Leeds United Foundation Hosts Supporting Our City Awards at Elland Road Leeds 2026

Key Points

• The Leeds United Foundation hosted its second annual ‘Supporting Our City Awards’ ceremony at Elland Road to celebrate individuals, organisations, and community partners.
• Eight separate awards were presented during the event to recognise exceptional contributions and dedication to the charity’s initiatives across Leeds.
• First-team players Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, Leeds United Women’s goalkeeper Holly Mears, and former players and ambassadors attended the event alongside charity staff.
• Main event sponsor Employment Hero officially launched the Hero Foundation in the UK through its strategic partnership with the Leeds United Foundation.
• Talia received the Excellence in Football award after progressing from the Under-13 Girls Academy to Nottingham Forest, alongside gaining her coaching qualifications.

Elland Road (The Leeds Times) October 15, 2026 – The Leeds United Foundation has successfully hosted its second annual ‘Supporting Our City Awards’ ceremony at Elland Road, honoring eight individuals and organisations for their significant contributions to community development and sport across the region. The evening brought together club officials, charity staff, community partners, and high-profile footballing figures to highlight the positive social impact achieved through local initiatives. The event also marked a strategic milestone through the UK launch of Employment Hero’s charitable initiative, the Hero Foundation, established to help local individuals overcome barriers to employment and access sustainable career opportunities.

What Was Celebrated at the Supporting Our City Awards Evening?

The second annual Supporting Our City Awards evening brought together representatives from across Leeds to celebrate key achievements in community engagement, education, equality, and sport. Hosted at Elland Road, the event served as a formal recognition of participants, volunteers, and corporate partners whose ongoing work supports the Leeds United Foundation’s broader vision.

Alongside foundation staff and community members, several high-profile club figures attended the ceremony. These included Leeds United first-team stars Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev, Leeds United Women’s goalkeeper Holly Mears, and a selection of former club players and official Foundation ambassadors.

The ceremony highlighted eight distinct award categories, each designed to showcase individual determination, organizational partnership, and community dedication. Through these awards, the Foundation highlighted the real-world impact of its community outreach schemes, which provide structured support, training, and sport opportunities to thousands of people across the Leeds region.

How Is Employment Hero Partnering with the Leeds United Foundation?

A major development announced during the event was the official UK launch of the Hero Foundation, held in partnership with the Leeds United Foundation. Serving as the primary sponsor for the Supporting Our City Awards, Employment Hero utilized the platform to outline its expanding philanthropic footprint in the UK market.

The partnership between the Hero Foundation and the Leeds United Foundation aims to address systemic barriers to employment faced by residents across Leeds. By combining resources, the two entities intend to deliver tailored guidance, workplace skills development, and employment pathways for individuals entering or re-entering the workforce.

The initiative focuses on providing equitable access to training, mentorship, and career placement support, aligning Employment Hero’s human resources expertise with the Foundation’s established community reach and trust.

Who Won the Excellence in Football Award?

Among the individual honors presented during the ceremony, the Excellence in Football award was bestowed upon Talia in recognition of her outstanding athletic development and leadership within the Foundation’s pathway.

What Is Talia’s Journey Through the Leeds United Foundation Pathway?

Talia initially joined the Leeds United Foundation Girls Academy at the Under-13s level. Over her time with the academy, she developed into a standout talent within the youth setup, culminating in her recent progression to join senior side Nottingham Forest.

Alongside her competitive playing achievements, Talia pursued formal coaching development by completing her Introduction to Coaching Football qualification, supported by weekly mentorship from Foundation coaching staff. She leaves the programme with formal recognition from the Foundation for both her athletic progression and her commitment to peer development.

The Excellence in Football award was presented on stage by Leeds United Women’s goalkeeper Holly Mears and former Leeds United player and Foundation Ambassador Bridie Hannon, who both commended Talia’s work ethic and dedication throughout her development journey.

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What Is the Background of the Leeds United Foundation and Its Community Initiatives?

The Leeds United Foundation operates as the official charity side of Leeds United Football Club, functioning as an independent entity focused on social growth, physical health, education, and wellbeing throughout West Yorkshire. Operating across several key pillars—including sports participation, health and wellbeing, education, and social inclusion—the Foundation engages with thousands of children, young people, and adults annually.

Over recent years, the Foundation has expanded its operational footprint beyond grassroots football coaching. Its initiatives encompass specialized disability sport programmes, primary and secondary school education support, mental health awareness groups, and targeted interventions for at-risk youth.

The establishment of the annual ‘Supporting Our City Awards’ in 2025 was designed to establish a formal platform to recognize external partners, sponsors, grassroot coaches, and participants who contribute to these outcomes.

The awards night acts as both an annual review of community achievements and a catalyst for expanding corporate sponsorship and charitable contributions for upcoming regional projects.

How Will This Development Affect the Local Leeds Community and Job Seekers?

The continued expansion of the Supporting Our City Awards and the formal UK launch of the Hero Foundation are expected to bring direct, practical benefits to job seekers and community members throughout Leeds.

• Increased Employment Support: The partnership with the Hero Foundation will expand access to vocational training, resume workshops, and direct hiring pathways for individuals facing unemployment or career transitions.
• Sustained Youth Development: The recognition of youth progression pathways, exemplified by awards like the Excellence in Football honor, reinforces local development routes for aspiring athletes and young leaders in West Yorkshire.
• Expanded Community Resources: Continued corporate sponsorship from entities like Employment Hero secures ongoing funding for local health, disability, and educational initiatives managed by the Leeds United Foundation.