1ST EDITION
The Purple Pages FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS.
11TH NOVEMBER, 2024
Welcome to The Purple Pages Paper, Your Voice on Campus!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the first edition of The Purple Pages, your student-run newspaper here at Leeds Beckett.
Whether you’re a returning student, a first-year, or just someone curious about what’s happening on campus, we’re here to be your go-to source for news, stories, and perspectives that matter to you.
JOIN US!
Most importantly, we want to hear from you Have a story idea? Want to share an interesting event or experience? Join our team or reach out with your ideas, we’re always looking for writers, photographers, and creative voices ready to make an impact.
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CONTENTS
NEWS & EVENTS
What’s On
LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS
Student Mental Health
Adjusting to School
Packed Lunch Ideas
ENTERTAINMENT
Film recommendations
Book recommendations
SPORTS LBU Boxing
In each issue, you’ll find sections dedicated to:
University News & Events: Stay updated on everything happening at Leeds Beckett
Lifestyle & Wellness: With study hacks, mental health tips, and more, we’ve got you covered
Entertainment: From movie and book recommendations to local art and culture highlights
Sports: Campus sports, athlete highlights, and game-day coverage.
LIFESTYLE & WELLNESS
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
The biggest threats and the support on hand
By Joseph Jacklin
Many young people who learnt and even completed exams over online calls are now entering higher education environments. This shift from home comforts to total independence can be a challenging time.
Universities will always offer their pupils the guidance they need, but accessing the right support can be tough
According to Gareth Cavill, a student wellbeing officer at Leeds Beckett University, foreign students, young men and members of the LGBTQ+ community are least likely to reach out for this help.
Cavill formerly worked for the NHS supporting those with mental health issues. He began by discussing the current state of mental health among students.
He said, “If a student’s anxious, it can stop them coming into university, or if they do come in, it can stop them being able to focus because it interferes with their thinking ”
“It’s rarer, but it can cause some students to be at high risk of self-harm ”
Cavill discussed the patterns of students more likely to suffer in silence.
“Certain groups of international students are less likely; UK males are less likely; members of the LGBTQ+ community are less likely
“There’s a new government expectation that all universities will work towards the mental health charter, which is universities signing up to good practice for mental health ”
Mr Cavill has advice for all new students, not just those in need
He said, “Don’t feel you have to cut off your past and make a new start when you ’ re at uni If you ’ ve got good friends at home, there’s no reason to lose those friendships Same with family as well ”
“It’s normal to get homesick and anxious Societies are brilliant for finding like-minded people ”
“For international students, the global organisation has the buddying system which is a good idea.”
“In terms of academics, I know it’s hard but turning up is a massive part of it. It’s not just about learning, it’s about developing as a person. If it gets really hard, speak with your academic advisor.”
“Always register with a local GP You always need a GP if you want any kind of support or help,”
Mental and physical health are heavily linked and often benefit from the same things
“Get a good routine and in that routine fit in some exercise. Get in some healthy meals, and don’t neglect your sleep. Sleep is good for recovery which will help with thinking. Try and plan with work. If you get stressed by academic work, planning can help.
“Give yourself time to switch off Do the things you enjoy doing, allow yourself the time to get lost in films or music or being with your mates Look after your basic needs,” he concluded
Leeds Beckett University is brimming with support for all types of issues
For student wellbeing services, call 0113 812 8400 They can also be found in the Portland building Leeds also has a student-only GP service who can be contacted on 0113 295 4488
NAVIGATING BURNOUT
Signs to Watch For and Tips to Recharge
By Chelsey Winardi
University life, often looked forward by many for its thrilling adventures and the unexpected But let’s face it, the pressures of being a student is inevitable and can get a little bit overwhelming at times This familiar feeling is what we call, a burnout A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion due to prolonged stress. In this article, signs of burnout and how to overcome will be revealed.
Signs You’re Burnt Out
Physical Exhaustion 1
Constantly having minor headaches or constantly feeling fatigue
6.
Feeling emotionally absent and no longer passionate in the things you used to find interesting
How to Manage and Prevent Burnout
Use a calendar
Have a clear vision on what you’re dealing with Use a planner or a Google t leave your work to the last minute and slowly ease in by doing small chunk g your assignments based on their urgency. This colour theory helps alert your Take a break
I know it sounds cliché but self-care is so important There’s nothing wrong
it and your brain definitely needs that break too.
