Three Carnegie School of Sport alumni recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Leeds Beckett University alumnus Kevin Sinfield is to receive an OBE in recognition of his services to rugby league football and charitable fundraising.

The Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby, one of the most successful players in Rugby League history, graduated in 2008 with a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science before returning and graduating with an MA Sport Business degree in 2015.

In 2018 he was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sports Science by Leeds Beckett University.

In 2020, Kevin announced he would be running seven marathons in seven days to raise money for team-mate, and fellow Leeds Beckett honorary graduate, Rob Burrow, and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. He went on to raise more than £2 million, smashing his original target of £77,777.

Another of Leeds Beckett University’s alumni being recognised is England Rugby Union Women’s Vice Captain Emily Scarratt, who will be made an MBE.

Emily, who has played for England since 2008, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Sport Science from Leeds Beckett in 2015.She also studied her undergraduate degree at the university, earning her BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science.

Top points scorer in the 2020 Six Nations, Emily is due to represent her country once again in the Rugby World Cup held in New Zealand this autumn.

Northern Ireland Women’s Julie Nelson, will be awarded a British Empire Medal for services to women’s football. Julie graduated with an MSc Sport and Exercise Science in 2010 and was the first female international player to reach 100 caps for Northern Ireland having represented her country at both U15 and U19 levels.

Julie has been instrumental in helping Northern Ireland qualify for the Women’s Euro 2022, the first time the squad has qualified for a senior international tournament.

Peter Mackreth, Dean of Carnegie School of Sport, said: “It is fantastic to see three of our alumni among those recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. These honours are not only a reflection of their hard work and determination, but also the extensive contribution each of them has made to their sport.

“At Carnegie School of Sport we pride ourselves on the positive impact our staff, students and alumni have on the people and communities they work with. I’d like to congratulate Kevin, Emily and Julie on being recognised for their achievements and the positive impact they continue to have as role models for so many people within our national and international sporting community.”