Beren Cross Leeds United notebook as Farke starts losing players and landmark charity collaboration

In the week Queens Park Rangers visit Leeds United, one of the visiting team’s best-known partners visited West Yorkshire. Kiyan Prince Foundation, established after the tragic murder of the QPR teen in 2006, joined forces with Leeds United Foundation in the city this week.

Led by Dr Mark Prince, Kiyan’s father and founder of the charity, there was a talk in front of 180 pupils at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Halton Moor. The goal of the session, entitled Positive Choices, was to assist students in making wise judgments in real life by enhancing their comprehension of the effects their actions can have on others and the repercussions of their choices.

Dr Prince travelled from London especially to host the event. After, he said: “You know, one of the things we had on our website was bringing people together to end violence. That's what we're doing when we're linking up with the Leeds foundation, bringing people together, collaborating to be able to spread this powerful message, man.

“It's vital because we all love football really. And to see that different football clubs might be rivals when it comes to winning a game, but when it comes to achieving the goal of no knives on the streets and less violence on our streets, then everyone's united.

“That's like one football team and there isn't no one against each other in that concept. It's a wonderful platform to use to bring a powerful message together.”

Women set for Elland Road date

Leeds United Women will play at Elland Road against York City Ladies later this month. A club statement said: “Get behind Leeds United Women as they take on York City Ladies at Elland Road in an FA Women’s National League Division One North clash on Sunday, November 17 (2pm kick-off).

“Tickets are priced at only £6 for adults and £3 for concessions, with all tickets being reserved seating. It is Leeds United Women's first game at Elland Road since 2022, and we want fans to join us in making it an experience the players and fans won't forget.

“The East Stand Family area will be open for this game, offering a range of great food options and fan engagement including a visit from Kop Cat, face painters and more. Tickets are issued on a first come first served basis, subject to availability.”

Officials confirmed for Saturday

The match officials for Saturday's Championship encounter between Leeds United and Queens Park Rangers have been revealed. Matthew Donohue will be in charge at Elland Road.

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Donohue has climbed up the tiers from the National League circuit after deciding to focus on refereeing in 2016 having worked as an assistant. Toward the close of last season, he took charge of two Premier League games.

The Whites have won twice, drawn once and lost once in the four games the referee, who is from Greater Manchester, has officiated. Each of those wins, a 2-0 victory away at Plymouth Argyle's Home Park and a 1-0 victory over Norwich City at Elland Road, occurred last season.

International call-ups start filtering through

The expected series of international call-ups for Leeds players have started to filter through from around the world. Junior Firpo is going back to the Caribbean to play for Dominican Republic.

His nation will face Dominica on November 16 and then Bermuda at 11pm UK time on November 19. Joe Rodon, Daniel James and Karl Darlow will all go away with Wales again, facing Turkey on November 16 and Iceland on November 19.

Manor Solomon has been called up by Israel, having missed out in the last international break. They play France on November 14 and Belgium on November 17, a full week before Leeds face Swansea City.

Mateo Joseph will play for Spain’s under-21s again. This time they play England, including Charlie Cresswell and Archie Gray, on November 15 and then Denmark on November 19.

Ao Tanaka will fly out to play for Japan in their World Cup qualifiers. They face Indonesia on November 15 and China on November 19.

Max Wober, who hasn’t played in a competitive fixture since September 6, has been called up by Austria. They will face Kazakhstan on November 14 and Slovenia on November 17, both in the Nations League.

At the time of writing, the USA and Italy Under-21 squad were yet to be announced, with Brenden Aaronson and Wilfried Gnonto expected to be called away by their nations.