Inside Elland Road: Midfielders and leaders stepping up
He’s a leader on and off the football pitch who steered Leeds United to promotion back to the Premier League.
And last night club captain Ethan Ampadu was named Personality of the Year at the Yorkshire Young Achievers Awards.
The event, which has celebrated its 31st year, recognises talent, creativity and prowess from those who shine across the county.
More than 400 people gathered at Leeds United’s Centenary Pavilion to celebrate the achievements of the winners.
And it proved to be an extra special night for the club after Leeds legend Eddie Gray walked away with the Martin Gerrard Award for those who have shown outstanding support to the Foundation.
Eddie Gray, Leeds United heroplaceholder image
Eddie Gray, Leeds United hero | Jonathan Gawthorpe
Eddie Gray who, together with his wife Linda, has attended the awards almost from the beginning.
And award organisers praised his efforts for always stepping in to help, either by presenting or receiving Awards when sponsors or recipients are unable to attend, helping to fundraise and adding some celebrity to the proceedings.
Chairman of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation and the Awards, Peter McCormick OBE, said: “It is always heart warming to hear about how Yorkshire’s young people continue to shine and overcome challenges and tonight was no exception.
“This recognition for their achievements would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and our guests, and I am very proud that with their help, not only can we reward these young people but we can continue our grants programme which helps other young people across Yorkshire to reach their full potential.”
She has no fewer than 25 film and TV credits to her name and has worked with leading actors, including Dame Helen Mirren, Jodie Whittaker, and Kiefer Sutherland.
Her latest film where she plays Kiefer Sutherland’s daughter in Tinsel Town, filmed in Yorkshire, is released in a fortnight.
James Owen Thomas, from Leeds, was presented with the Achievement in Management and Enterprise Award for his artistic vision in bringing unusual works to life made from other people’s rubbish.
Rugby star Ellie Kildunne, of Keighley, won the Achievement in Sport Awards for being the driving force behind the England Women’s Rugby team’s triumph in the World Cup this autumn.
She was a key player in the Red Roses’ success, scoring five tries in the tournament and earning the place as the team’s top carrier. Her speed and lightning footwork made her a firm favourite with the home crowds.
As a child she played football, Rugby League for Keighley Albion and Rugby Union for Keighley RUFC, often in mixed teams. As an under-18, she captained the Yorkshire team at County level before representing the England Under-18 side at Sevens.
Eleanor Shenderey, 18, from Leeds, was presented with the Achievement in Arts Award for her work as a talented seamstress who reproduces historically accurate costumes.
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