Ask for help
If you feel like none of these tips are working, don’t worry we’re here for you The university provides consultation services and a well-being centre for whenever you need someone to talk to when everything feels a little bit too much to handle.
Find a purpose
If you’re feeling restless and disconnected from your studies, try joining a society or look for new hobbies to take your mind off your assessments for a bit You can find a wide variety of societies at LBSU, or you could even create a new society! By finding a purpose aside from academic excellence, you’ll find yourself feeling more motivated again
Don’t underestimate your burnout Prioritise your well-being Take breaks, find a purpose and seek support from the university or your friends There is so much in store for you and university is such a small part of it I hope this article finds you well and I certainly hope that these tips will help prevent any future burnouts from happening You got this!
PACKEDLUNCHRECIPE
Mozzarella Pesto Roll
By Elise Solis
This packed lunch idea is super quick and easy to make The ingredients should last you all week long, helping you avoid a midweek shop
You will need:
One bread roll (or cob, depending on what you call it. You can buy a pack of 6, freeze them and defrost one overnight to last you longer!)
A handful of rocket
A couple slices of fresh mozzarella (this works the best and lasts much longer if you store it in the liquid it comes in)
Red pesto (however much the heart desires)
Half a large tomato
Balsamic Vinegar (a healthy drizzle)
Make sure to toast each half of the bread roll before loading on toppings, as this will prevent the bread from going soggy.
Spread the red pesto on both halves of the roll, then layer with your rocket Slice your large tomato and place on top of the rocket Salt and pepper your tomato to taste, then drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar on top to bring those flavours out
Place your mozzarella slices on top, close your bread roll and you’re good to go! I store mine in a small Tupperware and it stays fresh until lunchtime
NEW YEAR, NEW – WHO?
University is back and there’s really quite a lot you can do about it!
By Luke Brennan
Your bags are out of the boot and your father has resentfully dropped the masquerade of not caring that his little darling has left the nest, so you wave goodbye and race to your room, uncontrollably excited of the prospect of, well, what?
You should probably give them a ring, just to make sure that your adult parents made it to their adult car safely, in case the two adults who raised, provided and supported you have suddenly become incapable of completing any task without your undivided support.
That IKEA clock is really quite loud, isn’t it?
Here’s an idea: have a sit down, have a read, and for the love of all things beautiful, please let some fresh air in. Here are my top 5 tips on how to make the most of university living!
Take your time.
Adjusting to university life may seem like a task only possible for those with multiple aerospace engineering degrees, thousands of spare pounds and no heart, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
For many and myself, the biggest and most daunting challenge of a world with neither mollying nor coddling was the sense of responsibility Where once it seemed that all problems could be solved with a pair of puppy dog eyes and a quivering bottom lip, suddenly the focus is on you to clean up the mess you’ve made. And there will be mess, because that’s what living is all about.
Your grandmother was not always ninety, and her house didn’t always have such a strong smell of bleach bottles and biscuit tins She was eighteen once, nineteen a year later, and had her thirtieth birthday thirty years after she was born Life takes time, and the people around you had to learn how to live, too If you don’t give yourself the chance to learn, breathe a little and enjoy the process, you’ll look your grandma’s age before you’re twenty. Relax.
Let me tell you a secret: on my first day away from home, my darling mother had left me some Cottage Pie. A genuinely heartwarming gesture of love through the medium of mash and mince Ten seconds after meeting my flatmates for the first time, one of them opened the door to the kitchen as I reached out to open it myself, that heartwarming gesture now splattered across the walls, gravy and all I’ve never told my Mum that story, and I lied to her when she called Sorry, Mum Things go wrong, all the time. That isn’t always something to worry about. Sometimes, you have to practice being human, too.
Everyone likes nice people.
“Have you made a friend?” Yes, mother “What’re they like?” They’re human, mother “Awhhh, bless!” Cheers, mother
If you’re anything like me, the prospect of thousands of new, like-minded people ready to be your new best friends sounds like an insufferable, hellish idea. Although we’d hate to admit it, this feeling is likely caused by the anxiety of making new friends, which is understandably terrifying
But, here’s the thing:
Nobody else has any friends, and even if they do, they’ll probably want some more
It takes little more than a smile and a wave to make a friend, which technically means with both hands at work you could make two at once. You’ll soon find yourself sitting next to someone on a weekly basis, or maybe it’s that somebody has the same route home. Whatever it is, you can bond over it, and a smile and a wave is all it takes to start
It’s your life! You choose!
