Founded by Mark Pepper and Nick Elliot, Sporting Connexions hosts high-quality events for corporate and private clients. 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 the York Sportsman Lunch was born. This lunch is hosted every year in aid of many beneficiaries at York Racecourse.