Leeds United Auction Supports Salvation Army Leeds 2026

Key Points

• A Leeds United football shirt worn by midfielder Brenden Aaronson during a Remembrance Day match is being auctioned for charity.
• The proceeds will support Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army and its community programmes.
• The shirt was worn in Leeds United’s 2–1 win over West Ham in October 2025, near Remembrance Sunday.
• Former club liaison officer and current ambassador Peter Lockwood (known as “Stix”) donated the shirt.
• The Salvation Army aims to use funds to sustain essential services like its weekly food bank and lunch clubs.
• Major Eric Heerlien of Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army expressed gratitude for the local support from the football club.
• The auction opens on Wednesday 8 April 2026 and closes on Tuesday 14 April 2026.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) April 7, 2026 — A signed Leeds United shirt worn by Brenden Aaronson during a Remembrance Day match last year is set to be auctioned to raise funds for Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army, supporting vulnerable people across the community.

Why is Leeds United auctioning a signed shirt for charity?

The football shirt, according to local reports by Leeds Local News and Yorkshire Evening Post, was donated by Leeds United Football Club and worn by midfielder Brenden Aaronson during their 2–1 victory against West Ham United last October. The match was the club’s fixture closest to Remembrance Sunday, commemorating those who have served in the Armed Forces.

As stated by Peter Lockwood — more commonly known as “Stix” — who is a former Leeds United player liaison officer and now the team’s matchday ambassador, the donation forms part of the club’s annual initiative to support local charities through shirt auctions. Lockwood explained to Leeds Local News,

“This is a signed poppy shirt, which was worn by midfielder Brenden Aaronson during the nearest home game to Remembrance Sunday, which last year was against West Ham.”

In line with Leeds United’s tradition, each season’s shirts worn during Remembrance fixtures are donated to different organisations. These items are highly sought after due to their unique design featuring the iconic poppy emblem — itself a symbol of remembrance and respect for service men and women.

What is Peter “Stix” Lockwood’s connection to the Salvation Army?

Lockwood, who played a vital role in supporting players off the pitch throughout his time with the club, has also become well-known for his charity initiatives. According to BBC Leeds, he personally chose Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army as one of the beneficiaries for the 2026 auction cycle.

“What the club does every year is make sure all of the player shirts go to charities so they can raise their own money to help the community,”

Lockwood said, as quoted by BBC Leeds.

“As matchday ambassador, I’m able to give out a few to charities that mean a lot to me — including military charities and The Salvation Army.”

He added that the Salvation Army’s link to supporting veterans resonated deeply with him. “The military is close to my heart,” Lockwood explained.

“It breaks my heart that there are ex-servicemen still living on the streets, but I know The Salvation Army are there supporting them.”

His comments were echoed by club representatives who highlighted Leeds United’s commitment to reconnecting with local organisations that work year-round to tackle homelessness and poverty, particularly in neighbourhoods surrounding Elland Road. As Lockwood further noted,

“It’s really important to the Club that this money goes into helping the local community.”

How will the money raised help Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army?

According to The Salvation Army UK, funds raised from the auction will go toward maintaining Leeds West Hunslet’s weekly community programmes. The branch, located on Hunslet Hall Road, operates within walking distance of Elland Road Stadium.

Major Eric Heerlien, who leads the Leeds West Hunslet division, told Yorkshire Evening Post that the support from Leeds United was a crucial boost at a time when demand for the charity’s services is growing.

“To have the Club offer support like this is amazing. The stadium is nearby, and it means a lot that they reach out to help, because there is a lot of need here,”

said Major Heerlien.

He went on to describe how donations like this directly fund their food bank and community meals.

“This money will be used to supply our food bank, which has been providing vital support to vulnerable people for many years. We provide parcels to people who are sleeping rough or families that are working but simply unable to make ends meet due to the high cost of living.”

According to recent data published by Leeds City Council and cited by Leeds Live, the south Leeds area has seen an ongoing rise in food insecurity. Local charitable organisations have recorded a sharp increase in visitors since late 2025, reflecting the continuing pressure caused by inflation and a sustained high cost of living.

Who benefits from the Salvation Army’s programmes?

Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army runs several community initiatives throughout the week:

• Lunch Club every Tuesday to provide affordable meals in a friendly social setting.
• Food Bank open Wednesdays between 10am and 12pm, supplying parcels for individuals and families.
• A “Warm Space” on the last Thursday of each month, offering warmth, conversation, and refreshments.

All these services are operated by volunteers and supported by public donations. Major Heerlien confirmed that proceeds from the auction would reinforce these efforts.

“Every pound raised will make a difference locally,” he told Yorkshire Evening Post.

“We’ll use it to refill stock for our food parcels and help sustain our weekly sessions, ensuring we remain open for anyone who needs us.”

When does the auction take place and how can people participate?

The charity auction is scheduled to go live on Wednesday 8 April 2026 and run until Tuesday 14 April. According to The Salvation Army UK’s official website, bidders will be able to view the listing online and submit bids over the seven-day period.

The final sale proceeds will be entirely directed to the Leeds West Hunslet branch, with no deductions for administrative costs.

The shirt — autographed by Brenden Aaronson, who notably scored during the 2–1 win against West Ham — is expected to draw significant attention from experienced memorabilia collectors and devoted Leeds supporters.

Previous club auctions of Remembrance-themed shirts have attracted bids well above their base price, reflecting strong public sentiment toward the campaign.

What role does Leeds United play in community outreach?

Leeds United’s established track record of community support has been frequently praised by local residents and charities. As reported by Leeds Live, the club regularly engages with schools, food banks, and volunteer groups through its Leeds United Foundation, focusing on physical wellbeing and social inclusion.

The decision to donate directly to Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army underscores an ongoing effort to help organisations within the immediate vicinity of Elland Road.

According to club spokespeople quoted in Leeds Local News, such partnerships strengthen ties between the team and its home city beyond the football pitch.

While Leeds United’s primary mission remains sporting success, initiatives like this charity auction reflect a broader understanding of football’s influence in addressing social challenges. As Lockwood put it,

“We always think about these charities at Christmas time when you see them on television, but of course they work all year round looking after veterans and people who are homeless or are struggling.”

Background of the Development

Leeds United has a longstanding tradition of commemorating Remembrance Day through special matchday activities and the wearing of poppy-themed kits.

These shirts, marked with the symbolic red poppy, are later auctioned to raise funds for charitable organisations. This practice aligns with the football club’s inclusive community philosophy and has been in place for several years.

Since 2019, Leeds United players have supported various charities through Remembrance-related auctions, benefiting organisations such as Combat Stress, The Royal British Legion, and local veteran support groups. Each year, club ambassadors identify worthy beneficiaries that address social and welfare needs, often within Leeds’ own neighbourhoods.

The Leeds West Hunslet Salvation Army, established many decades ago, has deep roots in the community, offering spiritual guidance, practical support, and social programmes. Its proximity to Elland Road has fostered a strong local connection with the football club, whose players and staff occasionally participate in community visits, including food drives and seasonal charity events.