Elland Road played host to more than football on Wednesday 10 December.
One for the City welcomed guests to ‘United For The City’ an exclusive evening celebrating community, collaboration and the power of sport to create change. With Leeds sporting icons in the room and local businesses gathered with a shared purpose, it marked a major moment for the growing charity.
The event officially launched One for the City’s partnership with the Leeds United Foundation, the charitable arm of Leeds United Football Club. Less than three years since its founding, the organisation used the evening to underline just how far it has come and where it’s heading next.
An Evening with Leeds Legends
Guests were welcomed for a two course meal at Elland Road before hearing inspiring stories from charity partners working across the region.
A live Q&A followed featuring Leeds legends Tony Dorigo, Noel Whelan and Ben Parker. The conversation moved beyond football, exploring how sport and community can work together to tackle inequality, inspire young people and strengthen the city.
Business as a Force for Good
At the heart of One for the City is a straightforward idea. Businesses pledge 1% of their revenue to support local causes across Leeds.
That collective contribution helps fund grassroots organisations, address socio-economic challenges and build a more inclusive, regenerative economy in the region.
Co-founder Mike Quate reflected on the significance of the evening:
“This event was a major milestone for us. It was a chance for local businesses to see the impact of their support and to connect with the community in a meaningful way.
Having such big names on board to support the local communities meant everything to us, and we hoped the event brought like-minded people and businesses together for an amazing cause.”
The evening demonstrated what can happen when commercial success and community commitment sit side by side.
A Partnership with Purpose
The newly announced funding partnership with the Leeds United Foundation marked the next chapter for One for the City.
Together, the two organisations committed to tackling inequality, inspiring futures and ensuring that no one in the Leeds community is left behind. The collaboration brought together football’s reach and influence with a growing network of purpose-driven businesses.
Building Momentum
Since its launch, One for the City has continued to build momentum in its mission to champion businesses as a force for good. Created to foster a community focused on a more inclusive and regenerative economy, the organisation has supported a range of Leeds-based charities, helping bridge the gap between commercial success and community need.
‘United For The City’ was more than an event. It was a statement of intent.
And judging by the room at Elland Road, it’s a movement that continues to grow.
