What’s It All About

Founded by Mark Pepper and Nick Elliot, Sporting Connexions hosts high-quality lunches for corporate and private clients every year at York Racecourse in aid of many beneficiaries. 

Due to their connections in the world of international sport, some of the world's leading sports personalities appear at the events.

When Sporting Connexions began in 2004, Mark and Nick were approached by Barrie McDermott's Testimonial committee and asked whether they would arrange an event to celebrate his 10 years at Leeds Rhinos. They thought what better way to celebrate than with a 'Long Yorkshire Lunch'! Sean Fitzpatrick very generously agreed to be our first speaker.

From the success of that event, the York Sportsman Lunch was born.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of York Sportsman’s Lunch. 20 years of bringing people together, creating connections, forging lifetime friendships and raising vital funds for so many charities and community organisations.

Here’s to the next 20 years!


BENEFICIARIES

Every year since its inception, the York Sportsman's Lunch list of beneficiaries has grown and continues to do so. 

Sporting Connexions, through its dedicated lunch events, aims to foster a spirit of generosity and support for a diverse group of beneficiaries. These individuals and groups represent the heart of our mission, driving us to create meaningful impact and lasting change.



“On behalf of the Yorkshire regiment Benevolent Trust,may I say how grateful we are for yet another generous donation from Sporting Connexions and for Organising such a successful York Sportsman’s Lunch .”

— David O’Kelly, The Yorkshire Regiment