What’s It All About
Founded by Mark Pepper and Nick Elliot, Sporting Connexions hosts high-quality lunches for corporate and private clients each year at York Racecourse, raising vital funds for a wide range of charities and community organisations.
Thanks to their extensive connections in the world of international sport, Sporting Connexions events have welcomed some of the world’s leading sports personalities to York, making each occasion truly special.
The journey began back in 2004, when Mark and Nick were approached by Barrie McDermott’s Testimonial Committee to organise an event celebrating his 10 years with Leeds Rhinos. Their response? To create the very first ‘Long Yorkshire Lunch’ — with Sean Fitzpatrick as the inaugural guest speaker. From that success, the York Sports Lunch was born.
Following last year’s incredible 20th anniversary celebration, we’re proud to see the event continue to thrive — bringing people together, creating lasting connections, and supporting inspiring causes.
Here’s to our 21st year and beyond — and to many more memorable moments still to come.
York Sports Lunch 2025
This year’s York Sports Lunch returns on Thursday 6th November at York Racecourse. Following the success of our 20th anniversary, we’re looking forward to another sold-out event — hosted by Tanya Arnold and featuring an incredible line-up of guests including Simon Evans and Andrew Mehrtens.
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