Ask for help.
The transition from high school to college feels like trying to windsurf across the Pacific Ocean, but you’ll soon realise the importance of having your college tutors telling you to think for yourself University studying consists of more research than what you’ve dealt with before, plus a bigger reliance on going home and actually getting your work done. Until you’ve given yourself time to breathe, met new friends and read this article, it may seem like a change that you’re not prepared for It’s important to learn to take advantage of the time you have, and to shake your lecturers' skulls for all the knowledge you can possibly rattle out They might be scary, and you might use their first name, but they’re also an absolute cheat code to academic peace
Your lecturers don’t hate you. Yes, it’s their job to be kind, but that doesn’t mean they are terrible people when they’re not being paid to pretend otherwise. If you need some help, ask them.
Finding your feet may take a while, but the best way to help you take your first steps is through building a routine Your schedule may be full, with part time jobs and club night socials swamping your calendar, but figuring out a way to manage it is easy –you choose
We’ve talked about how, for some, the feeling of being alone can be a little scary, but that’s the joy of it. The world is filled with people who say that university is the perfect place to ‘find yourself’, but all this means is that people no longer have their parents to do their thinking for them. For me, finding myself was realising that I didn’t really like peas Since I moved out three years ago, I haven’t eaten peas Self-reflection is easy
Your Dad isn’t going to wake you up for college anymore, but if you set your alarms, your dad isn’t going to stop you from having an extra five minutes, either Your bed –whether it’s made or not – is for you to lie in Create a routine that works for you (and your flatmates, ideally), and crack on with it
Calling home isn’t embarrassing; you’re allowed to miss your mum.
Homesickness is a confusing feeling The people you may have lived with for all of your mornings, nights and days in between suddenly aren’t in the room next door when you go to bed. The cup of tea your sister makes you when you wake up has to wait until you’re out of the shower to be boiled, and your Dad’s “what did you learn at school today?” interrogation is saved for a weekly phone call. With all of this change, you’re bound to feel some anxiety bubbling away in the warm parts of your stomach. This is more than normal, and there’s a few ways you can fix it The easiest route to take is, of course, ring home I’m twenty now, I only moved across the city, and I still speak to my mum every single day Whether it’s a quick check in over a video-coffee or a complete virtual dinner party, we’ll always find some way to catch up
Alternatively, if your loved ones are a little busy, you can turn to those friends we talked about earlier Everyone cares about someone, so if you’re feeling far from home, it’s likely they are too Have a word, and chat it out Whether it’s your mum, your dad or your dog, it’s okay to miss the people you love.
If you have any questions, issues or things to chat about yourself, feel free to get in touch! Also, seriously, if you do need any help at all, have a look at the page linked below, they’re brilliant.
https://www leedsbeckett ac uk/student-information/student-wellbeing/
ENTERTAINMENT
FROM THE LECTURE HALL TO THE SCREEN
Professors’ Movie Recommendations
By Toby Almond
Some days of university really remind you that you’re there to study full time You spend all week doing assignments, making notes and attending lecturers, and the moment when you can stop seems unreachable But you make it, you submit the essay, commute home, make dinner and finally sit down but then it hits you You have no idea what to watch You wouldn’t often think of your lecturers as being film connoisseurs, but it actually makes sense. As experts in their own fields and academics, their opinion on moving pictures just might serve some purpose, and not just the film lecturers
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Dave Devenport
A seasoned journalist like Dave has vast experience in news production He’s worked in TV and radio, where he is used to working with cameras to find the best shots. You’d expect him to have excellent film taste, and he certainly does Dave describes the film as “a bit of a trashy rom-com, and nothing like Oppenheimer, A Beautiful Mind, or Killers of the Flower Moon But it’s an easy film to watch and something which I have enjoyed over and over again, a bit like watching Elf every Christmas ” One of the most fascinating things about the film is the time jumps as Tom reflects on his time with Summer You get to see the whole story, but in a non-linear way It’s hard to not enjoy a film where Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays another hopeless romantic, especially with its soundtrack which Dave highly praises I said I love the Smiths.
