Officers, staff and members of the public who have gone above and beyond to keep our communities in Leeds safe were celebrated at an event last night (20 November 2025).
The Leeds District Awards were held at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium and recognised exemplary police officers, staff members, special constables and volunteers alongside partner agencies and members of the public who provide invaluable support to the police.
Although most of the awards went to Police officers and staff, others were honoured including Sam and Craig Gilmore from Hunslet Moor. As Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds said:
“It is not just our own officers, staff, special constables and volunteers who were recognised. A number of members of the public and representatives from partner agencies were also commended. The work we do in policing is not done in isolation these individuals have played an invaluable role in improving our communities and keeping people safe.”
Sam Gilmore and Craig Gilmore from Champions Football received the Contribution to Community Award. The citation read:
In recognition of your exceptional dedication and voluntary service as the founders of ‘Champions Football’, you have made a profound impact on the lives of young people in the community of Leeds. By creating a safe, inspiring and inclusive environment for children aged 5 to 18, providing them with a social outlet, skills and qualifications contributing towards positive futures.
Sam told South Leeds Life:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. Our project isn’t about the accolades, however the recognition is incredible. Inspector Lund and the Neighbourhood Policing Team are incredibly supportive of Champions and the community engagement they provide is immense.”
Leeds District Commander, Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds was joined by members of the district’s Senior Leadership Team, Assistant Chief Constable for Local Policing & Safeguarding, Damien Miller, and local dignitaries including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Richard Jackson MBE DL, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire Christopher Brown OBE DL, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Barry Anderson and Alison Lowe OBE, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.
Those at the event were welcomed with a performance by members of West Yorkshire Police Band.
The event was sponsored by the Police Federation with Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Knights also supporting the event.
This post is based on a press release issued by West Yorkshire Police
Photo L-R: Craig Gilmore, Insp Mark Lund and Sam Gilmore
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