Leeds Beckett university supporting sports development in the region

As a longstanding supporter of sport and physical activity across the city, Leeds Beckett University works closely with partners such as Sports Leeds to help nurture talent and strengthen the regional sporting landscape.

Presented by Sports Leeds, Leeds Sports Awards is an annual celebration of the outstanding individuals, clubs and organisations that make sport in the city so special. Sports Leeds is a network dedicated to promoting and developing sport and active recreation in Leeds.

Ahead of this year's awards, we look at how Leeds Beckett University has supported some of this year's nominees on their journey to become an influential part of the regional sporting community.

The Hunslet Club

The Hunslet Club is a not-for-profit youth organisation and registered charity with over 4,000 members. Its top priority is to serve as a safe place for young people in and around Leeds, striving to ensure they are able to reach their full potential, regardless of financial circumstances. Founded in 1940, the club has a long-standing history of supporting local young people, with activities ranging from rugby and football, to gymnastics, ballet, and many more. Its Youth Clubs provide young people a safe place to socialise, relax, and have fun; whilst its vocational courses provide young people an alternative to mainstream educational settings offering a different pathway to qualifications and employment.

In 2025, Dennis Robbins, Chief Executive Officer of The Hunslet Club, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Leeds Beckett University in recognition of his service to the city. 

Alongside recognition of Dennis' contribution to the city, research published in 2024 by researchers from Leeds Beckett University's School of Health highlighted The Hunslet Club's significant impact and reach within its local community. The research showed that the club provides structure, purpose and a wide range of opportunities for young people living in an area with otherwise limited resources.

Those interviewed - including young people, parents and carers, trustees, staff, volunteers and partner organisations - described the club as a safe space for children and young people, helping to prevent antisocial behaviour. Young people attending the club reported improved social connections, increased confidence and wellbeing, and enhanced friendships, life skills and aspirations.

The Hunslet Club is nominated for Sustainability Champion of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Leeds Knights

Playing their first fixture in 2020, Leeds Knights is the city's professional ice hockey team, playing in the National Ice Hockey League. The team has strong ties to Leeds Beckett, with one of its players, Bailey Perre, currently studying Law at the university, whilst former Leeds Knights Team Therapist, Declan Eastwood, combined his postgraduate studies at the School of Health with a dedicated role supporting the players in training and on game day.

Leeds Knights are nominated for Performance Team/Club of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Hannah Cockroft and Paul Moseley

Hannah Cockroft CBE is a nine-time Paralympic champion and one of Britain's best-known para-athletes. Hannah made her senior debut for Great Britain at 18 years old, representing Great Britain at the 2011 World Championships in New Zealand, becoming World Champion in both the T34 100m and 200m.

Since then, Hannah has continued to excel, holding world records in the T34 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m, and becoming the most decorated British athlete in World Championship history, with 19 world titles to her name.

The Carnegie School of Sport's Centre for Human Performance provided elite biomechanical support to Hannah, working closely with the athlete and her coach, Paul Moseley, to address the significant financial and performance‑related barriers that can hinder the development and success of elite wheelchair racing athletes, alongside limited opportunities for para-athletes to access biomechanical testing and evidence-based guidance on how to maximise their performance safely in the north of England.

The project focused on developing a small‑scale but high‑impact programme tailored to the specific needs of Hannah Cockroft and other wheelchair athletes. Drawing on specialist sport science expertise, the programme delivered targeted, evidence‑based support that is rarely accessible to para‑athletes in the region. As a result, Hannah and her coach, Paul, gained practical insights to refine her pushing technique, while also demonstrating how applied scientific approaches can meaningfully enhance the training and competitive performance of elite wheelchair athletes.

Hannah Cockroft is nominated for Disability Sportsperson of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Paul Moseley is nominated for Performance Coach of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Samuel Lawman

Samuel Lawman is a postgraduate student from Bradford studying MSc Physiotherapy in the School of Health, he is also the first British athlete in over 20 years to compete in the Lifesaving category for the 100-metres rescue medley at the World Games.

Samuel Lawman is nominated for Sportsperson of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Luke Whitehouse

Halifax-born gymnast Luke Whitehouse has won back-to-back European titles since his senior debut in 2023. He made his Olympic debut in Paris in 2024 before going on to claim team gold at the 2025 European Gymnastics. Luke in 2025 on the world stage won gold on Floor at the World University Games, the first male British gymnast to win a medal of any colour. He then went on to win silver on Floor at the World Championships in Jakarta. Luke is currently studying Sports and Exercise Therapy at Leeds Beckett University's School of Health.

Luke Whitehouse says: "It's fantastic to represent the City of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University on the global stage, winning medals for Great Britain."

Luke Whitehouse is nominated for Sportsperson of the Year at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Leeds Beckett University Rugby League 1st Team

Leeds Beckett's Rugby League team is among the elite in university competition, boasting a legacy of success and a reputation for producing top-tier talent. The team has strong connections with professional clubs, including Leeds Rhinos and other Super League teams, with notable team alumni including St Helen's Alex Walmsley and retired Hull KR player, Jimmy Keinhorst.

Mark Butterill, Head of Rugby League, Beckett Sport, said: "Leeds Beckett Rugby League has always been about creating an environment where players can grow both on and off the field. The support and connection across the university, the city and organisations like Sports Leeds play a big part in helping student athletes maximise their potential whilst representing the university at the highest level."

This year's team has been nominated for Student Sport Champions at this year's Leeds Sports Awards.

Leeds Sports Awards take place on Thursday 14 May at the Carriageworks Theatre.