Er ist wieder da (2015), and Shrek (2001)
Luis Harrison
From a politics lecturer, I would expect no less than recommendations of two highly political, award-winning films Er ist wieder da (Look Who’s Back) is a film where Hitler is miraculously resurrected in modern-day Berlin, to which he is horrified to find it’s liberal society He becomes a YouTube sensation and makes his way onto television, where he begins to attempt to seize control in Germany “This might seem like a really weird and shocking film, and it is, but I suggest it because almost ten years later, I think it feels more relevant than ever ” Across Europe, fascism still very much exists in politics such the AfD party in Germany Luis notes that the “film makes the very timely important point that genocide could happen again and that we must be aware of this ”
Shrek is a revolutionary Marxist tale of an ogre’s assertion of their right to their land against a fascist colonial regime, led by Lord Farquaad Not many films can live up to the success and legacy of Shrek It was so popular that it even made it to West End
Head (1968)
Dr Peter Mills
An expert on popular music studies, media and English, Peter recommends his favourite film, starring ‘made for TV’ band, the Monkees The film explores the band’s realisation of their individuality as they try to prove to themselves that they have free will, yet all of their actions were predetermined by a script This is especially interesting as the band was originally created as a fictional band for a TV show “Head is a feast for the ears, the eyes and the mind ” Peter loves the film so much, he wrote a book about it called, The Monkees, Head and the 60s.
If only reading lists were like this. Besides, when is it ever a bad idea to rewatch Shrek?
LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE AGAIN
The Revival of Rom-Coms
By Rayner Goh
With rom-coms making a comeback, Anyone But You (2023) is the perfect movie to enjoy on your next date night Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, this modern rom-com is sure to delight Starring the stunning Glen Powell and the remarkable Sydney Sweeney, Anyone But You brings a fresh twist to the classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, blending humorous and romantic moments that will keep you engaged from start to finish
Once considered a hallmark of early 2000s cinema, rom-coms are slowly but surely making a comeback But why, after taking a backseat for some time, are audiences rediscovering the charm of cheesy love stories that make them laugh and swoon?
Maybe it’s the resurgence of classic movie stars, whose mere appearance draws in audiences Or perhaps it’s the way that streaming platforms have made it easier to access classic rom-coms that bring a sense of nostalgia for those feel-good stories that once dominated the screens
But who knows! And I’m not complaining. As Sutton Foster famously belted in Thoroughly Modern Millie, "Gimme, gimme that thing called love!"
FILMS WITH FRIENDS
Cosy Films for Chilly Evenings
By Sophie Wright
With the weather getting colder and pints getting pricier, a cosy night in is a must But aside from an industrial amount of hot chocolate and tea, what film pairs well with girls’ night? Picking that perfect film isn’t easy, especially with multiple people Down below, I will ease the pain of sifting through streaming services and tell you what’s worth the watch
Rushmore (1998)
For your autumnal fix, venture to Disney+ for Wes Anderson’s, Rushmore (1998) The cosy and endearing feature stars Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams, and many more During the course of the film, we follow Max Fischer, a student at Rushmore Academy Aside from beekeeping and producing plays, Max doesn’t excel at much else After falling for his teacher, he discovers his competition is none other than his mentor. It’s classic Wes Anderson; if you’ve seen any of his work, you already know what you're in for: charm and style
Over the Garden Wall (2014)
In like fashion, Nate Cash’s animated series Over the Garden Wall (2014), starring Elijah Wood, is a crowd-pleaser and streaming on Hulu This wholesome yet eerie story follows brothers Wirt and Gregory as they try to make their way through the forest back home; unbeknownst to them, they are not alone. For me, this is an autumn night must; I watch this annually Full of cute songs and whimsical artistry, this short series is bingeable and a staple for a snug evening
Rye Lane (2023)
Finally, my last recommendation for your warm and fuzzy close to the day is Rye Lane, directed by Raine Allen Miller The stylish and vibrant feature will leave you and your friends wondering why you ever settled for the lacklustre rom coms of the past Lead by the fantastic Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson, you will fall in love with the pair as they reconnect after a memorable day in South London while healing from messy breakups You can catch it streaming currently on Disney+
BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Deal by Elle Kennedy Review by
Libbie Roberts
The Deal by Elle Kennedy follows college hockey player Garrett Graham and Straight A student Hannah Wells. All Garrett Graham has wanted to do his entire life is play hockey, his father having once been a professional NHL player Hannah makes a deal with Garrett after he fails to get the grades he needs to continue playing for his college hockey team She agrees to tutor him on the condition that he help her gain some status to win over her current crush, the new star football player Garrett assists Hannah in making her current crush jealous to help secure his place as captain of his hockey team Garrett and Hannah realise they may be more similar than they thought, their pasts defining who they are today
