I first came into contact with Peter “Stix Lockwood football season 2007-08.
He approached me in his capacity as the Player Liaison Officer for Leeds United and I was then the Officer in Charge of Yorkshire Regiment Recruiting. He asked if it was possible to take the entire first team squad through their paces doing various activities from, the assault course to firing ranges to command tasks. The day was a huge success, and all concerned from Leeds United, and the Yorkshire Regiment had a superb day, this I feel was down to Stix having the hindsight in engaging with the local regiment and then over the years ensuring the bond has stayed ever since.
Stix Lockwood is an outstanding individual who is committed to helping others. As well as Player Liaison Officer for Leeds United, he is an advocate for many local charities in and around the Yorkshire area these also include Military Charities. Throughout these difficult times his dedication to his role has been irrefutable.
Stix has a very outstandingly friendly and cordial manner and everyone who ever comes into contact with him are immediately put at ease as he is so approachable and easy to talk to. He is also a sensitive caring person none more so was this evident when he would contact me around the same time every year to ask if there were any injured soldiers from our Iraq, Afghanistan days so the club could invite them as guests of Leeds united. This would always take place at Elland Road on a match day nearest to Armistice Day. It was always Stix who took lead and met the soldiers and families personally year in, year out, showing them around the ground meeting players. He always ensured the soldiers needs were met; he was without doubt invigorated into making them feel special for the day such was his dedication to his role.
He helped lead the way with a calm poise and conviction when the idea of a Yorkshire Cup was talked about in that the Yorkshire Regiment being the only County Regiment in the British Army proposed to Leeds United a trophy being awarded annually to the best Yorkshire team in the Premier/EFL. He was a constant in the negotiations to make this happen and since the conception of the award Leeds United became the first ever winners and the club who have won it most.
All concerned in the Yorkshire Regiment are fully au fait with the work Stix does not only for the military but for people in need in the local surrounding areas conducting extra activity, ranging from visiting children in hospital to supporting various charities. If his schedule would allow, he would do this seven days a week, without complaint, and usually in his own time.
His compassionate, unselfish spirit laid the foundations of his exemplary service and achievement. With a work ethic far in excess of that expected of just a Player Liaison Officer, he is somebody that I have the privilege and honour to call friend.
Major (retired) M P Birkett MBE
The Yorkshire Regiment
PSAO
Barnsley