year – Joshua Sarsfield, Men’s Rugby Union
- Club Officer of the Year – Peter Barry, Men’s Rugby Union
- Student Development Award –Zac Toes, Leadership Academy
- John ‘Tats’ Harkins Outstanding Contribution – Dane Mitchell, Strength and Conditioning
Team/Club winners:
- Performance Club of the Year – Women’s Rugby Union
- Participation Club of the Year – Dance
- Most Improved Club – Rowing
- Team of the Year – Rugby League first team
Athletic Union
The Athletic Union is managed by the university's sports office team and is governed by the Athletic Union Executive Committee and our sports clubs' committee members. Regardless of your sports interest, the Athletic Union is here to help you have the best student sport experience during your time at Leeds Beckett.