Fake dating, college romance, sports romance and found family, this book has something for everybody I have found this to be such a comforting read and I often find myself picking it up again after a bad day. Not only are there perfect romantic relationships in this book, but also amazing friendships that make you want to read on For example, Garrett Graham’s friendship with his best friend John Logan, who happens to be one of my favourite book characters of all time. The two are almost a blueprint for an ideal friendship Whenever I read this book, I find myself constantly highlighting and tabbing scenes I love and scenes I find funny It’s always nice to find a book you can just get lost in Although the plot is simple, it is the characters that make this book what it is. After finishing this book, I felt like I needed more time with them More time to spend with characters that had brought me so much joy for 350 pages With the TV adaptation set to be cast soon, I’m hoping that it can bring as much magic to the screen as I feel it did on the pages
INTERESTING BOOKSHOPS IN THE CITY
By Rory Chisholm
Hold Fast Bookshop
This Bookshop is located on a canal boat, across from The Canary Hold Fast has many books from children’s fiction to adults fiction, while also stocking non-fiction books like; essay collections, self-help, music, nature and politics Although the books are the main focus, the shop also sells plants, gifts, cards and has a seating area on the roof, where you can read and look at the surrounding dock It’s a beautiful boat and the owners were on the till the day I went in I talked to them about the publishing company called Fitzcarraldo, as the book I was buying - ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ by Olga Tokarczuk – was done by them, and they told me she had just published a new one. It was blue skies that day and the clouds were the colour of butter mintoes
Village
This Bookshop is situated in and above Welcome Skate Store at Thornton’s Arcade Village is a specialist bookshop with a focus on Magazines, Zines, Art and Photography They stock many of these publications like Dazed, i-D, Purple, Granta, Fashion Photography For America 1999-2016 by Juergen Teller and many more They also stock some vintage editions of magazines like the first issue of Vogue Russia Россия* amongst others, and often have art installations in their gallery inside the shop When I went, I didn’t get the name of the artist, but the art consisted of; swirls and general intricate patterns shaped out of uncooked rice on the floor, more details drawn on canvas, intricacies with a toy dog drawn on and a web-like sculpture on the wall, a book of poetry – annotated Like the other shops they also sell cards/prints by photographers
*The cover had a young Kate Moss on in pink with Amber Valetta
Colours May Vary
This Bookshop can be found in the Corn Exchange on the balcony floor Colours May Vary focuses more on non-fiction, stocking books on Philosophy, Music, Politics, Art, Mythology, Nature, Culture, Cooking, and how many of these things intersect with books like ‘Capitalism, A Horror Story: Gothic Marxism and the Dark Side of the Radical Imagination’ by Jon Greenaway Along with it’s books, this shop also has an impressive selection of Magazines and zines on Art, Architecture, Fashion and more They also sell gifts including mugs, notebooks, calendars, cards, candleholders, stationery etc. This shop is something I thought about when making the decision to move, as it signified a true interest in things I am passionate about, and that the culture is pulsing.
The Bookish Type
This Bookshop is located on Great George St. The Bookish Type is a self-described Queer Indie bookshop, so specifically stocks books with LGBTIQA+ themes or authors This selection ranges from fiction, YA, poetry, memoirs, essays, kids, zines, non-fiction and plays They also sell stickers and cards and have some initiatives to help those in need including a Pay It Forward scheme which helps people who cannot afford some of the books. There is an incredible variety with authors from all over the world, when I visited the store there was a book called ‘Blue Hunger’ by Viola Di Grado that I couldn’t get at the time but will be heading back there soon. The book was about loneliness, grief, and a deep excess of emotions on longing and love I’m always looking for new authors and this one sounded promising, almost like a Xiu Xiu song and the cover, like a photo by Antoine d’Agata
HIDDEN GEMS
Indie Films You Might Have Missed
By Tara McCarthy
Independent Cinema has long been regarded as pretty difficult to define Often categorised by the studio that made the film (and their detachment from big Hollywood names), the budget or the director of the piece, it can be challenging to note whether the films we are seeing are ‘indie’ or not Independent films can perhaps be acknowledged as films that are able to stray from the confines of what the major studios may want meaning these films can often be more creative, intentional and heartfelt With this in mind, we can turn to recent indie films to see which ones you might have missed amongst the big names in cinema I Saw the TV Glow (2024), produced by everyone’s favourite independent production company, A24 I Saw the TV Glow is one of A24’s most recent ventures into the horror genre, and like the majority of their films, it is distinct, thought-provoking, and as ever, slightly baffling Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the film centres around the characters Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Bridgette LundyPaine)and their shared love for the fictional TV show ‘The Pink Opaque’. The film is a thought-provoking piece that explores queerness, friendship and the supernatural alongside an original soundtrack from a range of indie artists such as Caroline Polachek and Phoebe Bridgers. The film is available to rent or buy from a range of streaming services such as Amazon Prime or Apple TV.
