6 September. 11:00. TV Harrison Sports Ground.
TV Harrison sports ground has been used for organised sport since the 1850s. It was named after Tom Vernon Harrison, a local teacher who led a successful appeal in 1928 to buy the site through public donations, keeping the land for the children of Leeds.
Thanks to a local campaign and the support of the community, the ground was saved from redevelopment. In 2025, the Leeds United Foundation purchased the site to protect it for future generations of community sport.
We are delighted to unveil a blue plaque for TV Harrison Sports Ground. We’re excited to announce that we will be joined on the day by Leeds United legends Paul Reaney, Brian Deane, Noel Whelan and Stuart McCall, who all once played on this very ground.
On the day:
- Unveiling of the blue plaque
- Guest speakers including campaigners and former players – to be announced
Click here to register
More about the story of The TV Harrison Sports Ground:
Sport has taken place on this site since at least the 1850s. In 1928, its future was under threat when the land was put up for sale to developers. Local headteacher Tom Vernon Harrison, a passionate supporter of school sport, stepped in. With two colleagues and the backing of the Yorkshire Evening Post, he launched a citywide fundraising appeal. In just four months, donations poured in from across Leeds, raising the equivalent of £110,000 in today’s money. The ground was secured, with covenants written into the deeds to protect it for the use of Leeds schoolchildren forever.
Over the decades, it became home to the Leeds City Boys team, where many future Leeds United legends first showed their talent—including Paul Madeley, Paul Reaney, David Batty, Noel Whelan, Brian Deane and Alan Smith. Its proud nickname, “The Wortley Wembley”, reflected its special place in the city’s sporting life.
The site was abandoned in 2002 and became overgrown. In 2019, plans for housing development sparked a determined campaign by local residents, who cleared the ground, brought it back into use, and fought four successful High Court cases. Their efforts secured “Asset of Community Value” status, ensuring vital protection.
Today, the ground enters a new chapter. Leeds United has purchased the site for junior, women’s, and community football. Plans are underway for modern facilities, an all-weather pitch, and a new community building. This Blue Plaque honours Tom Vernon Harrison’s vision and the resilience of the local community, whose determination has ensured the ground remains a place of sport and opportunity for generations to come.
Find out more on the TV Harrison Sports Ground Association website: click here
Useful Information
Date: Saturday 6 September 2025
Time: Arrival time from 10:45am onwards. The unveiling will take place from 11:00am.
Location: TV Harrison Sports Ground, Oldfield Lane, Wortley, Leeds LS12
Booking link: Tickets are free but we ask guests register so we can predict crowd sizes and manage the event accordingly. Click here to register.
