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Discover South Leeds.
South Leeds quietly hosts some of Yorkshire’s most fascinating, inspiring, and influential organisations.
Leeds' Sports Fans
Beeston is home to Leeds United Football Club’s Elland Road Stadium. Leeds UFC was founded in 1919, succeeding Leeds City. The Club’s dedicated fanbase is famous for the highest average attendance in the country. Leeds UFC currently have three Premier League trophies, one FA Cup and one League Cup under their belt.
Elland Road is also home to Leeds Knights Ice Hockey team. Built in 2019, The Planet Ice Leeds Arena became Leeds Knights’ home in time for the 2019/2020 season. The 1,800-capacity ice rink is the largest indoor sports arena in Leeds, hosting around 48 electrifying games per season!
Hunslet Rugby League Football Club’s fascinating history begins in 1883. Leeds’ rugby and cricket teams shared Hunslet Cricket Club’s grounds until they announced they wanted to protect the playing surface. In May 1883, local teams Albion and Excelsior received £30 to form Hunslet Rugby Club. Their popularity soared, resulting in the landlord attempting to raise rent, so they bought land from an iron and coal company to build Parkside. Various dramatic shifts from the late-1800’s to the mid-1900’s culminated in Parkside’s sale in 1972. Hunslet RLFC bounced between Batley and Beeston before settling at South Leeds Stadium in 1995.
South Leeds' Community Spirit
South Leeds’ charities and projects are doing amazing things to support the community.
Battle Scars award-winning mental health charity was founded in 2016, after CEO Jenny Groves discovered a support gap for people who self-harm. By April, Battle Scars’ online community had gained a global following. Their dedicated team provide in-person services in Leeds, as well as virtual services across the UK. Battle Scars’ Facebook group is a safe space for people experiencing or affected by self-harm worldwide.
BasementArtsProject promote the arts not simply as entertainment, but as a source of education, engagement, employability, and empowerment. BasementArtsProject offer workshops, exhibitions, and opportunities, mentoring, and assistance for new artists, helping them achieve their vision.
South Leeds' Family-friendly Activities
Cross Flatts Park was established in 1891 on land originally owned by Kirkstall Abbey, giving South Leeds its first largescale park. Cross Flatts Park’s paved routes offer easy access for pushchairs and wheelchair users. Visitors can score a goal on the soccer field or serve a swift ace on the tennis courts. Cross Flatts Park’s sizeable play area allows the kids to blow off steam. The Bridge Café offers a simple menu of sandwiches and hot beverages, and Sunday roasts.
Middleton Park’s 630 acres of greenery and woodland cut through South Leeds. Middleton Park has retained some historic features, including the world’s oldest commercial railway and the remains of an icehouse. Visitors can bask among beautiful flowers in the rose garden or enjoy a hot beverage in the café. The park is also home to Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, a charity specialised in horse riding classes for disabled people.
Final Thoughts
South Leeds shows that having a big positive impact starts at home. It doesn’t shy away from bringing people together to create opportunity and a sense of community. Next time you’re in Leeds, pop south of the river to see what you’ll discover!
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This article was written by Natalie Willetts (Natalie Willetts Research & Writing Services) to celebrate the unique historical, cultural, and artistic personalities of West and South Yorkshire. Visit her page on Work, Rest or Play to read more of her articles.
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