His Three Daughters (2023) is the latest film in a wonderfully endless range of indie films exploring our relationships with each other, and our relationships with grief. Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, and recently released on Netflix in the UK, His Three Daughters is an incredibly moving film about three sisters who reunite to care for their dying father. It is a brilliant piece of filmmaking that explores the tensions and connections made in grief, not to mention its fantastic acting with performances from Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen.
As a final recommendation, we’re turning nearly a decade back to 2016 to look at a personal (and completely underrated) favourite of mine, John Carney’s Sing Street (2016). Sing Street is a musical-comedy-romance set in Dublin in the 1980s. It is funny, joyful and surprisingly emotional, with a fantastic original soundtrack. The film is currently able to be watched with a premium Amazon subscription, but seems to make the rounds on various other streaming services so keep an eye out!! It’s one you definitely don’t want to miss.
VOICES AND VERSE
Finding Solace in Poetry Each Month
By Orlagh Christine Capper
This column aims to introduce students to a diverse range of poetic works, hopefully providing you all with a fresh literary perspective each month. By selecting poems that speak to contemporary issues, historical contexts, or universal themes, I hope to spark a love and appreciation for poetry as a form of expression.
As we settle back into the rhythm of school, whether you're juggling placements, assignments, or anything else that demands our attention there’s no denying the chill in the air as the cold weather lurks around every corner of Leeds. This time of year often brings its own unique stresses, from academic pressures to the looming grey skies, making it all too easy to feel overwhelmed by both external and internal challenges.
With this in mind, the poem I have chosen for this edition may be one you’ve heard before but I always find myself looking back to it at this time of year for words of comfort. I hope this poem, serves as a reminder of a much more forgiving and healing power of nature which is easily forgotten in the cold months, the temporary nature of difficulties and most importantly our own ability to forgive and persist Thus, I present Mary Oliver’s ‘Wild Geese’
Mary Oliver is likely a name you’ve come across before, she was an American poet and winner of the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award Her work is often inspired by the delicate yet powerful influence of nature Her work will always be something I turn to for comfort and inspiration; with her innate ability to delve into the darkness and find the joy
Wild Geese | Mary Oliver
You do not have to be good
You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine
Meanwhile the world goes on
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting–over and over announcing your place in the family of things
LEEDS BECKETT BOXING BACK IN THE RING SOON WITH LATEST HOME SHOW ANNOUNCED
By Max Shears
Last Years success
After a hugely successful campaign last year it’s no surprise people are getting excited to see some of Beckett's best boxers return to the ring in November.
Leeds Beckett Boxing saw success in and out of the ring with most accolades coming from their performance at ‘BUCS’ down in Portsmouth and clinching multiple varsity wins along the way
In February the team took over twenty people down to Portsmouth in hopes of winning big and the university national championships and that is exactly what they did Leeds Beckett managed to clinch four medals across the weekend with two of those being gold; respectively won by two first years: George Middleton representing Loco Boxing Gym and Blessing Sibanda who fights out of Tigers ABC.
Beckett had easily the largest support despite being over four hours from home and BUCS really showed just how special this team really is
Not only did we see gold medals in February there were many other wins for the team, for example final year students Connall Cullen and Filip Pham Hai Lawicki winning silver medals.
