Key Points

• Finalist Selection: Libby, a dedicated Leeds United supporter and pupil at St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Beeston, has secured her place as a finalist in the prestigious Leeds Children’s Mayor election.
• Core Manifesto Theme: Running under the title ‘Fun for All – Play, Belong and Achieve!’, her campaign champions enhanced sporting opportunities, accessibility, and inclusivity for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Club Involvement: Libby has deep ties to Leeds United, having actively participated in Leeds United Foundation events and previously featured on club media channels after being surprised by first-team players Wilfried Gnonto and Ao Tanaka during a Healthy Holiday camp at Beeston Primary School.
• Matchday Mascot Dream: As part of her journey, she was selected as a mascot for a Premier League fixture against West Ham United, walking out at Elland Road alongside club captain Ethan Ampadu.
• Voting Timeline: Public voting remains open until 5 pm on Friday, September 25, giving supporters a narrow window to back her city-wide initiative.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) September 24, 2026 — Local young leader and devoted football supporter Libby has officially reached the final stage of the Leeds Children’s Mayor election, launching a high-profile campaign centered on expanding inclusive sporting opportunities for children with disabilities throughout the city.

Operating under the manifesto title ‘Fun for All – Play, Belong and Achieve!’, Libby is focusing her platform on improving active lifestyle access for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). While acknowledging existing provisions delivered by various regional organizations, Libby has emphasized a distinct need to amplify family awareness and guarantee seamless community-level access.

How Did Libby’s Connection with Leeds United Shape Her Journey?

Libby’s campaign is closely tied to her personal experiences with the Leeds United Foundation, an organization that has helped her build personal confidence, forge friendships, and stay active. Her active involvement with club programs recently led to a memorable surprise when first-team players Wilfried Gnonto and Ao Tanaka visited a Healthy Holiday camp at Beeston Primary School.

Following this appearance, Libby was chosen to act as an official matchday mascot for a Premier League fixture against West Ham United. Walking out onto the pitch at Elland Road alongside club captain Ethan Ampadu turned a childhood aspiration into reality.

What Have Campaign Organisers and Libby Stated Regarding the Initiative?

Reflecting on her community vision, Libby shared a powerful message regarding equality in sports and recreation.

Libby stated that

“every child should have the chance to be active, make friends, build confidence and experience the world of sport.”

Adding to her vision for youth empowerment across the region, Libby further stated that she believes

“every child should feel included, be proud of who they are and know that anything is possible.”

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Background of the Particular Development

The Leeds Children’s Mayor project is an established annual civic engagement initiative run in partnership between Democratic Services and the Voice and Influence Team in Leeds. Spanning over 15 years, the program is designed to foster a practical understanding of democracy, civic duty, and electoral processes among primary school pupils.

Children in Year 5 across the city submit individual manifestos aligned directly with the foundational principles of Child Friendly Leeds, addressing core community themes ranging from mental health support and anti-bullying to poverty alleviation and disability inclusion. Finalists campaign widely across schools and digital channels to secure votes from young residents aged 18 and under, culminating in an official announcement hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds.

Prediction on How This Development Can Affect the Particular Audience

For children and families with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across Leeds, Libby’s advocacy brings critical visibility to systemic accessibility gaps in grassroots sports. By placing inclusion at the forefront of a major civic platform, the campaign has the potential to influence local authority priorities, encourage greater collaboration between schools and community sports providers, and inspire young people with disabilities to engage more actively in civic life.

If her manifesto principles gain wider institutional traction, local families could see improved signposting, reduced financial or logistical barriers, and a more welcoming environment in local clubs, ensuring that physical activity truly remains open to all.