Holly Saunders from Hunslet Carr Primary School is amongst 12 candidates for the position of Leeds Children’s Mayor.

Earlier this year children in Year 5 were encouraged to write a manifesto setting out a project that they would implement if elected by the young people of the city. Holly’s idea focusses on sport and physical activity. Here is her manifesto:

Issue: Physical activity

Holly Saunders

Give one reason why this issue is important to children and young people in Leeds

I was lucky enough to be able to join a football team and push myself. I am now a member of the Leeds United Girls Academy. I would love to inspire more girls into football or any sport. Physical Activity is important every child in Leeds. We live in a society where children can stay inside too much playing games online.

There are a lot of children who love any kind of sport (like football) but haven’t had the same opportunities. Lots of children don’t have any local clubs or communities that they can go and play a sport that they love. Therefore, the small amount of clubs that are actually in Leeds are really expensive which makes it really hard for children who want to play.

Describe three things you and your school could do to tackle this issue

  1. Advertisement – to gain interest, the schools can advertise the benefits of joining a team or club by handing out flyers with tips and instructions on how to join clubs. Plus, where they are – this could also be on social media too. Local sports clubs could go into schools too.
  2. Fundraising – to raise awareness of sport – hold bake sales or other fundraisers to make money to go towards the local sports clubs; specifically, the clubs that children from their school go to.
  3. Clubs – finally, to help tackle this problem the schools can provide after school sports clubs for the children unable to find a club to join. The advantage of this is to encourage children into sports. There would be a whole school vote, every term, where the clubs could be decided. The money raised could help get specialist coaches in or the clubs themselves could start coming in to run the clubs using the money raised from fundraising. There would be a big push on more girls in sport as that is an issue close to my heart.

Describe three things Leeds as a city could do to tackle this issue

  1. Fundraising events for more after school sports clubs with sports specialists. Encourage local teams to visit schools more to inspire the children into sport.
  2. School galas where there are opportunities for different schools to mix together in the name of sport. Local teams and companies could get involved to raise money and awareness.
  3. A focus on girls’ teams. Have more murals that celebrate female sport is one idea that I have. This would put the word out to girls that not only boys can play sport. This is close to my heart as I would love other girls to enjoy sport as much as I do and have the same opportunities that I have had.

Campaign slogan

Leading Leeds forward: fresh vision, strong voice, brighter future. Together.

The Hunslet Club said:

“We are so proud to be supporting our amazing young member Holly Saunders in her campaign to become Leeds Youth Mayor.

“Holly, you’re a true leader and role model! Let’s get behind her and support this incredible journey. Holly is the only candidate from South Leeds, we must unite to make sure our young people are represented on the main stage.”

Voting is now open for children and young people up to 18 years old. Click here to read all 12 manifestos and cast your two votes. Voting closes at 5pm on Monday 29 September 2025, with the new Children’s Mayor announced at a civic reception event on Thursday 16 October 2025.

 

Photo:Holly with family and supporters at The Hunslet Club, where she is a member, after a campaign meeting at the club.

 

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