We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own CEO Dennis Robbins has received a prestigious award recognising his outstanding service to the city of Leeds.
The award celebrates Dennis’s exceptional leadership of The Hunslet Club and his lifelong dedication to helping young people unlock their potential.
Dennis’s journey with the Club began back in 1971, when he joined as a 9-year-old member. Since then, he’s gone from volunteer to CEO, taking on the role in 2003. Under his leadership, The Hunslet Club has grown from a small volunteer-run organisation into one of the largest and longest-running youth clubs in the UK, now supporting over 4000 young people and their families each year.
Along the way, he’s helped transform the Club into a true community hub. Today, we employ more than 60 staff, offer everything from sports and performing arts to vocational training, mental health support and we continue to put young people at the heart of everything we do.
Dennis said:
“It is a real honour to receive this type of recognition from one of Leeds’s finest institutions. Working for 25 years in the charity sector has been extremely fulfilling and rewarding and receiving an award such as this is a pleasant and unexpected surprise.”
The award was presented by Leeds Beckett University, with Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee describing Dennis as:
“An extraordinary contributor to the city of Leeds… who has improved countless lives, built sporting careers and helped to create a stronger, fairer community.”
Dennis received his honorary doctorate during Leeds Beckett’s graduation week this month, where nearly 8,000 students are celebrating their achievements.
From all of us at The Hunslet Club, staff, members, families and supporters, a massive congratulations, Dennis. We’re so proud to have you leading the way and thankful for everything you’ve done and continue to do for our community. 💚
