Leeds United’s Under-18 squad recently took some time out of their festive training schedule to help the local community around Elland Road.

Young players from the Academy set-up at Thorp Arch were on hand to support two different charities that work with vulnerable residents and families in Holbeck and the surrounding areas, including; Slung Low and Holbeck Together, with whom the club and Foundation already have a very close working relationship with.

The squad was split into two groups to help across both sites, with one group sorting packages and preparing food baskets for those who are struggling with access to food and essentials due to the devastating effects of COVID-19 and the other group supporting staff and volunteers at Holbeck Together with some decorating and gardening at St Matthew's Church.

Ruth Saxton, Community Producer at Slung Low, spoke about the youngsters volunteering their time and said: “A massive thank you to the young lads for spending an afternoon with us, they were a real credit to the club.

"They worked enthusiastically and efficiently the whole time, getting lots of great work done, including sorting the food parcels kindly donated to us to help those who really need it at such an important time of the year.”

Claire Holmes, Operations and Service Officer at Holbeck Together, added: “I just wanted to say thank you again to the team for what they did in helping us recently, it was a really successful day. Everyone got stuck in and the church looks so much nicer now, I’m sure it will be enjoyed by the whole community at such a difficult time.

“We would love for them to come back at any time in the future.”

If you would like to find out more information about volunteering or donating at either Holbeck Together or Slung Low, please contact John.mallalieu@leedsunited.com.