aerial photograph of Leight Stadium Leigh Sports Village Leigh Lancashire UK home to Leigh Centurions rugby league team
In a move that has stunned both rugby league fans and film enthusiasts alike, Netflix has announced the release of a brand-new documentary titled “Heart of the Leopards”, a visually spectacular and emotionally stirring deep dive into Leigh Sports Village, the iconic home of the Leigh Leopards.
Set to premiere globally in August 2025, the feature-length documentary promises to offer unprecedented access and a breathtaking portrayal of one of rugby league’s most cherished yet underappreciated sporting venues. With a blend of cinematic beauty, community storytelling, and sports drama, the production has been described as “a love letter to Leigh” and “a stadium film unlike anything ever produced.”
The documentary is directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Ellie Vaughan, whose previous works include sports docuseries on Premier League clubs and Olympic athletes. Her latest project is said to combine drone cinematography, archival footage, and intimate interviews with players, fans, coaches, and grounds staff to capture the essence of the stadium that has become the pride of Greater Manchester.
> “Leigh Sports Village is more than just steel and turf,” Vaughan said at the documentary’s unveiling. “It’s a cathedral of working-class dreams. It’s the heartbeat of a town. Our goal was to show the world why this place matters—not just to Leigh, but to the spirit of sport itself.”
Built in 2008, Leigh Sports Village is a modern, multi-use complex that serves as home not only to the Leigh Leopards but also to youth football academies, community initiatives, and international events. With a seating capacity of 12,000, the stadium is renowned for its intimacy, acoustics, and unique atmosphere—features that make it a fortress for the Leopards and a beacon for the town.
The documentary explores the transformation of the stadium over the years, culminating in the emotional highs of recent seasons, including the Leopards’ historic 2023 Challenge Cup victory and their meteoric rise as a major Super League force. Fans will also get behind-the-scenes glimpses into matchday preparations, community outreach programs, and the meticulous groundskeeping that makes the pitch one of the finest in British sport.
One particularly emotional sequence follows the journey of a local teenager who, after growing up in the shadow of the stadium, finds her voice as a volunteer matchday announcer. Her story mirrors that of many Leigh residents, whose lives are interwoven with the stadium’s towering presence.
Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont, who appears in the documentary, said: “This film isn’t just about a building—it’s about identity. It’s about belonging. The world will see what we’ve always known: that Leigh Sports Village is the soul of our town.”
With sweeping scores, dramatic narration, and a finale set to the roar of a packed stadium under floodlights, “Heart of the Leopards” is expected to capture hearts worldwide.
Netflix subscribers can expect the film to debut on August 15, with a special UK premiere event planned in Leigh, featuring players, local fans, and the filmmakers in attendance.
Prepare for goosebumps—Leigh is about to shine on the world’s biggest streaming stage.