A couple of months on from BUCS the boxers would go into a huge night of boxing- the annual varsity event between Leeds Beckett and Uni of Leeds- held at Amateur home Queenswood Social Club
Beckett went on to win bragging rights; once again bettering local rivals with two massive wins on the night for Blessing Sibanda and Filip Pham Hai Lawicki who moved up in weight to fight the opposition's captain yet still picked up a huge victory. Since varsity in March some of the team has stayed active; especially now Head Coach and experienced boxer Ben Robertson who will be looking to lead the team to even better things this year Ben, Blessing and George Middleton all recently featured at the Yorkshire Developments and will be looking to get back in the ring soon with some likely to be on this next card
Why you should come
Tigers ABC recently announced the latest home show that will be the first of this academic year which will be hosted on the 14th November.
This show is not one to miss as the Beckett Boxing club continues to grow more than ever with even more exciting boxers coming through the ranks this year really looking to make a name for themselves
Whether you are a big boxing fan or not, home shows are not one to miss with a boisterous atmosphere, drinks on tap and exciting competitiveness 14th November is bound to be an epic night for all to see.
WILFRIED GNONTO: THE NEW PROTAGONIST
With two goals and four assists so far in the campaign, Wilfried Gnonto is lighting up the Championship as he strives to be the main man for Leeds this season. But how has he reached this point?
By Ethan Pitts
As the final whistle blew at Wembley Stadium, Leeds United had failed at the final hurdle. At the hands of Southampton, Leeds United's play-off dreams had crumbled in front of their very eyes as Adam Armstrong's first-half goal was enough to see Russell Martin's men bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Failure to secure promotion meant Leeds United faced an uncertain summer ahead, and so did Wilfried Gnonto.
Spearheading the rebuild
It was evident that Leeds United needed to sell players, whether that be for PSR reasons, or for the simple reason that certain players had outgrown the club and the respective league that they were placed in
The club held four spectacular assets to their name, that being Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Wilfried Gnonto Three ultimately left in the summer, but one remained, and that one was Wilfried Gnonto Gnonto's career at Leeds had not been a simplistic one, with injuries, relegation and a transfer request all affecting the Italian international's time with the Whites But now felt like the perfect time for Wilfried Gnonto to be the protagonist Leeds needed in their push for promotion, an invitation that United's number twenty-nine has welcomed with open arms
Lighting up the Championship
With an injury-riddled previous campaign, the onus was on his fellow teammates to produce, now it was Gnonto's time Gnonto has started the season in blistering form, registering a total of six goal contributions in nine appearances (2G,4A) and this level of form has put Leeds within touching distance of the automatic promotion spot, had it not been for their late disaster against Sunderland, they'd be in the Top
Two
The mercurial talent has not only captivated the minds of his fellow fanbase and manager but also his opposition managers
After his Sheffield Wednesday side had been put to the sword by the Italian and his teammates, Danny Rohl had this to say about Gnonto: "I think Gnonto played unbelievable today He was the playmaker, he created always the overload in the middle of the centre It was difficult ”
Such sentiments will no doubt be echoed by opposition managers facing the Leeds United winger as the season continues
How has Gnonto's role in the team changed?
Wilfried Gnonto is a multidimensional winger, who is more than capable of playing on either flank to a great standard But Daniel Farke has slightly altered his positional instructions this season
Last season we saw Wilfried Gnonto apply his trade down the right flank, similar to what we've seen this season However, with Summerville and Rutter gone, Gnonto has now been given complete freedom to roam about the pitch Gnonto's intelligence allows him to pick up spaces that no defender wants to step into, so its allowed Gnonto to be involved a lot more in possession than he would be hugging the touchline
As Danny Rohl stated in his post-match interview, he described Gnonto as "the playmaker" and also stated that Gnonto's dynamism and flexibility "created an overload in the middle of the pitch " This anchors the assertion that Gnonto has been given eternal freedom in this Leeds, and has allowed Gnonto to showcase his playmaking ability The Italian's assist total of four is only bettered by one other player in the division (Tom Fellows) and this is a testament to Daniel Farke for his belief in the 20 year old Italian international.
Four More Years
After a summer of uncertainty, Wilfried Gnonto put all rumours to bed as he committed to Leeds United long term, putting pen to paper on a four year contract which will see him play at Elland Road until the end the summer of 2028. The Italian stated the following: "I really enjoyed being here and with the ambition in the club, I see my future here."
"I feel like it's important for me to find some consistency and I feel like the right place to do it this year is Leeds."
With their main man tied to a new contract, Leeds United can potentially look forward to many prosperous years ahead. But the aim in the present is clear, return Leeds United to the Premier League.